What should you do with older fire extinguishers that may have reached the end of their useful life?
You must work very hard to make sure your commercial business is safe from fires. This means portable fire extinguishers should be installed in accordance with NFPA standards. But what to do with older fire extinguishers that may have reached the end of their useful life? Do you know what to do with your older fire extinguishers? For more information, read on!
The Lifespan of a Portable Fire Extinguisher
So, what is the lifespan of a portable fire extinguisher? With the right care, fire extinguishers should last about 10 to 12 years. Fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested at 10-year intervals to verify the condition of the cylinder. If it passes the test, the extinguisher can be recharged and used for many more years.
When You Should Replace Your Fire Extinguisher
Disposable fire extinguishers, which are acceptable for household use and cannot be recharged, should be replaced every 12 years. As for commercial grade rechargeable fire extinguishers, consult a licensed fire extinguisher contractor if they exhibit any of the following conditions:
- A slowed loss of pressure despite not being used for an extended period
- Cracked and clogged nozzles
- Wobbly or broken handles
- Missing or broken pin
- A failed hydrostatic test
- Damaged outer shell
- Missing inspection tags
What Should I Do with a Fire Extinguisher That has Failed an Inspection?
At certain times, components may be repaired, especially if the fire extinguisher is new. If you are unsure if you should replace or repair a damaged fire extinguisher, call Fireline for an inspection. We will offer professional advice based on what we find. If it turns out that you have to replace your extinguishers, you can’t merely throw them away because fire extinguishing agents are considered hazardous materials. These chemicals should not be mishandled. Here is what to do with an old, expired, or damaged fire extinguisher:
- If the extinguisher is partially or fully charged, call up your fire department to ask if they accept drop-offs. If not, then take the canister to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
- If your extinguisher is empty, squeeze the lever to ensure that no pressure remains inside. You can call Fireline or a recycling facility to ask about dropping off the canister.
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.