Ensuring Fire Safety: The Vital Importance of Proper Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

You’ve seen it a million times in movies and TV shows – a small fire breaks out, and a heroic character grabs a Fire Extinguisher and puts out the flames before they can grow larger. But here is the problem: in the real world, if the Fire Extinguisher isn’t properly maintained and charged when our hero grabs it, it won’t work.

In 2021, $16 billion worth of damage was caused by fire, a 50.7% jump since 2012, and Deaths reached 3,800, an increase of 24.4% since 2012, according to FEMA records. While you always have to use your best judgment when using a Fire Extinguisher, this is one instance when knowing that it works properly could mean the difference between life and death.

As a facility manager, you must worry about all these problems at scale. Whether you are responsible for five stores or 10,000 restaurants, having a Fire and Life Safety provider you trust to help you ensure your sites are all up to code is essential. Let’s dive into what a fire extinguisher service interval looks like for clients to keep them compliant.

Why, When, and How are these services performed?

• First, the code requires a monthly visual inspection to make sure the Fire Extinguisher is not damaged, a check of the gauge to ensure it is in the “green” and properly charged and is accessible.
• Next, it is mandatory that ALL Fire Extinguishers are maintained every year. This ensures that the extinguisher will perform at peak performance in the event of a fire.
• Every five years, all Class K and Carbon Dioxide extinguishers should be hydro-statically tested to ensure the cylinder’s integrity.
• Every extinguisher that is eligible for a 12-year hydrostatic test is due for a “6-year maintenance” every six years.
• Every 12 years, a hydrostatic test should be performed on the following extinguishers:
  • Dry chemical, stored pressure, with mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum shells
  • Dry chemical, cartridge or cylinder-operated, with mild steel shells
  • Halogenated agents
  • Dry powder, cartridge or cylinder-operated with mild steel shells

Do you feel like you can keep track of all those steps for all your facilities? Odds are, probably not. Even if you could, a licensed and trained specialist from a national fire account company would help keep you up to date on the latest code changes and keep detailed records of when these services are performed.

Ensuring reliable Fire Extinguishers across multiple locations or even a single location is no easy feat. With a rise in fire-related risks, a unified fire protection service is crucial. Delivering consistent quality service, a national provider ensures compliance and peace of mind. In a world where the stakes are high, a unified agreement for fire protection becomes a vital safeguard against the unpredictable nature of fires.

© 2023 Commercial Fire. 
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the above blog are the author’s only and provide limited information. Although the information is believed to be reliable, Commercial Fire, LLC expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions. The user of this article is responsible for verifying the information’s accuracy from all available sources. The authority having jurisdiction should be contacted for code interpretations.