You need to perform regular maintenance on your fire extinguishers to ensure that they are working correctly.
It is essential to have proper fire extinguishers in your home or business. Fire extinguishers are an invaluable fire safety resource. But, it is not enough to just have a fire extinguisher in your home. You need to perform regular maintenance on your extinguishers to ensure that they are working correctly and that everyone knows how to operate them. Let’s go over some important fire extinguisher maintenance tips.
Check for Signs of Corrosion
If your fire extinguisher has been sitting under the sink for years, it may likely develop some corrosion or rust build-up. Be sure to check for any signs of damage or leaks in the extinguisher. Even the tiniest leak will render your device useless. It is essential to inspect your fire extinguishers at least once a month to check for any signs of a leak or corrosion.
Shake it Around
When a fire extinguisher sits for a long time, the chemicals inside can settle to the bottom. The worst thing that can happen during a fire is finding out that your fire extinguishers are not functioning. Shake around the dry chemicals in the fire extinguishers once a month to prevent the contents from settling and hardening at the bottom of the canister.
Recharge and Replace
Examine the tamper seal and pin on the fire extinguisher and make sure they are still intact. If they are not, the device will have to be replaced. It is essential that you recharge your extinguishers even after a single use. A fully charged device is imperative to proper fire protection for your home or business.
Ensure Extinguishers are Accessible
Check to make sure that your fire extinguishers are not blocked by equipment, clothing or other objects. If they are, remove those objects immediately. Fire extinguishers must be easily reachable and accessible to every member of your household. Do not place them on high shelves or in the back of closets where they would be difficult to find in an emergency.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Be sure to have a professional fire protection company inspect and service your fire extinguishers. The inspector will thoroughly check the device for any potential issues or damage and will recharge, repair or replace any extinguishers as needed. Your fire extinguisher expert should leave a tag on each device indicating the inspection date and that it has been serviced properly. If you are not given a tag, contact the company and ask them to provide one to you
Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection
If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.