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How Often Should You Service Fire Extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers are one of the most important safety tools in any home, office, or public space.  You might often install them and forget about them until there’s an emergency. But the truth is just like any other safety device fire extinguishers also need regular so we’re trying to make sure that they work properly when you need them the most. In this guide you can learn everything about how often you should service your fire extinguishers.

Why do fire extinguishers matter?

Imagine there’s a small fire and you just rush to grab the fire extinguisher only to find that it’s empty or doesn’t work. That’s a nightmare no one wants to experience. Fire extinguishing services help you ensure that it’s fully charged and ready to use and also check for any damage or leaks, replace expired or faulty parts and also comply with safety laws. Regular servicing is not just about safety measures, it’s all about a legal requirement in many countries and for business.

different types of extinguisher checks

Visual inspection is to make sure that the extinguisher is completely visible, not damaged and also in good condition. A basic annual service is done through a certified inspection then the person will check the inside of the extinguisher and out to ensure it works correctly. A deep inspection might also be done every 5 to 10 years which is all about emptying the extinguisher pressure testing and also refilling it.

How often should you service your fire extinguishers?

Monthly checks should be done by a staff member or someone assigned as the fire safety officer. You need to look for the extinguisher clearly visible and easy to reach is the pressure gauge in the Green Zone are there any signs of damage or leakage. The simple monthly check can help you catch small problems early before they become serious. Annual servicing should be done by a trained expert. It includes full inspection of the cylinder and the nozzle paying the extinguisher to check if it’s still full and also checking for internal corrosion or blockage. It’s all about adding a service tag or report. Annual servicing is mandatory for businesses, offices and public buildings.

Extended services are done every 5 to 10 years. It is especially important for water or powder extinguishers as it should be discharged, tested and refilled every five years. Carbon dioxide extinguishers need a pressure test and internal check every 10 years. During extended service the technician will completely empty the extinguisher, inspect the insider corrosion or wear or replace old parts and refill to recharge it.

For home use is servicing still important?

yes while homes don’t usually follow strict regulations like businesses do but you should do a monthly visual check. Professionally serviced once a year or at least every two years. You need to replace the extinguisher if it’s way more than just 10 or 12 years old even if unused. Some home fire extinguishers are completely disposable and cannot be refilled. If that’s the case follow manufacturers instructions or go for complete replacement.

So above all you need to know that fire extinguishers are simple tools but they can save lives and property during emergencies. Regular servicing ensures that they are always ready when you need them the most.

10 Causes of House Fire

Introduction

This is the most common reason for a house fire. It is advisable to always switch off the main knob of the gas cylinder whenever it’s not used and keep children away from that. If you smell gas leakage, then urgently bring to someone’s notice.

Electrical Appliances

Electrical heaters, geysers and grills are good to go appliances and can also lead to a house fire. Be careful when there are any fluctuations in voltage. Moreover, keep fabrics away from them.

Candles

Aromatic candles are quite common to soothe one’s mind, but when left unchecked may cause mis-happening. Keep them away from your bed on a suitable surface. Never lighten them when you are outside your home.

Smoking

Smoking is not just injurious to one’s health, but can also cause house fires. It just needs a single stray ash to ignite furniture and cloth. So try to avoid doing it inside your home.

Christmas Tree

Be it artificial or natural trees, both pose an equal risk of catching fire. Dried leaves just need a tiny flicker to ignite the whole house while the electrical bulbs of an artificial tree need a voltage fluctuation. So never let them on when you are not at home.

Faulty Wiring

It is quite common when you just renovated your house or shifted to a newer one. Faulty wiring further increases the chance of catching fire whenever there is voltage fluctuation. So get them checked by a licensed electrician.

Barbecues

Having barbecues is fun, but it should not be inside your home. Keep it away from clothes and plants. Clean it regularly.


Also read :Common Electrical Panel Problems and How to Solve Them

Flammable Liquids

Flammable liquids further increase the chances of a house fire. It is advisable to store them properly and away from children.

Ignorance

Yes, knowing everything but still behaving like a fool is another reason. So be smart and take all the guidelines seriously.