Your building’s fire extinguisher should be inspected at least once a year to ensure that it’s functioning properly and ready for use in a fire emergency.
Fire extinguishers are essential fire safety tools used as the first line of defense in a commercial building fire, helping contain the flames before they spread. Your building’s fire extinguisher should be inspected at least once a year to ensure that it’s functioning properly and ready for use in a fire emergency. Continue reading to identify three reasons you should have your building’s fire extinguishers inspected.
Detect Damage
One of the most significant reasons to have your building’s fire extinguisher inspected is to detect any damage. Although fire extinguishers are durable pieces of fire safety equipment, they can deteriorate over time and accumulate damage in hard-to-see areas causing them to be ineffective during a fire emergency. For instance, the interior of fire extinguishers can become corroded, gradually weakening the cylinder’s integrity. Listed below are visible signs of damage to your fire extinguisher:
- Dents
- Corrosion/rust
- Damaged hoses
- Broken/loose handles
- Faded instruction manual
Detect Leaks
Often leaks in fire extinguishers can be challenging to detect without a thorough inspection. Leaks typically occur due to pressure changes in your extinguisher’s tank rendering it useless in a fire emergency. Regularly checking the pressure gauge on your building’s fire extinguisher can help you detect pressure changes. If the pressure is too high or low, you should contact a professional to have your fire extinguisher serviced.
Detect a Hose Blockage
Inspecting your building’s fire extinguisher is also key for helping detect blockages in its hose. Over time debris can accumulate inside the hose compromising its functionality. Not only can your fire extinguisher’s hose experience clogs, but its O-rings can deteriorate, leaving your extinguisher impaired. Without a functioning hose, it is difficult for fire extinguishers to properly discharge fluid onto fires in a fire emergency, putting a building and its occupants in danger. It’s important to have your extinguisher’s hose inspected periodically, and the debris cleared to prevent this issue.
Contact Chesapeake Sprinkler Company Today!
Chesapeake Sprinkler Company is a leading fire sprinkler contractor in the region. As a full-service fire protection company, we offer design, fabrication, installation, testing, maintenance, and inspection of fire protection systems. Everything you need from your fire suppression specialist.
For more information, please email or call our Odenton location at 410-674-7041, our Ashburn location at 703-729-5150, or for service/maintenance Chesapeake Protection Services at 410-674-7577. For emergencies, call 800-298-3473 (FIRE). Feel free to keep in touch through Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!