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Fire Extinguisher

Routine maintenance of fire extinguishers is important to ensure they are functional in an emergency. A maintenance check should be performed annually which includes checking that the extinguisher is accessible and undamaged, the gauge or needle is in the green zone, seals and pins are intact, and the nozzle and hose show no signs of damage. Any deficiencies should be addressed by a certified fire extinguisher company who can recharge, repair, or replace extinguishers as needed and attach an inspection tag.

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72 views3 pages

Fire Extinguisher

Routine maintenance of fire extinguishers is important to ensure they are functional in an emergency. A maintenance check should be performed annually which includes checking that the extinguisher is accessible and undamaged, the gauge or needle is in the green zone, seals and pins are intact, and the nozzle and hose show no signs of damage. Any deficiencies should be addressed by a certified fire extinguisher company who can recharge, repair, or replace extinguishers as needed and attach an inspection tag.

Uploaded by

nurshazwani azhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Maintenance procedure and planning


A fire extinguisher's failure can have disastrous effects. By performing routine checks and
maintenance, you can make sure that your extinguisher will be useable when you need it.
The date of the inspection should be written on the back of your annual maintenance tag
attached to each extinguisher. Here’s what to look for:

• 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.
• Make sure the pin and tamper seal are in place and undamaged.
• Check the hose and nozzle (if equipped with one) for obstructions or any signs of
damage or aging.
• Tip the extinguisher upside down to loosen any compacted extinguishing agent.
• Make sure the label is legible and facing out when the extinguisher is mounted.

Contact a certified fire extinguisher maintenance company to check your extinguisher


and make the necessary repairs or replacements if any of these are deficient.

Have extinguishers serviced annually


Make sure the inspection and service are carried out by an established extinguisher
maintenance company. The extinguisher will be thoroughly examined by the inspector for any
of the aforementioned problems, and as necessary, any extinguishers will be recharged,
repaired, or replaced. This inspection should determine whether hydrostatic testing is necessary
(reference the OSHA guide for more info). Each extinguisher should have a tag on it from the
maintenance company that lists the date it was inspected and that it has been properly
maintained. If there isn't a tag, get in touch with the service provider and request one. You don't
want to discover that your fire extinguisher is ineffective in the middle of an emergency. A
simple way to make sure it won't let you down is to have regular inspections and maintenance.

Strategy that company have taken into account before producing their product
You have a responsibility as a business owner to give your employees a secure working
environment. Doing your part to lessen the likelihood of a fire emergency is part of this.
Workplace fires frequently result in expensive repairs and lost revenue, which together cause
a small business to suffer a devastating setback. One of the most frequent and expensive small
business claims, according to reports, is fire. All business owners, whether they run a food
truck, bakery, retail store, or office space, should prioritise fire safety. Use these workplace fire
safety suggestions to keep your staff and company safe.
Have an evacuation strategy
Every workplace or commercial building needs to have an evacuation strategy. However, keep
in mind that even the best-laid plans will be ineffective if only the creator is aware of them.
Make sure that everyone on staff and in the workforce is aware of the evacuation plan and
knows what to do. In case of visibility issues, the plan should specify which exits to use, and
staff members should be aware of how many steps are needed to get there. There should be at
least two exits in every building in case one is blocked. Never ignore the fire alarm when it
goes off. Follow the evacuation plan to the letter.
1. Maintain fire safety equipment
Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinklers should all conduct routine inspections. Any
broken equipment needs to be replaced immediately. Equipment should be kept in a clear,
easily accessible area. Set a calendar reminder to remind you to perform routine maintenance,
or choose a time of year to plan both official inspections and independent upkeep. For instance,
a lot of people remember to change the batteries in their smoke detectors during daylight
savings time.
2. Train your employees
In the workplace, human error is frequently to blame for fires. Kitchen accidents, improperly
storing combustible materials, and improper handling of chemicals are just a few of the
numerous circumstances that could cause a fire. To reduce fire hazards, instruct your staff on
how to use machinery safely as well as how to store and properly dispose of hazardous
materials. Keep your employees engaged by teaching them the value of adhering to safety
procedures. It can lessen irresponsible conduct that might result in an accident.
3. Conduct routine fire drills
Worse things can happen if you panic in a crisis. By conducting fire drills a few times a year,
you can help familiarise your staff with your emergency action plan. Employees can respond
to a fire quickly and calmly with the aid of routine drills. If your employees are aware of where
to go, they will be better able to direct both themselves and others away from your building.
To assess the level of readiness of your staff and address any underlying concerns, think about
conducting surprise fire drills. Ensure that it is treated seriously.
4. Post clear exits and escape routes
Spaces quickly become filled with smoke, making visibility difficult. Locating exits may be
made simpler by illuminated signs. Consider adding floor lighting to help those who must crawl
to safety, especially on main walkways. Make sure exits are marked and post clear escape
routes in various locations throughout your building. These maps can point users in the
direction of detours and make it easier for visitors who are unfamiliar with your building to
find their way to safety.
5. Properly store and dispose of hazardous materials
Your workspace should be designated as the location for flammable supplies like fuels and
solvents. This includes cleaning supplies for offices, which are frequently flammable. Set
standards for the removal of gasoline, flammable solvents, oily rags, and other accelerants.
When handling and discarding these items, employees should use the proper protective gear
and apparatus.
6. Schedule routine equipment maintenance
Regular maintenance should be performed on equipment like computers, machinery, and
appliances. For instance, greasy stoves, dryer vents that are blocked up with lint, and
overheated equipment can all start fires. Keep a record of the equipment you own along with
the dates of each inspection. Make upkeep simpler if you hire a third party to perform your
inspections and maintenance by scheduling your next appointment before they depart.
Scheduling all maintenance appointments at the start of the year is another practical choice.
7. Establish designated smoking areas
Establish a designated smoking area far from your building, inventory, and combustible
materials to prevent fire. To help contain cigarette butts, invest in commercial smoking
receptacles and restrict smoking to a particular area. Away from trash and flammable liquids,
dispose of ashes.

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