You may be familiar with the bright red fire suppression equipment found in kitchens, closets, or garages. Many people have fire extinguishers installed and rarely think about it afterward.
Fire extinguishers could save your life and your property from a deadly fire accident, but they’ve to be working properly all the time. or so, its highly recommended to have regular fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance because fire mis happenings can happen anytime.
Brazas Fire is a premier fire protection service and maintenance provider specializing in a broad range of fire safety services. Fire extinguishers usually have a shelf-life of 5-15 years. When you purchase a fire extinguisher, always, always check the tag for the manufacturer’s dates and the instructions.
This means your fire extinguisher can work well for some years with regular maintenance and care. If your extinguisher comes with a gauge, you need to check it once a month to find out if it is charged correctly to be useful in an emergency. In contrast, older fire extinguishers that lack a gauge must be inspected by professionals every year.
When to Replace Your Fire Extinguisher
First, let’s understand when you replace your fire extinguisher. You should replace an extinguisher if you notice any of the following:
When an extinguisher’s nozzle or hose are ripped, cracked, or clogged with dirt or debris. If the handle locking pin is not sealed or is missing. The handle of the extinguisher is broken or loose. Or they’re missing the hang tag or inspection sticker.
If you own an apartment or rent one, here’s one way to know when to replace your fire extinguisher. Check with the manufacturer — Most of the extinguishers have 5 to 15 years of shelf life so you can refer to the label or check from the manufacturer about when your extinguisher needs replacement.
You should monthly check the pressure gauge – If you’ve just moved into an apartment, you may not be aware of when the fire extinguisher was bought, so the pressure gauge must always be your best friend. For instance, if the needle of your extinguisher is within the green area, it is working perfectly.
But if yours is somewhere else, it signals a need to replace what’s there with the new. “For an older extinguisher without a gauge, the best bet would be to consult a professional,” he said.
- Check the inspection sticker – Each extinguisher has an inspection sticker or hang tag that indicates when it was last serviced. If the hang tag is absent, replace your extinguisher right away.
- Signs of wear-and-tear – A missing pin, cracked hose or nozzle, cracked handle are all indications that you need a replacement extinguisher.
Armed with these tips, you can tell whether you need a new fire extinguisher or not. Brazas Fire – Quality Fire Extinguisher Sales and Service in Albuquerque 505-889-8999