Fire extinguishers are essential devices that can help stop a small fire from spreading and causing more damage. However, fire extinguishers are not always ready to use when you need them. They require regular inspection, testing and maintenance to ensure that they are in good working condition and have enough pressure and agent to extinguish a fire.
In this article, we will explain why fire extinguishers need routine maintenance, what are the different types of fire extinguishers and their maintenance requirements, and how to perform a basic inspection of your fire extinguishers at home or in your workplace.
Key Takeaways
- Fire extinguishers need routine maintenance to ensure that they are operable, effective and safe to use in case of a fire emergency.
- Different types of fire extinguishers have different maintenance requirements depending on their extinguishing agent, pressure system and usage frequency.
- Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly by the owner or user, and annually by a certified fire equipment dealer or fire protection company.
- Fire extinguishers should be recharged after each use or when the pressure gauge indicates low pressure, and hydrostatically tested every 5 to 12 years depending on the type of extinguisher.
- Fire extinguishers should be replaced if they are damaged, corroded, expired or recalled by the manufacturer.
Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Maintenance Requirements
Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they can put out. There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each with a different extinguishing agent and color code. Some fire extinguishers are multipurpose and can be used on more than one type of fire.
| Type | Color Code | Extinguishing Agent | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Green | Water or foam | Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth, rubber and plastic |
| B | Red | Carbon dioxide or dry chemical | Fires involving flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline, oil, paint, solvents and grease |
| C | Blue | Carbon dioxide or dry chemical | Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as appliances, tools, wires and outlets |
| D | Yellow | Dry powder | Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium and potassium |
| K | Black | Wet chemical | Fires involving cooking oils and fats such as vegetable oil, animal fat and grease |
Different types of fire extinguishers have different maintenance requirements depending on their pressure system and usage frequency. The following table summarizes the general maintenance schedule for common types of fire extinguishers.
| Type | Pressure System | Usage Frequency | Maintenance Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water or foam (A) | Stored pressure or cartridge-operated | Low to moderate | Monthly inspection by owner/user; annual maintenance by certified dealer; 5-year hydrostatic test; 6-year internal examination (for stored pressure); 12-year hydrostatic test (for cartridge-operated) |
| Carbon dioxide (B,C) | Cartridge-operated | Low to moderate | Monthly inspection by owner/user; annual maintenance by certified dealer; 5-year hydrostatic test; 12-year hydrostatic test |
| Dry chemical (B,C) or dry powder (D) | Stored pressure or cartridge-operated | Low to high | Monthly inspection by owner/user; annual maintenance by certified dealer; 6-year internal examination (for stored pressure); 12-year hydrostatic test |
| Wet chemical (K) | Stored pressure or cartridge-operated | Moderate to high | Monthly inspection by owner/user; annual maintenance by certified dealer; 5-year hydrostatic test; 6-year internal examination (for stored pressure); 12-year hydrostatic test (for cartridge-operated) |
How to Perform a Basic Inspection of Your Fire Extinguishers
A basic inspection of your fire extinguishers is a simple and quick procedure that you can do yourself every month. It involves checking the following aspects of your fire extinguishers:
- Location: Make sure that your fire extinguishers are in their designated places and easily accessible. They should not be blocked by furniture, doors, or other objects. They should also be visible or have signs indicating their location.
- Label: Make sure that you can read all the text and safety information on the label. The label should indicate the type, rating, capacity, and instructions of the fire extinguisher. It should also have a UL Listed or ULC Listed mark to show that it is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Pressure gauge: Make sure that the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position. The gauge should have a green zone indicating the optimal pressure level. If the gauge is pointing to the red zone, it means that the fire extinguisher is undercharged or overcharged and needs to be recharged by a certified dealer.
- Weight: Make sure that the fire extinguisher is full by lifting it or weighing it. The weight of the fire extinguisher should match the weight indicated on the label. If the fire extinguisher feels lighter than it should be, it means that it has lost some of its agent and needs to be recharged by a certified dealer.
- Physical condition: Make sure that the fire extinguisher is free from any damage or corrosion. Check the cylinder, nozzle, hose, handle, pin and seal for any cracks, dents, leaks or rust. If the fire extinguisher is wet or dirty, clean or dry it to prevent corrosion. If the fire extinguisher is damaged or corroded, replace it with a new one.
- Tamper indicator: Make sure that the tamper indicator or safety seal is intact and not broken. The tamper indicator or safety seal is a plastic or metal device that prevents the pin from being pulled accidentally. If the tamper indicator or safety seal is broken, it means that someone has used or tampered with the fire extinguisher and it needs to be inspected by a certified dealer.
When you perform a basic inspection of your fire extinguishers, you should record the following information:
- The date and time of the inspection
- The name of the person conducting the inspection
- The location and type of the fire extinguisher
- The results of the inspection and any actions taken
You can record this information on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, or on a paper or electronic log. You should keep these records for at least 12 months.
Conclusion
Fire extinguishers are vital devices that can help you protect yourself and your property from fire. However, fire extinguishers are not always ready to use when you need them. They require regular inspection, testing and maintenance to ensure that they are in good working condition and have enough pressure and agent to extinguish a fire.
By following the maintenance requirements for different types of fire extinguishers and performing a basic inspection of your fire extinguishers every month, you can ensure that your fire extinguishers are operable, effective and safe to use in case of a fire emergency.
