5 Benefits of Inspecting Fire Extinguishers Regularly
Fire extinguishers are an essential safety equipment in all types of buildings, whether it’s a residential, commercial or industrial setting. In the event of a fire, they can be the first line of defence to prevent the fire from spreading and causing significant damage or harm to people. However, it’s not enough to simply have fire extinguishers in place. They must be regularly inspected by an fire extinguisher repair expert to ensure they are functioning correctly and are ready to use in case of an emergency. Here’s why:
Compliance with Regulations
Fire extinguishers are required by law in most jurisdictions, and they must be in good working order and comply with safety regulations. Regular inspections by qualified professionals ensure that fire extinguishers are up to code and meet the safety standards set by the authorities. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to legal penalties, fines or even closure of the facility.
Early Detection of Damage or Defects
Fire extinguishers can become damaged or defective over time, and regular inspections can detect these issues early on. The inspection should include checking for any signs of corrosion, dents, leaks or other visible damage that could affect the performance of the extinguisher. If any damage is found, the extinguisher should be immediately replaced or repaired to ensure it’s ready to use in case of an emergency.
Verification of Pressure and Contents
Fire extinguishers work by expelling a chemical agent under high pressure to extinguish a fire. However, over time, the pressure in the extinguisher can decrease or the contents can settle, rendering the extinguisher ineffective. Regular inspections verify that the pressure is within the recommended range and that the contents have not settled or expired. This ensures that the extinguisher will be effective in case of a fire.
Maintenance and Recharging
Even if the fire extinguisher has not been used, it still needs to be maintained and recharged periodically by an expert offering fire extinguisher repair near me. Regular inspections can identify any maintenance needs, such as replacing seals, valves or hoses.
If the extinguisher has been discharged, it must be recharged promptly to ensure it’s ready to use in case of an emergency. Only qualified professionals should perform maintenance and recharging to ensure the extinguisher is functioning correctly and safely.
Ensuring Accessibility and Visibility
Fire extinguishers must be easily accessible and visible to occupants in case of a fire. Regular inspections can ensure that the fire extinguisher installation near me is done at the proper location and the device is not obstructed by furniture, equipment or other objects. In addition, the inspection should verify that the extinguisher is visible, properly labelled, and that the signage is clearly visible.
Regular inspections of fire extinguishers are critical for the safety of the occupants and the protection of the property. A qualified expert should perform inspections on a regular basis for a nominal fire extinguisher service cost, typically annually, to ensure the fire extinguishers are ready to use in case of an emergency.
The author is working at a recognised fire extinguisher repair company that offers inspection, installation and maintenance of high quality fire extinguishers. He has several years of experience in this field of work. To know more, visit https://www.majesticfire.com.au/