If a fire ever starts, have functioning fire extinguishers in your home at your disposal certainly bring you peace of mind. Even then, fire extinguishers are often forgotten.
It can be no less than a nightmare needing a fire extinguisher in an emergency only to realize that it isn't filled or doesn't work.
If you own fire extinguishers, you presumably know that fire extinguisher inspections are crucial.
When do fire extinguishers need to be checked?
Understanding how often a fire extinguisher needs inspection can guarantee that the fire extinguisher is in optimal working state in the event of a fire.
There are different instructions and conditions for examinations, depending on the type of inspection fire extinguisher you own.
The most common types of inspections you should conduct on your home fire extinguisher include:
- Once a month, visual inspection of the fire extinguishers. The process should include looking for signs of noticeable damage, such as punctures or corrosion. Checking the pressure gauge is also important. Testing is required to make sure the pull-pin seal is intact.
- Professionals should do performing maintenance inspections annually. Fire-safety experts have proper tools to check your fire extinguisher is in working order. Fire extinguishers that fail the investigation will need to be fixed or replaced.
- Just like annual maintenance inspections, internal maintenance inspections should be conducted by a fire-safety expert every 5, 6, or 12 years, according to the type of fire extinguisher. This internal maintenance involves discharging the fire extinguisher completely. Then performing a complete internal examination making sure all parts of the fire extinguisher are in working condition.
- The hydrostatic tests periodically judge if the fire extinguisher cylinders can securely hold the pressure used to discharge the agent.
- Few fire extinguishers need replacement every 5-6 years.
Proper examination and maintenance of your fire extinguisher ensure the protection of your family and home.
Apart from the points discussed above, I recommend considering several other factors when inspecting fire extinguishers to ensure you get the most out of yours:
- Tagging and labeling the date of each fire extinguisher inspection is an easy way to keep track of when you last inspected your extinguisher.
- It is important to check if fire extinguishers are in assigned locations.
- The seals and tamper indicators should also be checked.
- The yearly maintenance inspection needs to be performed by a fire-safety expert.
- The yearly maintenance should also include a thorough inspection of extinguishing agent and physical parts.
- The fire extinguishers are easily accessible and not obstructed.
- Maintain a written account of the monthly, annual, and other inspections.
These are a few points to remember to get the most out of your home fire extinguisher.
The intervals at which that maintenance must occur are an important aspect to consider.
In some cases it is a better idea to replace the fire extinguisher than to have it repaired.
The inspection should include all of this.
Inspect your fire extinguisher from time to time and stay safe.
