Everything You Should Know About Fire Extinguisher Maintainance

Did your fire extinguisher not work during an emergency? Unfortunately, this often happens when they haven’t been properly maintained and have low pressure, expired units, or physical damage. So, it is important to perform regular inspections and get CO2 refills to ensure your fire extinguisher is always ready for use.

In this blog, we’ll learn everything about fire extinguisher maintenance and the key tips for keeping them in good shape so that your families are always protected from fire hazards.

Understanding Fire Extinguishers

The fire extinguisher is a portable apparatus that controls fires using dry or wet chemicals. The fire extinguishers cut off the oxygen supply and disrupt the chemical reactions that keep burning the material. Here are the different types of fire extinguishers:

Class	For	Example
A	Ordinary Combustibles	Wood, Paper, And Cloth
B	Flammable Liquids And Gases	Gasoline And Oils
C	Electrical Fires	Appliances And Wiring
D	Combustible Metals	Magnesium And Sodium
K	Kitchen Fires	Cooking Oils And Fats

Problems with Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers encounter several issues that prevent them from working. Here are some of the common problems you should always be aware of:

• Low Pressure: The fire extinguisher with low pressure doesn’t discharge effectively when needed.
• Expired Units: The fire extinguishers with expiration dates have chemicals inside that can degrade over time and may require replacement.
• Physical Damage: Therefore, extinguishers may see physical damage, such as dents, rust, or corrosion on the extinguisher’s body.
• Blocked Nozzle or Hose: The blocked nozzle doesn’t deliver the extinguishing agent effectively.  

Why is Regular Maintenance Essential?

Regular maintenance ensures the effective functioning of the fire extinguishers. Here is why you should do regular maintenance of your fire extinguishers:

Ensures Reliability in Emergencies

Regular maintenance ensures that your fire extinguishers are more likely to operate correctly when facing a fire.

Prevents Deterioration

Regular wear and tear in fire extinguisher parts is common due to temperature fluctuations and chemical exposure. Regular maintenance addresses issues promptly to ensure functionality remains effective.

Saves Money in the Long Run

Maintaining fire extinguishers regularly saves money in the long run. Fire extinguisher inspection helps identify issues earlier before they become major problems and require costly repairs or replacements.  

Increases Confidence and Safety Awareness

Regularly maintaining your fire extinguishers will give you peace of mind that your spaces, like home and workplaces, are safe during fire breakouts.

Provides an Opportunity for Upgrades

It will allow you to assess the current state of your fire extinguishers and determine whether they require any upgrade to handle potential fire hazards.

How Often to Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers?

You should perform regular inspections to maintain the correct functioning of the fire extinguishers by doing the following:

Monthly Visual Inspections

Conduct monthly visual inspections to ensure the needle is in the green zone. It has no signs of physical damage, and objects do not block the extinguisher.

Annual Professional Inspections

Conduct professional inspections annually by certified technicians to ensure all internal parts function correctly. You should also perform a test discharge to check the functioning of the fire extinguisher.

Every 6 Years for Rechargeable Units

Recharge the fire extinguishers every six years to ensure that the extinguishing agent is still effective. After the fire extinguisher recharge, perform a full inspection to confirm everything is in working order.

After Any Discharge

You should recharge your fire extinguisher every time you use it, even for a small fire or a practice drill. It will ensure that it is ready and fully functional for the next emergency.

Essential Tips for Fire Extinguisher Maintainance

The key tips to keep your fire extinguishers working smoothly in a fire hazard are:

Regular Inspections

Perform regular inspections to maintain the effectiveness of the fire extinguishers. It will ensure that you will have quick access to the fire extinguishers in the emergency situations.

Maintain Expiration Dates

Check the expiration date regularly to ensure the parts function more effectively. Moreover, recharge or replace parts as needed to keep it working optimally.

Look for Physical Damage

Regularly inspect your fire extinguishers and look for signs of dents, rust, or corrosion on the body. Get your fire extinguisher serviced or replaced quickly for optimal parts’ functioning.

Keep the Nozzle Clear

Check the nozzles regularly to ensure they are clear of debris or obstructions. Keeping the nozzle and hose in good condition ensures that your fire extinguisher will operate properly when needed.

Store Properly

Store extinguishers in a designated location for easy access. Avoid placing them in areas prone to extreme temperatures, as this can affect their performance.

Conclusion

Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers ensures reliability and effectiveness in emergencies. You can perform routine inspections to enhance safety and compliance. Moreover, keeping your fire extinguishers in top condition will protect your property and the lives of those who live in it from the devastating effects of fire.

Don’t forget, if you’re ever in need of CO2 refills near me, be sure to address that promptly!