Fire extinguishers are generally placed indoors in visible and easily accessed areas. They are designed to prevent the spread of fires or to put them out completely. When a fire extinguisher is activated, it will send a spray consisting of flame-retardant chemicals into the fire which will stop the flames. These units require scheduled service checks to ensure they are still able to perform the function of putting out fires. When servicing your fire extinguishers, there are several things you need to pay special attention to.
When to Perform Servicing on you Fire Extinguishers
The National Fire Protection Agency suggests you have your fire extinguishers tested every twelve years for dry chemical extinguishers and every five years for pressurized water or wet extinguishers. These tests require a method known as, hydrostatic and are performed underwater. If your extinguisher fails this test, it will be destroyed, and if it passes, it can go back into service. There are also monthly inspections needed to make sure your fire extinguishers can perform. There are five essential things to look for when you have your fire extinguishers serviced monthly.
Are your Fire Extinguishers Ready for Use
Walking up to the fire extinguishers, make sure there is a current maintenance tag displayed, and the unit is in the green. Green means the unit is charged and ready for use. A monthly service check on your fire extinguishers should be done through the services of professional inspectors. Professionals such as Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to perform monthly inspections.
Are your Fire Extinguishers Visible
Servicing fire extinguishers should also include a check to make sure they are visible and not blocked or obscured from view.
Check the Tamper Seals
The tamper seal should also be in place. The tamper seal is the pin, and it should be firmly in place and not damaged.
Fire Extinguishers Should be Full
The fire extinguishers should be lifted and weighed to ensure they are full. Lifting the fire extinguisher will tell you if there is solution inside. The outside of the unit should also be examined to make sure there has been no damage to the outside of the cylinder.
Service Tags Should be Signed
Once the company has performed all the tasks necessary for the monthly servicing, you need to make sure they sign and date the maintenance tag.
Can Your Fire Extinguishers Expire?
A fire extinguisher can expire, and this is one important reason to have monthly service conducted on your fire extinguishers. A common reason for the unit to malfunction is when the seal on the neck becomes compromised. A professional service, such as Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment knows how to check for possible failures and can ensure your fire extinguishers are in proper working condition.
The Jay L Harman Fire Equipment team understands your firefighting needs and is ready to help
The team at Jay L Harman Fire Equipment understands that you will have many burning questions on your mind when it comes to choosing the right fire suppression system for your business. Jay L Harman is the best and one of the biggest firefighting equipment suppliers and servicers in the region, specializing in fire suppression systems, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, fire fighting protective gear, fire hoses and more. Serving El Paso TX, Las Cruces NM and the surrounding areas, we pride ourselves on buying local and hiring local whenever possible.
Contact Jay L. Harman Fire Equipment in El Paso TX at 915-533-7021 or Las Cruces NM at 575-523-8880. Since 1925, we have protected businesses throughout the area from the harms and hazards of fires. Every Jay L Harman technician is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance State Fire Marshal’s Office. Each of these technicians continually receives the most up-to-date factory training and certifications by our manufacturers. Contact Jay L Harman Fire Equipment today. Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff tell you more about our fire suppression systems and help you find the ideal fire suppression system for your needs. Learn more about our full offering of fire extinguisher training, firefighting services, firefighting products, request a quote, ask a question or request additional information.