Guide To Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Inspection Procedures

The easiest thing you can do to ensure that your fire extinguisher is usable in an emergency is to perform a thorough inspection. The following are the minimum requirements for an inspection:

• Make sure it is located in its designated place.
• Make sure the extinguisher is visible or that there is signage indicating where the extinguisher is located.
• Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher.
• Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position.
• Make sure it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher, or you can weigh it
• For wheeled extinguishers, check that the tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle are in good condition.
• For non-rechargeable extinguishers, operate the push-to-test pressure indicators.

Qualifications

You are not required to be certified to perform an inspection; any knowledgeable, competent person should be able to do it.

Frequency

NFPA 10 requires that fire extinguishers be inspected when they are first put in place and once a month after that. If your fire extinguishers are located in areas where they're more likely to rust, impact, or be tampered with, you should check them more frequently.

Recordkeeping

Recordkeeping for monthly inspections depends on the extinguisher type. The extinguishers must be inspected at least once a month, and the findings must be recorded. The following information is required:

• The month and year of the inspection.
• The person conducting the inspection.

These documents must be kept for at least a year.

Maintenance Procedures

Manufacturer's service manual procedures must be followed, and a complete examination of fire extinguisher basics should be conducted, including:

• Mechanical parts of all fire extinguishers
• Extinguishing agent
• Expelling means
• Physical condition

You can finish an external examination by reading your fire extinguisher service manual for specific instructions on doing an internal inspection.

Qualifications

A licensed expert is required to maintain the equipment. To acquire certification, a person must pass an examination acceptable to the AHJ. At a bare minimum, a certified individual should be familiar with NFPA 10's standards.

Frequency

You should have an external examination conducted on your fire extinguishers yearly, when you hydrostatic test them or when an inspection discrepancy specifically indicates it. You'll need internal examinations more frequently depending on the type of extinguisher--anywhere from 1-6 years apart. For example, a dry chemical stored pressure fire needs an internal examination every 6 years. See NFPA 10 Table 7.3.3 .1 for details about other types of fire extinguishers and how often they need inspections.

Recordkeeping

Each fire extinguisher must have a tag or label securely attached that shows the date of the last maintenance check. The tag or label should also include:

• Month and year maintenance was performed
• The person performing the work
• Name of the agency performing the work

If an internal examination was done, the extinguisher must also have a verification-of-service collar around its neck. That collar should include the following information:

• Month and year the work was performed
• Name of the agency performing the work

Hydrostatic Testing Procedures

Before a hydrostatic test begins, from both the inside and outside. Then, many of its components are, leaving just the shell and hose. Next, it is for a specific amount of time under certain pressure. Finally, to get rid of all water before being put back together again and. If there is any leakage or evidence of moving couplings, resulting in an automatic fail.

Qualifications

Users of hydrostatic testing must be aware of their responsibilities since incorrect execution might result in harm. They must be educated, certified, and equipped with the appropriate tools and facilities to do the testing.

Frequency

Internal maintenance and hydrostatic testing are both accomplished at predetermined intervals based on the type of extinguisher you have. These are done either every 5 or 12 years, depending on your extinguisher's class. See NFPA 10 Section 8.3.1 for more information about which testing schedule applies to your specific sort of fire suppressant.

Recordkeeping

For low-pressure cylinders, a label is required to be attached to the extinguisher. It needs to contain:

• The name of the person conducting the test
• The date of the test
• The pressure at which the test was performed

The identification number and date for high-pressure cylinders must be stamped onto the shoulder, top, head, neck or foot ring.

Although this guide covers the basics of ITM for extinguishers, it does not include all the specifics required by NFPA 10. There are different requirements for each type of extinguisher based on its characteristics. Additionally, electronic monitoring is a useful replacement for monthly inspections but was not addressed in this guide.

How Do I Book A Fire Extinguisher Inspection?

You can book a fire extinguisher inspection by calling us at (604) 767-2676 or by emailing us at info@reliablefire.ca. As one of the leading fire safety company in Vancouver, We will be happy to provide you with a quote and schedule an appointment at your convenience.