Having a safety plan is extremely important for every workplace, as well as a residential building in an emergency. But one thing that you do not think about is if your fire extinguisher is ready to fight against fire. Will the fire extinguishers work as intended when it counts? If you want your fire extinguishers to work when needed, you must perform regular maintenance checks. In this blog, you will find a checklist of several items to make sure your fire extinguisher is ready when you need it.
Table of Contents
Make sure that your extinguishers are not due for an inspection: –
A Fire extinguisher is often purchased with enthusiasm, but later we forget to maintain it when it is not needed. While it is good that there has not been a fire emergency and the fire extinguisher has not been used for a while, still it is important to inspect and maintain it. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also helps you ensure that the equipment is ready to used. It would be best to remember that a fire extinguisher is the first line of defense against fire.
Fire extinguishers should be functional to eliminate lost time when they are needed. So, inspect your extinguishers and be certain that they are charged and ready to use. Remember that maintenance and inspection requirements vary based on the type of extinguisher.
Confirm your fire extinguishers are distinguishable and accessible:-
Fire extinguishers must be kept at accessible places so that you can view them easily when the need arises. So, make sure that your fire extinguishers are placed in strategic locations where they are visible. Check your fire extinguishers regularly to ensure that the space around fire extinguishers is clear from every obstruction.
Investigate the pressure gauge:-
Before using your fire extinguisher, examine its pressure gauge indicator. The green area of the pressure gauge indicator indicates whether the unit has a proper level of pressure or not.
Make sure that the pressure reading is in the appropriate range. But if the pressure is not right, it is important to have your fire extinguishers recharged and professionally repaired.
Verify that the Safety Pin is unmoved: –
The safety pull pin is found in the handle of a fire extinguisher. Before using a fire extinguisher, the user pulls this pin to enable the unit to function. Check if the pull pin of your extinguisher is still in place. If it does not have a pull pin, this indicates that it has been used previously. In that case, it is important to inspect your fire extinguisher professionally to replace the pin.
Double-check the tamper seal of your fire extinguisher:-
In addition to checking the pressure gauge and safety pin, check the tamper seal of the fire extinguisher. Find out if the seal is removed or still present on your fire extinguisher. If the sea; is not removed, talk to a professional to inspect or replace it for proper usage.
Make certain that your extinguishers have no physical damage: –
It is very important to examine your fire extinguisher for any signs of damage, including dents, rust, or corrosion. So, you should clear out if there is any wreck in the nozzle or hose. A licensed professional fire protection company performs fire extinguisher inspection to help you get your fire extinguishers ready to confront any potential fire emergency.
Shake chemical fire extinguisher before use: –
There are different types of fire extinguishers, but only the manual will tell you what type of fire extinguisher you have. There are dry chemical extinguishers that contain a powdery substance that settles over time. So, make sure you shake such extinguishers once a month to prevent settling.
Have a professional inspection of your extinguisher:-
A professional inspection is a more thorough check that includes repairs, recharging, or even replacing the extinguisher. It provides you with maximum assurance that your fire extinguishers are ready for any emergency. A professional inspector records the inspection date when he reads the tag present on your fire extinguisher.
To make sure that you have the right kind of fire extinguishers, review your safety plans and keep a record of your maintenance checks. When you perform these steps or procedures, you provide a safe environment for everyone.
