Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Whether in the office or at home, one of the most important concerns that we must take into account is safety. It is so easy to get caught up in the external appearance of these spaces, so we tend to pay more attention to furniture and appliances and inadvertently forget about safety issues. One of the things that we should remember to do is to purchase a fire extinguisher and keep it in an area which is easily accessible without being too obtrusive to the surroundings.

Some buildings, particularly those used for commercial purposes, are more likely to pay attention to fire safety regulations because they undergo regular inspections that allow them to keep operating. They need to comply with specific laws set in either their city or state, which is why they undergo regular fire extinguisher maintenance as well. For those who are not subjected to regular checks, though, it is very easy to forget about these concerns.

Many families do not have fire extinguishers inside their homes, and a good percentage of those who do are not very knowledgeable on how to operate these. Furthermore, not everyone knows about the different types of fire extinguishers and when these should be used. For example, there are specific types of extinguishers that may be used in fires which involve electrical devices, while others are better suited for regular items such as wood or paper. There are also some types of extinguishers that can be used for most purposes, but the dry powder extinguisher, for instance, is not advisable in enclosed areas. The lack of awareness of such valuable information can definitely lead to serious problems in the event of an accident.

There are also some offices and homes where fire extinguishers are present and there is actually someone who knows how to operate them. However, it is possible that these extinguishers have been sitting there for ages, been moved around without the proper care, and have never been checked since the purchase date. There is a good chance that these extinguishers are no longer able to function as well as they should. If there are dents in the devices or the pressure is no longer set at the optimum level, you may experience real problems in the event of an actual fire. It is therefore necessary to make a conscious effort not just to have a fire extinguisher on hand, but to see to it that fire extinguisher maintenance measures are taken as well.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Tips

The first step to maintaining your fire extinguisher is storing it in a cool, dry place where you can easily see it, while of course, making sure that it does not obstruct movement. It should also be kept away from children or pets who can either play with it or knock it over.

You should also make sure that everyone in the family has read and understood the manufacturer’s instructions. These come with the unit and should give everyone an idea of the basics of keeping the unit in the right working condition. Better yet, you should undergo a short fire marshall course in order to understand how to operate a fire extinguisher properly, as well as gain additional knowledge on what to do in the event of a fire. After all, improper use of a fire extinguisher can lead to the damage of the unit. More importantly, you might not be able to fight fire efficiently in the event that one does break out.
Another thing you must remember is to ensure that the fire extinguisher has been charged. You simply have to make sure that there is adequate pressure in the unit. You will also have to check your fire extinguisher for any unwanted marks. Examples of these are scratches, rust, and dents. It is easy to pass these off as minor defects which will not affect the performance of the unit, but you cannot discount the possibility that these may cause complications when you finally have to use the fire extinguisher. You will also have to make sure that the pin is in the correct position and is secured with the help of the seal. It is always better to be sure that your unit is in the best possible condition, as this can make all the difference between being able to save life and property and a complete disaster.

Familiarize yourself with your fire extinguisher. Many fire extinguishers are composed of substances that may settle after going unused for a long period of time. It is for this reason that you have to shake the unit every so often. Shaking the fire extinguisher at least once a month is usually sufficient to ensure that the chemicals are mixed well and can perform their intended function when you use the unit.

Fire extinguisher maintenance also involves immediate recharging after use. Even if you have only used it once and are sure that there is still quite a lot left in the unit, you will have to get a refill immediately after. Furthermore, you will have to make sure that the correct pressure registers on the dial. Another option would be to replace the entire fire extinguisher altogether. You just have to make sure that all of this is done as soon as possible, because you never know when the need for it will arise.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Help

You are in the best position to maintain your fire extinguisher, especially since it is quite easy to follow the aforementioned tips. However, there are some things that you will probably be unable to do on your own. It is for this reason that you should get your fire extinguisher checked and serviced by an authorized company on an annual basis. Whether you are maintaining you units for home or office use, it is always a good idea to have a fire inspection done by a trained expert.

As an additional precaution, you might also want to check with the same company if they are authorized to conduct fire training sessions. By making sure that you do your part as well as get professional fire extinguisher maintenance, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your family, colleagues, and property are kept as safe as possible.