Fire extinguishers save lives. They’re your first line of defense in stopping small fires before they spread and become unmanageable. But do you know when your fire extinguishers were last checked?
Fire Extinguishers Inspection Schedule-
- Monthly – Visual indications like damage and pressure gauge
- Yearly – Basic operation check
- Every few years – Internal components check
If not, then now’s the time. In this blog post, we’ll discuss:
● Fire extinguisher inspection schedules
● Fire extinguisher laws
● Industry standards for checking fire extinguishers
● Tips to properly inspect your fire extinguishers
You want to ensure your fire extinguishers are up to par when it comes to safety and helping avoid potential hazards. So read on to learn about fire extinguisher inspection intervals you should know for your business.
How To Inspect a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers aren’t any different. Your safety equipment should be checked routinely to ensure everything is working correctly.
However, there are different ways to check fire extinguishers depending on the type of extinguisher.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Before we talk about how to inspect your fire extinguishers, you must know which type of extinguisher you’re dealing with.
There are 5 different types of fire extinguishers and they each work best for different types of fires.
Knowing the differences between each will help you determine what type of fire your extinguisher will put out:
Water Fire Extinguishers
This fire extinguisher type is effective for Class A fires. These types of fires include things like wood, paper, and textile products. Water will cool down the flames and saturate the material.
You should not use water to extinguish electrical fires or flammable liquids.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam extinguishers can put out Class A and Class B fires. They create a blanket that will cool the fire and seal the area from oxygen. Foam extinguishers are multipurpose and can be found in many offices, warehouses, and factories. However, they should not be used on electrical fires unless it is clearly marked that it is certified to do so.
Powder Fire Extinguishers
Powder fire extinguishers can put out Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. Known as ABC extinguishers, they can be used on most fires. When used, the powder coats the fuel and separates it from the oxygen. It also stops the chain reaction of the chemical fire.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are better used on Class B and Class C fires. CO2 extinguishers remove oxygen and suffocate the fire. They’re ideal for electrical fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
As the name implies, wet chemical extinguishers are filled with chemicals and water. This solution is specially formulated to fight Class K fires. Class K fires are fires in cooking oils and fats. The wet chemical converts the oil into a non-flammable soap-like solution. As it cools the fire, it creates a barrier from oxygen.
There are fire extinguishers out there that can eliminate multiple types of fires. When determining what is the best fire extinguisher for your business, you’ll want to take into consideration your building, your industry, local and state regulations, and what could potentially catch fire.
Different types of fire extinguishers work in different ways. They have various nozzle attachments, gauges, and applicators. So obviously, they won’t all be checked the same way. Here’s how to inspect the different fire extinguishers.
Water and Foam Extinguishers
Water and foam fire extinguishers have pressure gauges. These gauges will let you know if the container can produce enough pressure to release the materials to put out the fire. You’ll want to include checking the pressure gauge as part of your monthly fire extinguisher inspection.
One thing to note for water and foam extinguishers is that if they are stored in an area that can reach freezing temperatures (aka outdoor warehouses), they can freeze.
Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers are different because instead of water or foam killing the fire, it’s a powder. The powder will coat the flames and stop the chemical reaction that is causing the fire to burn. Dry powder extinguishers should be shaken every once in a while to prevent the powder from settling at the bottom. Some extinguishers simply require you to flip them upside down for a minute. Others have tanks that need to be pressurized with nitrogen.
Dry powder extinguishers typically go through an internal inspection and recharge every 6 years.
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Carbon dioxide extinguishers are one of the only fire extinguishers that you have to weigh to determine if they are full. Since they don’t have any pressure gauges, specially designed scales will determine the weight of the canister.
CO2 extinguishers typically last longer than any other fire extinguisher. They usually only need to be fully serviced every 10 years. However, you should still do an annual inspection.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed to put out cooking fires. In offices, these types of fires are common in break rooms with microwave ovens. Since kitchens use them more often, they may require more frequent inspections and maintenance.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection: How Often Should You Check?
How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
The answer may vary. While there are different guidelines for each individual fire extinguisher type, all should be inspected and tested regularly.
Fire extinguishers typically require the following:
- Monthly Visual Inspections
- Annual inspections
- Hydrostatic testing every few years
Now that you know the 3 different levels of fire extinguisher inspections, let’s talk about the different intervals each inspection requires.
1. Monthly Visual Inspection
Fire.gov states that employers must visually inspect their fire extinguishers monthly. OSHA also requires employers to do so [29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2)].
Reasons you should regularly inspect your fire extinguishers include:
- The extinguisher is in the correct location
- Ensuring there is no visible damage to the equipment
- Checking for any obstructions that may block someone from seeing the extinguisher or using it
- Verifying that the fire extinguisher is fully charged and will operate when needed
- What are you looking for when performing a monthly visual fire extinguisher inspection?
