Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection Performed By A Licensed Technician
With an annual fire extinguisher inspection, you improve the safety of your business.
Fire extinguishers in businesses serve a key safety role. They not only save lives, but property as well. In businesses, extinguishers must be inspected annually by a licensed technician working for a licensed company. They should be listed on the State Fire Marshal’s website. Only companies with up-to-date insurance and licensed technicians are approved. Focus Fire Pro has the licensed technicians that you need.
The life cycle for dry extinguishers (ABC type), is 12 years. These extinguishers can be visually inspected for years 1 though 5 and years 7 through 11. On the 6th and 12th years of the life cycle, it must be disassembled and serviced.
What Happens In An Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection?
The annual visual inspection consists of the following:
The pressure gauge is checked to ensure correct discharge.
They make sure the operating instructions are legible.
It’s checked for dents or damage.
It’s checked for rust or corrosion.
The hanging bracket is checked to make sure it’s secure.
The tech removes and inspects the hose to make sure it’s free from obstructions.
Your tech removes and inspects the handle pull pin for rust or damage. The pin is replaced and secured with a breakable tamper proof seal.
The handle assembly is inspected for damage or rust.
If it passes, the technician will affix a service tag on the extinguisher.
If the technician finds any deficiency, a repair must be performed or the extinguisher is replaced.
The 6-Year Inspection:
The extinguisher must go through the same annual visual checks as listed above, but also must go through the following service:
It’s disassembled and the chemical removed to allow for an internal inspection. If there is any foreign material, it must be removed if possible. If the chemical appears contaminated, it must be replaced.
The valve and O-ring on the handle assembly must be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Once the tech reassembles it, they set the pressure to the manufacturer’s specifications with nitrogen or some other compatible inert gas. It’s then checked for leaks.
The 12-Year Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection
The 12-year inspection is the same as the 6-year except for the following:
The empty extinguisher cylinder must undergo a hydrostatic test. The cylinder is filled with water and tested to 3 times the normal operating pressure and held for a specific time. If it passes, the cylinder is certified for another 12 years.
Then, the life cycle starts over again with year 1.
After each inspection, the proper tags, labels, service collars and tamper proof seals must be affixed to the extinguisher. This serves as proof of inspection to both the business owner and the Fire Marshal or the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
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