Are you hesitating about how often you should inspect a fire extinguisher? Based on The National Fire Protection Association, a fire extinguisher inspection is monthly; the maintenance is annual.
Also, OSHA supports that fire extinguishers have to have a yearly maintenance check. Therefore, you should always perform a visual fire extinguisher inspection once per month.
You will have to make sure your fire extinguishers are fully pressurized. More than that, pay attention that they have the right weight and are free of damage. If you notice any of these problems, you may need to replace the unit.
Keep reading this blog to learn more details about it.
Inspection Tag of Fire Extinguisher
The first thing you should check is the physical condition of the fire extinguisher by looking at its label. It should be legible and include the manufacturer’s name, serial number, and instructions for proper use. You should also check the cylinder for visible physical damage, cracks, and leaks.
The hose and nozzle should be free of clogs and damage. If you’re in doubt, you can call the manufacturer or a fire safety organization for help.
Moreover, If you’re working with a company offering you inspection and maintenance for your extinguishers, you can ask the service team to check the fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge. Ensure that it is in the operating range.
The green zone will indicate that the extinguisher is ready for use. The red zone will mean that the unit is without the correct pressure. Further, this can lead to leaking or even explosion. If you suspect a problem with your fire or security extinguisher, it’s best to contact Solution Fire Prevention.
Visual Inspection
As we mentioned before, inspecting the fire extinguisher will ensure that it is in good condition. Look for physical signs of tampering seal and damage.
You should remove the fire extinguisher if it isn’t in optimal conditions. It needs inspection every month and has its tag replaced if necessary. When the review is complete, you should replace the locking pin and check for other damages.
Extinguisher Service
Once the company finishes the fire extinguisher inspection, you can check its labels. You should be able to see the title.
Also, check the valve’s inner section for foreign materials. If you notice your extinguisher partially discharged, you will need to recharge the chemical inside the valve. Likewise, the maintenance company should also inspect the pump.
Furthermore, another way to tell if your fire extinguisher is in good shape is to check its weight. Heavy extinguishers are a sign that the equipment counts with the necessary charge. If it is empty, it is time to recharge it.
Operating Instructions: NFPA (The National Fire Protection Association)
An important aspect is that the NFPA says that fire extinguishers require an inspection at the moment of the installation. After that, every month, you have to ensure a review. Its testing requirements vary depending on the type of extinguisher and where you locate them.
Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections
NFPA 10(10), section 7.2.4, requires that records be kept of all extinguishers inspected, including those requiring corrective maintenance. These records should contain the date you performed the inspection and the person’s initials who carried out the process.
Further, you should record the inspection information on a label attached to each extinguisher. On the other hand, you must have an inspection checklist and keep it on file or by an electronic method.
Remember you should keep records for all extinguishers requiring corrective action identified at each examination. If you look for fire extinguisher inspection in Brooklyn, NY, Solution Fire Prevention is near you!
For Annual Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Similarly, you must record the annual maintenance on a label attached to each extinguisher. Indicating the month and year in which you performed the maintenance. It must also include the name of the person who finished the process and the company’s name conducting the service. You can find more details in NFPA 10(10), Section 7.3.3.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA 1910.157
OSHA standard number 1910.157 contains valuable information on portable fire extinguishers. In addition, there is helpful information about the responsibility of the employees in this process.
From the commercial point of view, the company owner must ensure that the extinguishers are in optimal conditions. In other words, the owner should provide the correct functionality of the portable extinguishers.
The OSHA text says that the employer shall ensure that portable fire extinguishers are kept fully charged and in operating condition. You have to keep the extinguishers in the designated locations, except during use.
You may be wondering at this point: how do you go about this process if you don’t know much about it? OSHA also gives you an interval of tests per year by the type of extinguisher you own.
Remember to do the visual examination to check that everything is in order. Then do the hydrostatic test. We detail this information in the table below with the different types of fire extinguishers.
It is crucial to note that you must keep evidence that you performed these hydrostatic tests on your extinguishers. Then, you must keep a record in the extinguisher that includes dates, signatures of who performed the test, and the serial number of the extinguisher.
Remember that you can get in touch with professional assistance services for better support in this process and provide the best result. Ensuring that you are taking a proper testing interval is vital because it allows you to guarantee the inspections promptly.
Moreover, ensure your extinguishers’ operation. All these to safeguard your employees against any unwanted eventuality corresponding to fire.
Education and Training
It is essential to highlight a section of the OSHA 1910.157 standard that talks about the education and training of your employees. Thus, they become familiar with fire extinguishers and their use. This training has to be at least once a year.
Summoning into mind, you can count on experts to provide training in your company and give you that added value. You can look for an institution that provides all services. Do not hesitate to contact Solution Fire Prevention to request a quote for our complete services.
Professional Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Don’t wait until an accident occurs; keep safe with your fire extinguishers inspected. Here at Solution Fire Prevention, we count on outstanding professionals to help examine your extinguishers. Please don’t waste your time; call us now and get a free estimate!