- Physical damage like corrosion, leakage, or major dents
- The pressure gauge has an indicator in the green zone
- The pull-pin isn’t missing and the seal is intact
- Documentation of when the last professional inspection was completed
After you complete your monthly inspection, make sure to date and initial the back of the tag. Not only does this show you inspected the device, but it provides a log when you’ve checked the device.
If you’re unsure how to properly check your fire extinguishers or want a certified professional to ensure you’re doing it correctly, you can always contact a local fire prevention company to assist you.
2. Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Annual fire extinguisher inspections are required by OSHA. Employers are required to have all fire extinguishers in the workplace inspected at least once every year [OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3)].
But maintenance doesn’t just mean checking the equipment. “Maintenance” means a comprehensive examination of all fire extinguishers in your facility and fixed any damages as necessary. (NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-4)
Companies that specialize in fire protection should handle all annual fire extinguisher inspections. Safety professionals have the knowledge and tools to perform a thorough inspection while identifying potentially dangerous violations.
Fire extinguishers that pass an inspection are given a tag with the date of completion. That tag will be good for 1 year from the date listed. If your fire extinguisher does not pass, then it must be repaired or replaced.
3. Internal Inspection
Not all internal inspections are the same. Some fire extinguishers have a 5-year internal inspection while others have 6. You’ll even see some that must be inspected every 12 years.
An internal inspection involves discharging the extinguisher, internally examining all parts, and charging it again.
All this to say, maintenance on the inside of your fire extinguisher varies based on extinguisher type.
Hydrostatic Testing
As part of, or instead of, the internal maintenance inspection, fire extinguisher cylinders must be hydrostatically tested. Why? To ensure the cylinder can safely hold the pressure used to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Fire extinguishers that use pressurized water, carbon dioxide, or wet chemicals need to be tested every 5 years.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers need to be hydrostatically tested every 12 years.
Fire protection companies should perform all internal maintenance inspections. There’s a lot that goes into this process and you want to ensure your employees are safe.
Why Fire Extinguisher Inspections are Important
For obvious reasons, fire extinguishers are essential for putting out fires. Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to catch damage and deterioration you wouldn’t normally notice.
Instead of waiting for an accident to happen, fire extinguisher inspections allow you to fix or replace any broken or malfunctioning parts.
Fire extinguisher inspections are not only recommended, but they’re required by law.
OSHA Fire Codes and Fire Extinguisher Regulations
Fire hazards are everywhere. That’s why it’s so important to protect your business by following OSHA and Fire Codes. There are specific fire extinguisher procedures you must follow to maintain a safe work environment.
Not only does regular fire extinguisher inspection help ensure your business is safe, but it also helps your equipment last longer. Catching things early can prevent future damage and prematurely replace your equipment.
Last but not least, fire extinguisher inspections give you peace of mind. Whether that’s knowing your employees are safe or your customers are safe. A simple thing like fire extinguisher inspections can help you and others feel secure.
What To Expect from Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Visual Inspections
During your annual maintenance inspection, certified technicians will visually inspect each fire extinguisher for damages, corrosion, or anything that may obstruct someone from seeing the extinguisher. The technician will also confirm the gauge is showing that it is in the operable range and all safety seals and tamper indicators are in place.
Hydrostatic Testing
Annual fire extinguisher inspections also include hydrostatic testing if needed. During a hydrostatic test, your extinguisher will be taken apart and checked for leaks or damaged parts that could potentially explode when under pressure.
How Often Should Different Fire Extinguishers be Inspected?
- Pressurized water fire extinguishers: every 5 years
- Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers: every 5 years or every 10 years
- Dry powder fire extinguishers: every 12 years
- Wet chemical fire extinguishers: every 5 years
NFPA 10 Inspections
Fire extinguisher inspections done by professional inspectors will meet NFPA 10 standards. Meaning, they’ll meet or exceed your local, state, and national fire regulations.
Fire extinguisher inspection reports will be provided to you after the visit. You’ll also receive a fire extinguisher inspection tag that will denote that work has been completed.
Have a licensed professional take care of your fire extinguisher inspections. You can trust certified technicians to keep your business safe and up to code.
Schedule Fire Extinguisher Inspections with Your Local Fire Prevention Company Like Brazas Fire
There are many different variables when it comes to fire extinguisher inspections. Not only do you need to know what type of extinguisher you have to determine what maintenance is required, but you also need to know how often each task must be done.
Don’t take chances with fire extinguisher inspections. Be sure your workplace follows OSHA and Fire Code standards by hiring a professional fire prevention company.
Are you wondering if your business is protected from every fire hazard? Contact Brazas Fire today at 505-889-8999 and let’s start building a safer workplace for you.