All fire extinguishers should undergo a brief visual inspection every month and more thorough maintenance on an annual basis. This involves a check of the pressure gauge, hose, nozzle, seals, and tamper indicators.
These inspections are necessary to ensure that the fire extinguisher will work in the event of a small fire.
Safety First
Fire extinguishers are one of the best tools for dealing with small fires quickly before they can grow out of control and put people at risk. But, if fire extinguishers aren’t functioning properly due to damage or other issues, they can be useless in an emergency. Fire extinguisher inspection near me is crucial for ensuring the safety of your home or business.
Monthly visual inspections allow for early detection of these problems so they can be addressed and the extinguishers can remain in working order when needed.
During the inspection, fire safety professionals ensure the safety pin is securely placed and passes through a designated hole or slot on the handle or lever. They also verified that the pressure gauge was in the green zone and that the seals and tamper indicators were intact. They also weigh the extinguisher to ensure it is within its weight specifications. Once complete, the tech tags the extinguisher with its inspection and subsequent due dates. They then return it to its bracket, hanger, or cabinet.
Reduce Liability
Fire extinguishers can be vital in containing and extinguishing small fires that would otherwise become disasters. They can prevent a fire from spreading and buy valuable time until emergency responders arrive.
But for them to work correctly, they must be in good condition. Regular inspections reveal physical problems that reduce effectiveness, such as dents and punctures.
These types of problems should be fixed immediately before they affect their usability or cause any damage to the fire extinguisher itself. This helps reduce the liability risk of accidents caused by malfunctioning fire extinguishers.
Other physical problems that should be addressed include illegible operating instructions, missing seals, and broken tamper indicators. These issues should be resolved before the next inspection to be re-inspected and tested for full functionality.
Reduce Insurance Rates
The design of your home and its safety features may impact your insurance rates, and regularly inspecting fire extinguishers will help keep them in good condition and compliant with standards. You can get a better rate on your premiums if your insurance company sees you’ve invested in keeping up with fire safety standards.
During an inspection, a technician will look for any signs of damage to the equipment and ensure it has a valid tag. They will also verify that each unit is readily accessible and located where it should be for easy access in an emergency.
The inspection technician will need access to a pressure gauge and the appropriate tools for inspecting the extinguisher. Hydrostatic testing, a more involved process, may be necessary for some types of extinguishers. This is performed at different intervals depending on the type of extinguisher and requires specialized equipment and a certified, licensed tester.
Save Time and Money
Inspecting fire extinguishers can cause a problem before it becomes worse. This may save property or even life if the fire is stopped at its beginning stages.
The inspection process checks the following items:
Pressure gauge: The needle must be in the green zone, indicating that it is charged. Hose, nozzle, and security pin tag. Ensure these are damage-free. Tamper indicator and seals: Make sure these are intact. Exterior condition. Check for physical injury or rust on the fire extinguisher.
The inspector will also note the inspection date on the record or tag attached to the fire extinguisher. This information is necessary for compliance with NFPA policies. Most importantly, the review will determine if the fire extinguisher is at the correct weight. If not, it cannot deploy the extinguishing agent needed to break down the fire’s chemical makeup and suppress or extinguish it. This is why it’s essential to have regular inspections performed by qualified personnel. Read more exciting articles on Ebeak.
