When was the last time you looked at your fire extinguishers? Are their batteries topped-up, situated in the right places, available and good to go? Or are they covered with dust and hidden away in a corner, where they afford a false security?
Fire extinguishers are exciting for someone to buy and then never need again.
It is a good thing that they have not needed to be used sooner, but they do need to be properly inspected and maintained. Not only is this a legal obligation, but they are ready if they need to use them!
Be Prepared for a Fire Incident
As with the vast majority of emergency preparedness, fire extinguishers are tools that companies hope they never have to use. Equipment that is out of sight is out of mind, often leading to neglect, that is why it is vital to ensure your fire extinguishers receive the attention they deserve. Fire extinguisher inspections are the law to maintain them as being ready for use. Remember, those fire extinguishers are your first line of fire defense.
Fire extinguishers should be handy and operational for time loss is obvious when then are not needed. Check your Fire Extinguishers monthly to make sure they are charged and ready to use. As per NFPA 10, annual service inspection is mandatory.
Additional maintenance and inspection procedures are required depending on the unit type. Review the manufacturer owner’s manual to determine other system requirements. 3.Teaching if staff are likely to used extinguishers in case of emergency, make sure they are trained so they’ve associate understanding of the best ways to operate them.
It should be imperative to have readily-available and functioning fire extinguishers, to prevent time wasted when they are needed. Check your extinguishers once a month to make sure they’re charged and in an accessible condition.
Annual inspections in accordance with NFPA 10 shall be performed. Other inspection and maintenance practices are prescribed according to the type of extinguisher. See the manufacturer owner’s manual for these specifications.
If you are going to rely on your staff to use fire extinguishers on a fire emergency, they should be trained in the proper use of them as well.
Do you have the right Class of extinguisher for the types of things most likely to burn in your facility?
Review this list of the different classes of fires, along with what kind of fire extinguisher is appropriate to use for each.
The correlation is very straightforward:
- Class A fires require Class A extinguishers,
- Class B fires require Class B extinguishers, etc.
- Class A Fires: Involve ordinary combustibles such as paper, plastic, rags, and wood.
- Class B Fires: Involve flammable liquids such as oil, grease, gasoline, and paint.
- Class C Fires: Involve electrical equipment such as motors, heaters, and office machines.
- Class D Fires: Involve combustible metals such as magnesium, aluminum, sodium, and potassium.
- Class K Fires: Involve combustible cooking fluids such as oils and fats.
Some extinguishers are dual rated, which means they can be used on more than one class of fire. But again, if you don’t know what you’re burning, or if you don’t have the appropriate class of extinguisher, don’t try to fight the fire — just get to safety.
How Frequently to Maintain Your Fire Extinguishers
So, you’re aware you need to inspect your fire extinguishers. But how frequently should you do them? In order to maintain your functioning and legal fire extinguishers, they need to be inspected on a monthly and annual basis.
Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspection is also mandated (OSHA (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3)) that must be done by a professional fire extinguisher company. Depending on the type extinguisher, and may include a 5-year, 6-year, or 12-year service or hydrostatic test.
Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection
The monthly fire extinguisher check is a quick visual check an employee can perform as mandated by OSHA (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2)). Spots to check are The handle, Pull pin, Gauge, Seal, Label, Mounting bracket and more. Learn more Download the monthly inspection checklist to begin.
Brazas Fire Can Help You!
Brazas Fire is here to support you with our leading technology and consulting to create an inspection program that is not only user friendly but also engaging for your staff while keeping your equipment in safety compliance.