Fire extinguishers are an important part of any business or home. It’s crucial to know how often they should be inspected and maintained to ensure your safety in the event of a fire.
What if we don’t regularly check them? Fire extinguishers are necessary safety equipment in any home, but how often should they be inspected, and what kind of maintenance is required?
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly. It means checking the gauge to see if it is in the green and ensuring there are no visible signs of damage or leaks.
This blog post will answer those questions and more so you can be sure your family is safe in case of a fire.
Importance Of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are important to any home or business’ fire safety plan. They can help to quickly extinguish a small fire before it has a chance to spread, and can buy you precious time to evacuate the premises safely.
But with so many types and sizes of fire extinguishers on the market, it can be hard to know which one best suits your needs.
Fire Extinguishers Classes
There are different fire extinguishers, each designed for different types of fires. The most common type is the ABC extinguisher, which can be used on fires that involve materials like wood, cloth, and paper (Class A), fires that involve flammable liquids like gasoline (Class B), and electrical fires (Class C).
Choosing the correct type of fire extinguisher for your needs is important. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire can make the situation worse.
Fire Extinguishers Size
Once you’ve chosen the correct type of fire extinguisher, you need to select the correct size. The size is determined by the amount of fire it can extinguish.
For example, a small home or office might only need a five-pound extinguisher, while a more significant business might require a fifty-pound or even one-hundred-pound extinguisher.
The type of fire also determines the size of the fire extinguisher it will be used for. For example, class A and B fires require a larger extinguisher than Class C fires.
Fire Extinguishers Location
After you buy the right type and size of fire extinguisher, you must select the correct location. The extinguisher should be placed near the exit of a room or building to be easily accessible.
It’s also essential to make sure that everyone in the building knows where the fire extinguishers are located. In a fire, time is of the essence, and you don’t want anyone wasting time looking for an extinguisher.
Here’s a quick guide to the most common types of fire extinguishers:
- Water-based fire extinguishers are ideal for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, or cloth.
- Foam-based fire extinguishers are effective on Class B and C fires involving flammable liquids and electrical equipment.
- Dry chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for Class A, B, and C fires. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction that is taking place during a fire.
- CO2 fire extinguishers are effective on Class B and C fires, and they work by displacing the oxygen needed to sustain a fire.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected For Safety Purposes?
Fire extinguishers are imperative for fire safety, yet if they aren’t taken care of, they won’t work when you need them. That’s why having a regular inspection schedule for your fire extinguishers is essential.
Most experts recommend that fire extinguishers be inspected monthly, although this may vary depending on the type of fire extinguisher and location.
How To Check a Fire Extinguisher?
Inspection should include a visual check of the pressure gauge and pin and a shaking of the extinguisher to ensure that the contents are still appropriately mixed. If your extinguishers are damaged or expired, you should replace them immediately.
How To Store a Fire Extinguisher
How you store your fire extinguisher can significantly impact its performance in an emergency. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so that it will be ready to use in an emergency:
- Keep your fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place. You should be able to get to it quickly in trouble, so don’t put it behind a door or under a table. A good rule of thumb is to store it near the exit closest to the potential fire hazard
- Mount your fire extinguisher on a wall or in a cabinet. This will help keep it from being knocked over or hidden in a cluttered room.
- Could you keep it in a cool, dry place? Avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can break down the extinguishing agent over time.
How Do I Know If My Fire Extinguisher Needs To Be Refilled?
The best way to know if your fire extinguisher needs to be recharged is to have it professionally inspected annually.
This inspection should include a check of the pressure gauge and a thorough examination of the extinguisher itself. However, there are some other things you can look for between inspections.
If the needle on the pressure gauge is red, that’s an indication that the fire extinguisher needs to be recharged. You should also check for any physical damage to the extinguisher, such as leaks, dents, or corrosion.
When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution
Additionally, it’s time to have the fire extinguisher serviced if the gauge shows anything other than a full charge.
By keeping an eye on your fire extinguisher, you can help ensure that it will be ready to use in an emergency.
How Often To Recharge The Fire Extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers are a vital part of any home or office safety plan. However, many people are unsure how often they should be serviced or replaced.
The frequency with which you need to recharge your fire extinguisher depends on several factors, including the type of extinguisher, the size of the room, and the amount of foot traffic in the area.
Generally, having a professional inspect your fire extinguisher at least once a year is a good idea. If you live in a room with high winds or frequent seismic activity, you may need to inspect more often.
And if you have small children or pets in your home, it’s also a good idea to check your fire extinguisher more frequently. Following these guidelines can help ensure that your fire extinguisher is always ready to use in an emergency.
Is it worth recharging the fire extinguishers?
One question we frequently get asked is whether it’s worth recharging fire extinguishers.
The simple answer is yes!
Professional fire safety experts always recommend you renew your fire extinguishers after each use, even if they don’t seem to be empty. There are a few reasons for this.
Based on the fire’s damage, it is impossible to know how much the extinguishing agent was used. So it’s always better to err on the side of caution and recharge the extinguisher.
Second, all fire extinguishers have a limited shelf life, and frequent recharging helps to prolong their efficacy.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, using an extinguisher is only effective if you act quickly. Having a fully charged extinguisher on hand can mean distinguishing between putting out a small fire or dealing with a major disaster.
So while it may seem like an inconvenience, recharging your fire extinguishers is always worth the effort.
Maintenance tips for fire extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are only effective if they’re regularly inspected and taken care of. The following tips will help you keep your fire extinguishers in top condition:
- Check the pressure gauge monthly to ensure the needle is in the green zone. If it’s not, you’ll need to have the extinguisher serviced.
- Check for any physical damage, such as dents, cracks, or leaks. If you find any damage, replace the extinguisher immediately.
- Ensure the nozzle is free of blockages and the safety pin is intact.
- Test the extinguisher by giving it a short burst. You’ll need to have it serviced if it doesn’t work correctly again.
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and replace it as required. Most fire extinguishers have a lifespan of five to 15 years.
What to do if your fire extinguisher doesn’t work properly
If you’re experiencing fire extinguisher troubles, don’t panic – there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue.
First, check to see if the fire extinguisher is properly charged. If it’s not, recharge it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Next, check to see if the fire extinguisher nozzle is clogged. If it is, clean it out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, if the fire extinguisher isn’t working correctly, you may need to replace it. Be sure to dispose of the old fire extinguisher properly – many fire extinguishers contain hazardous materials that must be disposed of.
If you’re unsure how to dispose of your fire extinguisher, contact your local fire department or hazmat team for assistance.
How To Dispose Of A Fire Extinguisher
Thanks for asking! Fire extinguishers can be tricky to get rid of, but there are a few options.
The first option is to see if your local fire department will take it off your hands. Many departments have programs for recycling or properly disposing of old extinguishers.
Another option is to contact a private company specializing in fire extinguisher disposal. These companies will usually come to your location to pick up the extinguisher and then dispose of it according to local and state regulations.
If you can’t find a company to pick up the extinguisher, you may need to take it to a local landfill or hazardous waste facility. Be sure to check with these facilities beforehand to see if they accept fire extinguishers, as not all of them do.
