No one has to convince you of the importance of properly maintaining all the fire extinguishers in your place of business. To that end, you have set up a schedule for regular inspections. While that’s an excellent suggestion, some spot checking in between those formal inspections is also a good idea. Here are five aspects about those extinguishers that you should keep in mind at all times.
Dents Rust or Leakage
When you make those casual checks of each co2 fire extinguisher, pay close attention to the general condition of the body. Do you see any dents, even minor ones? How about any rust on the body or at any of the spots where the hoses attach? Are there any signs that the contents are leaking out of the tank? If so, it’s time to call a professional and see whether the extinguisher can be repaired or if a replacement is in order.
The Condition of the Pin
The last thing you want to see is that a pin has been removed or damaged, and the tamper seal is broken. You have no way of knowing if the extinguisher has been used or if someone handled it and didn’t realize the importance of the pin and the seal. Since you want the extinguisher to work properly in the event of a fire, don’t take any chances. Have a professional examine the extinguisher, confirm it’s still fit for use, and have the pro replace the pin and the seal.
The Amount of Pressure in the Extinguisher
Do you know how to read the pressure gauges on all the extinguishers? If not, now is the time to learn. Having the pressure checked on a regular basis lets you know if the unit will work as it should during an emergency. Remember that the tank can lose pressure event when there is no evidence of outside tampering or damage. If the pressure reading is too low, call a professional at once.
Problems with the Nozzle
Does there appear to be any matter collected on the nozzle? Do you notice any dents or other damage? If so, the nozzle may not work properly when you need it the most. Calling a professional and arranging to have the nozzle replaced rather than waiting for the next full inspection is a smart move.
The Area Around Each Extinguisher
Along with checking the extinguisher proper, don’t forget to take a look at the area immediately around it. There should be nothing that would prevent employees from getting to the extinguisher with ease if a fire does break out. Anything that has been stacked or placed in the area and could make it harder to reach the unit must be moved to another location as quickly as possible.
Remember that you are never alone when it comes to the proper care, maintenance, and replacement of your company’s fire extinguishers. A local expert in fire protection services will be happy to help keep everything in top working order. With the aid of that expert, you can rest easy knowing that there is always equipment on hand to keep the fire under control until your employees can get out of the building safely.
