Do you understand the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance requirements?
Fire extinguishers are a necessity for proper fire protection in commercial buildings. During a fire is no time to wonder if it will work properly. Fire codes mandate annual inspections for all fire extinguishers in commercial buildings by licensed contractors. One of the inspection steps is to make sure they are in proper locations and not missing. Employees must be able to locate them in case of an emergency. But do you understand the maintenance requirements? Read on to learn why fire extinguisher maintenance is so essential.
Visually Inspecting Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly. This can be done by the building owner although it’s preferable that a licensed company perform this task. These inspections look for any defect that can prevent the extinguisher from operating. Keeping an eye out for damage can ensure timely maintenance that extends every single extinguisher’s lifespan. If performed by the building owner, basic instruction on what to look for can be provided. Regardless of who performs this function, monthly inspections are vital.
The Nuts and Bolts of Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Annual fire extinguisher inspections must be completed thoroughly by a licensed fire protection company. All maintenance tags must be up to date; any out-of-date tag renders the unit invalid. Also, your extinguisher must be fully charged. Partially charged extinguishers indicate a leak of some type that must be repaired. It is also problematic since the extinguisher might run out of agent before the fire is completely under control. All extinguishers must be installed in the proper location, easy to find, clearly marked and their anti-tamper seals unbroken. The nameplate must be entirely visible and cannot be obscured. Lastly, the technicians will be looking for any indications of damage to the cylinder, gauge, hose, or nozzle.
Servicing
Fire extinguishers must be serviced at 6 and 12 year intervals. A 6-year inspection includes a complete internal inspection as well as the removal of extinguishing agent to combat “caking” and ensure free flow. At 12 years the cylinder must be hydrostatically tested. This is a pressure test to ensure the integrity of the cylinder. When it comes to expert fire servicing of your building’s fire extinguishers, you can trust the folks at Fireline. By scheduling an inspection and getting the required repairs, you can rest easy knowing all of your fire extinguishers will be ready in the event of a fire.
Fire Protection Services from Fireline
Whether you need smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or an automatic sprinkler system installed at your commercial property, Fireline has you covered. We have been protecting people and property from fire damage since 1947—and our experience shows in our excellent work! We are known for our superb customer service, our expertise, and our reliability. For more information on how we can help your residential or commercial property, visit us online or give us a call at (800) 553-3405. We are located in Baltimore, MD, with a second office in Leesburg, VA. For more fire safety tips, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.