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 portable 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 testing 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 Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company 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 Jasperwood Fire Equipment Company knows how to check for possible failures and can ensure your fire extinguishers are in proper working condition.
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.