Not all fire extinguishers you see installed in different places work properly. A report says nearly 30% of all fire extinguishers used are either not functional or in good condition. It is very risky to use such fire equipment as that will offer minimal safety. Therefore, it is important to conduct Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections diligently to avert fire hazard and consequential damage.
The most significant reason to conduct such inspections is to ensure the equipment will work just as you want it to during the moment of emergency. It is also required to meet compliance standards and set standards of fire safety within your home or workplace to avoid legal hassles and financial losses.
Steps for Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Check for Physical Damages
Typically, Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections start with a visual inspection of the equipment. Focus on any of the following physical signs:
- Wear and tear
- Leaks
- Rust
- Dents
- Corrosion
Next, check the nozzle and hose of the fire extinguisher along with its handle. Focus on the following specific signs of damage:
- Cracks
- Blockages and
- Damage
If you see any damage in any of these components, make sure you replace them immediately.
Check the Seal and Pin
The next crucial component to check in your fire extinguisher is the tamper seal. Ideally, it should not be broken. If it is, the equipment has been used and needs fire equipment maintenance, replacement or recharging. Call a pro for the same.
Also, check whether the pull pin is intact or not. If it is broken or missing, replace it immediately.
Check the Pressure
Another critical component to check during Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections is the pressure. There is a pressure gauge for all fire extinguishers. Check the gauge to determine whether or not the equipment is charged fully. If it is, the needle of the gauge will point toward the green area. If the needle points to red, you should not use the equipment since the pressure is low.
Ideally, the pressure of a fire extinguisher will not work properly if the pressure is too high or too low. In such conditions, you must call for immediate servicing or replacement.
To inspect fire extinguishers in the workplace, you must check the hydrostatic. According to the make and model of the equipment, there are different intervals of it to maintain. The right hydrostatic level indicates the mechanical and operational integrity of the pressure vessel of the equipment. In simple words, it means the extinguisher can endure high pressures. Though it does not need frequent replacement, it is good to check it during your monthly inspections.
Check the Weight
Check the weight of the fire extinguisher as well during your monthly inspection. If you are not sure about the desired weight, check the label. You can check the weight of the equipment by lifting it. If you feel it is lighter, it indicates that some of the reagents within are lost. In such a situation, the equipment will not work as it should. Once again, call a professional for a complete servicing or replacement.
The Final Step
The eventual step of Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections involves recording all your findings during the process along with the date. If there are any issues, you should contact a professional and remedy the same. In the case of a workplace, you may communicate the issues to the relevant department to arrange for a certified professional to do what is needed.
If a certified professional conducts the inspection, make sure that you keep a note of the name of the person, the date, and preferably the issues noticed. This will help you maintain a log of monthly inspections for the ultimate safety of your property and the functionality of the equipment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, checking fire extinguishers is more than a regulatory requirement. It is essential to ensure the functionality and safety of the equipment. The process includes much more than checking physical damages and conditions. It includes checking pressure, sealing, and more to ensure the reliability of the fire extinguisher.
Usually carried out by certified professionals, you can also follow the simple steps above to do the initiate checking, following the guidelines for monthly inspections. It is an effective way to reduce the risk of the equipment failing and protect your home, employees in the workplace, or whoever is concerned.
