It is crucial to ensure that your portable fire extinguishers are in proper working order at all times. Conducting annual fire extinguisher maintenance is the best way to make sure that everything will function the way it is designed in the event of an emergency. The following is a checklist to identify the steps that should be performed during annual fire extinguisher maintenance.
Ensure Clear Access
Access to the fire extinguisher should not be blocked by personal possessions, equipment, or locked doors. Further, fire extinguishers need to be stored in a designated location that is easily visible within the room or corridor.
Check Pressure
The fire extinguisher pressure should be within the recommended range. The needle within the gauge should be squarely within the green zone. The pressure should be recorded and monitored for comparison and future reference as it will help determine whether a leak is present or if a portion of the internal agent has been discharged.
Ensure the Nozzle is Clear
The nozzle of the fire extinguisher should be clear of debris and undamaged. The nozzle should be swabbed both internally and externally to remove any grease, oil, or dust that is present.
Inspect the Pin and Tamper Seals
The pin should be firmly in place and free of rust. Further, the tamper seal should be complete and intact.
Inspect the Casing
The casing of the fire extinguisher should be free of dents, rust, and chemical deposits. It is also important to ensure that any chemical agents are wiped clean as oil, grease, and other corrosive contaminants can cause the casing to rust.
Shake up the Chemical Agent
Some dry chemical fire extinguishers require manual shaking on a monthly basis to prevent the settling or packing of the chemical agents.
Pressure Testing
Hydrostatic testing should be conducted periodically to ensure that the casing is maintaining the proper pressure. Slow leaks can quickly reduce the effectiveness of the device. Pressurized water, CO2, and wet chemical extinguishers need to be pressure tested every five years, while dry chemical extinguishers need to be pressure tested every 12 years. High-pressure carbon dioxide systems need to be marked with the tester’s ID number as well as the month and year the test was conducted. Low-pressure systems including dry chem, wet chem, and water must have this information recorded and affixed on a metal label that includes the initials of the tester and the type of pressure test that was conducted.
Recharging Fire Extinguishers
When the pressure is insufficient, it is crucial to recharge the system and apply a verification of service collar that indicates the date the service was conducted and the information of the company performing the service.
Contact Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company Today
Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company has been providing fire equipment sales and service to the Texas Panhandle since 1953. Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company provides complete fire protection services for restaurants, commercial kitchens and other industries in the Texas Panhandle including Plainview TX, Amarillo TX and Lubbock TX as well as the surrounding areas. Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company is your best solution for all fire protection and fire suppression system products and services. Don’t gamble with the safety of your business, your employees, your valuable assets or your guests.
Request Information, Service, Training Or A Quote or call Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company TODAY. In Amarillo TX call (806) 373-0000, in Lubbock TX call (806) 793-3000 and in Plainview TX call (806) 296-9789.