Capable of putting out small fires utilizing firefighting agents, a fire extinguisher is a handheld, portable piece of safety equipment commonly found in everything from residences to industrial facilities. These devices are available in multiple sizes to accommodate various fire classes and fuel types. To effectively safeguard people, machinery, and property, however, it’s critical that you properly maintain all extinguishers for reliable fire suppression.

Importance of Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Fire extinguishers are only an effective fire safety solution if they’re in working order, ready to use at a moment’s notice. In the event of a fire, a nonfunctioning fire extinguisher could be the worst-case scenario for your commercial or industrial facility. Routine maintenance will help ensure your extinguishers will perform as expected when you need them most.

Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

To properly maintain your devices for continued and reliable functionality, you or a fire extinguisher services provider should regularly evaluate the following as part of your fire extinguisher maintenance checklist:

  • Carry out visual inspections each month. A correctly functioning fire extinguisher can prevent a small fire from reaching catastrophic levels. So, how often do you inspect fire extinguishers? Doing a basic visual check of the components of your fire extinguishers each month allows you to maintain and proactively repair or replace them. This helps ensure that you won’t end up with a malfunctioning or empty extinguisher at a critical moment. Some examples of what to look for include:
    • Are any components missing?
    • Is there any evidence of rust or part corrosion?
    • Do you need to clean any pressure gauges or valves of dirt for improved visibility or performance?
    • Does the extinguisher body have any scratches, dents, or other visual imperfections?
    • Is the extinguisher pin intact?
    • Is the wand or nozzle of your wet chemical fire extinguisher damaged or dirty?
    • If you have a CO2 extinguisher, is the horn cracked?
    • Has the extinguisher cover or cabinet sustained any visible damage?
    • Do you see any signs of use, requiring you to refill your extinguisher or replace it?
    • Is there any evidence of leaks?
  • Review extinguisher pressure gauges, seals, and hoses. Periodically checking a fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge to see if its pressure is in the green or red zone will help you determine if the device is fully charged or if it requires servicing or replacement. Similarly, it’s important to evaluate your extinguisher’s tamper seals and hoses to verify that they’re intact and correctly holding pressure levels within the device. Any splitting or fraying could result in leaks, pressure loss, and ineffective operation.
  • Check for fire safety regulatory compliance. Regulatory bodies and local authorities typically require companies to have sufficient and functioning fire safety and suppression equipment on-site. Carrying out routine inspections and maintenance programs helps your business adhere to the stipulations of local fire safety codes, avoiding legal ramifications and costly fines.
  • Review labels for maximum legibility and visibility. While inspecting fire extinguisher components for damage is critical, easy-to-read labels are equally essential. Dirty, torn, or illegible labels impair your ability to read the device’s operating instructions and quickly discharge it during an emergency. All labels should face out for easy viewing.
  • Ensure optimal extinguisher locations and signage throughout your facility. Even perfectly maintained fire extinguishers won’t do you any good if you can’t locate them when a fire breaks out. Use signage to make sure yours are highly visible, and place them throughout your property. The right number of extinguishers for your business will depend on your property size as well as the likelihood of fires. Proper signage will also aid in quick identification if you have multiple types of extinguishers for handling different types of fires.

Partnering with an experienced fire extinguisher services provider will help safeguard your assets, making sure your extinguishers are in optimal shape and ready to use when the worst happens.

Fire Extinguisher Services From Jorgensen Co.

At Jorgensen Co., we provide an array of fire extinguisher services and fire safety products to clients in Central California. Our team offers peace of mind, ensuring your fire extinguishers comply with local regulations and are ready to protect the safety of your property and personnel.

Our certified technicians are backed by more than 90 years of industry experience. Capable of working on multiple fire extinguisher brands, we can help you maintain, test, and repair your extinguishers for reliable performance. Also, Jorgensen Co. uses environmentally friendly fire simulators to offer OSHA-compliant on-site training and education programs to benefit your staff.

Ready to learn more about how our team can support fire safety in your operation? Contact us for more information or request service today.

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