- Make sure the extinguisher is easily accessible and not obstructed.
- Check for any damage like dents, cracks or rust to the outside of the extinguisher.
- If the extinguisher is equipped with a gauge, make sure the needle is pointing to the green “charged” portion of the dial.
How do you service a fire extinguisher?
Remove the hose and check the threads
, inspect the hose for cracks or splits, and inspect the condition of the discharge horn. Check the valve opening for powder or any foreign matter. Remove the extinguisher seal and locking pin and check the upper and lower handles. Replace the locking pin and reseal the extinguisher.
How do you maintain a fire extinguisher at home?
- Ensure Easy Access. Make sure the extinguisher is visible and easy to retrieve.
- Check the Pressure. Many fire extinguishers have a pressure gauge that indicates whether the device is in the proper operating range. …
- Look for Physical Damage. …
- Clean the Extinguisher.
How do you store and maintain a fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers should never be store near heat sources such as stoves, generators, or fireplaces. Extinguishers should be kept in
temperatures between -40 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit
to avoid serious damage to the hose, valve, or tank.
What is fire extinguisher maintenance?
Maintenance is
a “thorough check” of the extinguisher
. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing of an extinguisher.
How do I know if a fire extinguisher is still good?
Rubin recommends
checking the pressure gauge monthly
. “If the needle is in the green area, it’s functional,” he says. If it falls anywhere else, the extinguisher is unreliable and should be serviced or replaced. For an older model without a gauge, have it checked by a pro.
Should homes have fire extinguishers?
Yes
, provided you know when and how to use it. Fire extinguishers can be a small but important part of the home fire safety plan. They can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or suppressing it until the fire department arrives. … Remember, lives are more important than property.
Can anyone service a fire extinguisher?
In California, fire extinguisher service companies and technicians
are required to be licensed by the State Fire Marshal
and all service procedures are to be in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Chapter 3.
How often do you need to service a fire extinguisher?
Extinguishers need to have an internal examination conducted at anywhere from
1-6 year intervals
depending on the type of extinguisher. For example, a dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher must have an internal examination every 6 years, see NFPA 10 Table 7.3.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be replaced?
Even in pristine condition, a fire extinguisher should be replaced
every 12 years
and may need to be recharged after 6. Anyone who lights candles, cooks often or just has matches in the house can benefit from a nearby fire extinguisher. But they are absolute must-haves in certain situations.
Should you shake fire extinguisher?
Some manufacturers recommend shaking your
dry chemical extinguishers once a month
to prevent the powder from settling/packing. Fire extinguishers should be pressure tested (a process called hydrostatic testing) after a number of years to ensure that the cylinder is safe to use.
Do fire extinguishers have to be stored upright?
A modern fire extinguisher can be
stored horizontally
. The contents are under pressure, and the angle of storage will not cause the system to leak. Proper fire extinguisher storage includes using the appropriate mounting brackets, and being sure that you do not allow your extinguishers to freeze.
Where is the best place to keep a fire extinguisher?
- The Kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most common places to find a fire extinguisher in any home, and it’s easy to see why. …
- Near Sources of Heat. …
- Each floor of your home. …
- The Garage. …
- The Bedrooms.
What happens if you use an expired fire extinguisher?
However, your fire extinguisher will only work well if it has not reached its date of expiration. Like every other thing you know, a fire extinguisher can expire. Unfortunately, not everyone knows this. When left unused for far too long,
the extinguisher tends to lose its ability to extinguish fires
.
How long does a 10 lb fire extinguisher last?
The approximate discharge time for 10 to 20 pounds of dry chemical ranges from
10 to 25 seconds
.
How much does it cost to recharge a fire extinguisher?
A single recharge typically costs
between $15 and $25
. Depending on the size and original cost of your extinguisher, a recharge may be more budget-friendly than buying a new extinguisher.
