How to Properly Maintain a Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Routine

Everyone feels comfortable knowing there are fire extinguishers in their workplace or home,but a fire extinguisher will not perform well if it’s not properly maintained. That's why checking your fire extinguisher monthly is necessary for a business as well as a home. It’s something that you can easily do within a few minutes.

Almost 95% of all small fires are stopped by portable fire extinguishers. A monthly inspection will ensure the fire extinguishers will operate properly in the event of an emergency.

Unlike annual maintenance checking, which needs to be performed by a costly fire &security service, the monthly service for fire extinguishers is just a quick visual inspection that does not require special tools or expensive services. The inspection for a fire extinguishershould be performed on all portable fire extinguishers in your homeand office.

How do you inspect a fire extinguisher?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected every month. You will just need to check the four following points:

1. Fire Extinguisher Accessibility

You should make sure that your fire extinguishers can be easily reached and easily seen. There should be no obstruction or furniture blocking the extinguisher from view or hinder anyone’s ability to reach it. Also, verify that it is in its specially designated bracket or a glass cabinet.

2. Fire Extinguisher Pressure Gauge

Next, you have to make sure that fire extinguishers are properly charged by inspecting the pressure gauge. Check the needle to seeif the pressure gauge indicates over pressurized or overcharged. You can contact a professionalservice for fire extinguishers to get it either replaced or recharged if it’s not in the “green zone”. Over time, fire extinguishers automatically lose pressure but it shouldn’t be a problem unless it’s been damaged just like a car’s tire.

3. Fire Extinguisher Inspection Tag

Finally check the inspection tag and look to see when it had its last maintenance inspection. Professional inspections should be done at least once a year.

4. Physical Condition

Next, you need to check the visual inspection of its physical condition.

> There are no punctures, dents, or other damages to the cylinder.
> The nozzle is free of leaks, and the hose is free of cracks.
> The connection between the cylinder and its hose is secure and tight.
> There is no corrosion or rust, especially on the metal elements.

If you find any problems, you should get your local fire extinguisher inspection and service provider to come and replace them.

Need Help?

Whenever you have a question aboutfire extinguisher inspections or services call your local fire extinguisher service provider or callAmerica’s Fire Shieldat (888)-627-9394.