Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Portable fire extinguishers provide a first line of defense against fires of limited size. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and fully functional for immediate use. Since all fire extinguishers are not created equal, it is vital to have the proper size and agent when needed to minimize damage. Properly maintained fire extinguishers operated by trained personnel save lives and prevent property damage.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and state fire code, fire extinguishers shall be maintained annually and inspected monthly. Our technicians will ensure that you have the right extinguisher for the hazard being protected, and that the quantity of extinguishers and the distance between them meet the required code.
An annual inspection of each of your fire extinguishers is required by NFPA or the local AHJ. Depending on your jurisdiction and the type of unit the inspection may need to be performed by a licensed professional.
Fire Extinguisher 6 Year Maintenance
At least every 6 years after the date of manufacture, an extinguisher is required to be disassembled, emptied and subjected to an internal and external visual exam to ensure the extinguisher is in proper working order.
Here are some steps involved in a six-year fire extinguisher maintenance test:
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Complete disassembly and discharge of the fire extinguisher
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Detailed inspection of the inside of the extinguisher
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Valve is taken apart and thoroughly cleaned
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Outside shell of the extinguisher is inspected for cracks, leaks, or abnormalities
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O-rings and gaskets are replace
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Extinguisher is refilled with chemical
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Valve and shell are reconnected, and a service verification tag is attached
Fire Extinguisher Hydrotest
Fire extinguisher hydrotesting is required at regular intervals to ensure that the shell of the fire extinguisher holds up under pressure. Periodic hydrostatic pressure testing is performed on portable fire extinguishers to evaluate the containers’ strength against unwanted failure. The tests are performed by qualified service technicians in a controlled environment to minimize the risk of injury or damage.
Hydrostatic testing is performed by filling the container with water or another non-compressible fluid that is compatible with the fire extinguisher container. The pressure is then increased on the container to a specific point as required by the manufacturer or Federal safety standards, and the container is inspected for potential failure points. The pressure must be maintained for at least 30 seconds.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Fire extinguishers often go untouched for months at a time. But that doesn’t mean they don’t encounter situations that cause bumps, dents, leaks, or rust. If your fire extinguisher exhibits any of these defects, your fire extinguisher may be impaired! Call Safety 1st Fire Protection for fire extinguisher maintenance! We can assess the situation and offer repair or replacement service depending on the extremity of the situation.
Fire Extinguisher Refill & Recharge
If you’ve recently used your fire extinguisher or a fire extinguisher inspection revealed that your extinguisher is low on pressure or extinguishing chemical, you’ve come to the right place! Safety 1st Fire Protection knows that the difference between a fully charged fire extinguisher could be life and death. Our fire protection specialists can help maintain and recharge your fire equipment so you’re ready to face any situation.
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Ready to schedule an annual fire extinguisher inspection?
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Does your extinguisher have defects on it?
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Need a recharge or a refill?
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Safety 1st Fire Protection Services can help!
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If you are not sure when you should schedule your next fire extinguisher inspection, maintenance, or test, give our fire protection specialists a call today.
