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How Soon Do I Need to Fix Problems with Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets?

Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in first aid fire-fighting during life-and-death situations, protecting life and property from large-scale destruction. However, they are often ignored and left to decay in a corner inside the fire extinguisher cabinets. They might not be in your use, but a deteriorating and neglected fire extinguisher is no less dangerous than an uncontrollable fire. 

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has designed codes under NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers in order to avoid any unforeseen situation due to threats like fire. According to the NFPA, the fire extinguishers and extinguisher cabinets should be inspected every month for any signs of damage and tampering to resolve them as soon as they are detected. 

All portable fire extinguishers should be annually checked: 5-year hydrostatic test on water-based extinguishers (to confirm that the system is free of leaks) and a 12-year hydrostatic test on stored-pressure and dry chemical fire extinguishers.

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Safety Checks

 

Hopefully, you might not need to use your fire extinguisher, but fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection is necessary and should be performed by professional fire extinguisher technicians. It should include cleaning and lubricating, refilling, and checking for the safety pin – all these tasks should be carried by a competent, experienced, and trained person in the relevant field – to ensure the safety of people and surrounding. 

 

Since it concerns the safety of people and property, fire extinguisher maintenance should be carried out by a company that is competent, has individuals with relevant credentials so that you get the best service that you expect. 

 

These are some of the alarming signs that warn you to get your fire extinguishers checked before this life-saving device results in a mishap or calamity:

 

  • leaks – changes in the internal pressure can cause the fire extinguishers to leak
  • tampering – any sign of damage on the outer shell, or an unsealed or missing safety seal
  • hose blockage – any signs of potential hose blockage, vitiating functionality
  • wear to inspection labels – a faded or missing label would make it difficult for service technicians to know when the last service took place
  • broken handle – this would make the fire extinguisher difficult to use 
  • corrosion – exposure to a moist environment can cause the valves and nozzle to malfunction
  • broken or loose components – an area with heavy machinery causes vibration, making the extinguishers component lose 

     
Fire Extinguisher Service

To protect your fire extinguishers from damage and failure, you should get them regularly checked by certified professionals. Ace Fire Protection, a New-York and New Jersey-based company, is a one-stop solution to all your extinguisher products and services needs. From maintenance of fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher cabinets to installation and recommendations – they take care of it all.

If you observe any of these warning signs discussed in this article, or if it’s time for the yearly inspection, call them today to attend to your fire extinguisher needs!