Functional and easily accessible fire extinguishers are one of the important elements of fire protection in any enterprise. For extinguishers to remain serviceable, they always require proper maintenance.
This guide will give business a comprehensive understanding of the types of fire extinguishers, the monthly and annual maintenance, hydrostatic testing, inspection, training of employees and the emergency replacement schedule.
To this extent, following the best practices highlighted above will go a long way in preparing the establishment in case of any fire situation.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are several different types of fire extinguishers designed to extinguish specific kinds of fires. The class letter labeling system helps identify which types of fires each extinguisher is effective on.
Class A Extinguishers
Class A extinguishers combat ordinary combustible fires involving materials like wood, paper, plastics, and fabrics. They contain pressurized water or foam as the extinguishing agents. These are the most common extinguishers found in workplaces to put out fires started in ordinary materials.
Class B Extinguishers
Class B extinguishers are designed for use on flammable liquid fires from fuels, oils, gasoline, paints, tars, and other similar substances. They contain dry chemical agents capable of smothering these dangerous fires before they spread. Class B extinguishers are a must-have in garages, warehouses, and other locations with significant flammable liquids present.
Class C Extinguishers
Class C extinguishers are specially formulated to combat fires started in live electrical equipment and wiring. They contain non-conductive extinguishing agents that displace oxygen to put out the fire without risking electrocution to the operator from contacting live electricity. These are vital for server rooms, circuit breaker panels, and other electrical fire risks.
Class D Extinguishers
Class D fire extinguishers are intended for combustible metal fires resulting from materials like magnesium, sodium, aluminium, and other similar metals. They contain extremely dry powder agents specifically designed to smother these challenging fires. These special extinguishers are less common but may be needed in metal manufacturing facilities.
Class K Extinguishers
Class K fire extinguishers are kitchen-specific models designed for putting out fires from cooking oils and fats, such as from deep fryers. They contain wet chemical agents that help prevent flare-ups. Commercial kitchens with deep fryers are required to have class K extinguishers installed nearby.
Always verify that you have the proper types of fire extinguishers strategically located around your business establishment based on the classes of potential fires present.
Monthly Visual Inspections
All commercial fire extinguishers require quick monthly visual inspections to confirm they remain in functioning condition. Designated employees should check:
- Location – Extinguisher is still in its wall-mounted or stand-mounted position, visible and accessible.
- Seals – Tamper seal is intact, no signs of damage or leaks.
- Physical Condition – No visible rust, dents, clogs, or other defects.
- Pressure Gauge – If present, gauge shows adequate pressure in the green zone.
- Safety Pins – Pin and seal are firmly in place with no signs of tampering.
If anything is found deficient during the monthly checks, immediate corrective action must be taken, such as recharging or replacing the extinguisher. Detailed logs should be maintained for all monthly visual inspections.
Annual Maintenance
In addition to monthly inspections, commercial fire extinguishers need thorough annual maintenance checks performed by certified professionals. Annual maintenance involves:
- Complete visual examination for any defects needing repair.
- Weighing extinguishers to confirm full extinguishing agent based on specifications.
- Pressure testing extinguishers requiring it.
- Testing all seals, pins, nozzles, hoses, and discharge valves for functionality.
- Cleaning exteriors if dirt, oil residue, or salt deposits are present.
- Recharging any units found less than full.
- Affixing a new maintenance tag showing the date serviced and technician’s initials.
Like monthly inspections, detailed annual maintenance records must be retained for compliance reporting purposes.
Hydrostatic Testing Every 5 or 12 Years
In addition to annual maintenance, fire extinguishers need hydrostatic testing on longer intervals per the model. During hydrostatic testing:
- The extinguisher cylinder is filled with water and pressurized in a certified test vessel.
- Pressure far exceeds normal levels, testing for leaks, bulges, cracks, or other defects.
- If it passes the test, a new hydro test date stamp is applied for the next 5 or 12 year retest.
- Failing units must be replaced.
Hydrostatic testing ensures the cylinder remains completely safe for high pressure function over many years. Fire protection professionals perform this test.
Workplace Ready Inspections
Beyond formal maintenance, employees should be trained to do quick checks ensuring workplace fire extinguishers are constantly inspection ready:
- Proper mounting and easy accessibility.
- No obstructions blocking access to the extinguisher.
- Pressure gauge in the operable range if present.
- Pins and tamper seals intact.
If any deficiencies are found, the issues must be reported immediately to initiate corrective maintenance.
Fire Extinguisher Training
Simply having maintained extinguishers is insufficient – all staff must receive proper hands-on fire extinguisher training. Training sessions should cover:
- The different types of fire extinguishers and their associated uses.
- How to check if an extinguisher is fully pressurized and free of defects.
- PASS training on safely operating extinguishers (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- Hands-on experience discharging extinguishers in a controlled setting.
In addition, visible instructional signs showing concise operating directions should be posted above all extinguishers as a quick reference.
Emergency Replacement Protocols
Despite preventive maintenance, unexpected extinguisher issues needing immediate replacement can arise. Businesses should have emergency protocols detailing:
- Where to quickly procure short term rental extinguishers if repairs take longer.
- Thorough procedures for communicating temporary replacement locations.
- Steps for promptly restoring permanent extinguishers back to service.
Conclusion
Regular fire extinguisher servicing coupled with constant staff training is crucial for business fire protection planning. In this regard, if establishments follow the procedures and best practices highlighted in this guide, they will be well prepared for fire emergencies and respond to them effectively and in the shortest time possible. The efforts that are put in extinguisher maintenance and training will be worth it in ensuring the safety of your business.