Fire Extinguishers

Visually inspect the condition of the extinguisher & all parts to ensure they are operable and will be able to perform as designed if they are needed in case of an emergency.

A properly maintained fire extinguisher can help prevent a disaster. Priority Fire offers mobile fire extinguisher maintenance to help ensure that all extinguishers are always fully functional.

Fire Extinguishers

Priority Fire Equipment can evaluate your fire extinguisher needs based on the risk areas of your building: Fire Extinguishers are divided into four categories – Class A which is for ordinary use such as paper, wood, and most plastics, Class B which is for flammable or combustible liquids like gasoline, kerosene, grease and oil, Class C which is for electrical equipment like with your appliances, outlets, circuit breakers, Class D which is for chemicals – this is typically found in chemistry labs.

Once installed, our trained extinguisher technicians will visually verify every extinguisher on your premises and clearly indicate where it is located, and when it was manufactured and last tested, formulating a list that will be updated yearly. The maintenance coming due for each extinguisher is noted on this list to allow for budgeting.

Types of inspections as required by fire code

  • Visually inspect the condition of the extinguisher & all parts to ensure they are operable and will be able to performed as designed if they are ever needed in an emergency.

    Each extinguisher is confirmed to be the right type for its location and risk. The extinguisher gauge is verified to ensure it is charged to the correct pressure. A complete external examination is done for damage or corrosion.

    The handle, pin and anti tamper seal are verified as intact. The manufacturing date and serial number of the extinguisher is noted to confirm possible maintenance due. The technician signs the tag of each extinguisher to confirm the annual inspection as complete.

  • Every 6 years from the date of manufacture: Involves a detailed inspection of the fire extinguisher. The extinguisher is emptied, and its valve is taken apart and thoroughly cleaned.

    The outside shell of the extinguisher is thoroughly inspected for cracks, leaks or abnormalities. Extinguisher is refilled the valve is reconnected. The extinguisher’s service verification tag is attached, and the date noted for maintenance records.

  • HyroTest of a fire extinguisher is required every 12 years: This test is carried out at a certified testing facility where the integrity of the extinguisher is verified. The test involves filling the extinguisher with pressurized water to confirm there are no leaks.

Fire Hose Inspections – Code Reference

4.3.2. In-service hose intended for occupant use only shall be removed and service-tested as specified in Chapter 7 after the date of manufacture and every 3 years thereafter.
 
4.3.4. In-service hose shall be unracked, unreeled, or unrolled and physically inspected as specified in Section 4-6 at least annually. Hose shall be reracked, rereeled, or rerolled so that any folds do not occur at the same position on the hose.

4.6.1. Physical inspection shall determine that the hose, couplings, and any nozzles have not been vandalized, are free of debris, and exhibit evidence of mildew, rot, or damage by chemicals, burns, cuts, abrasion, and vermin.

6.1.2. All nozzles shall be inspected after each use and at least annually.

6.1.3. The nozzle inspection shall verify the following:

  • The waterway is clear
  • There is no damage to the tip
  • All controls and adjustments operate as designed
  • The shut off valve if so equipped operates as designed and closes off the flow completely
  • There are no missing or broken parts
  • The thread gasket is in good condition in accordance with 6.3

Did you know?

You should only use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small. Never try and fight a big fire or a fire that is spreading with an extinguisher of any type. If the fire does not recede immediately, leave the area immediately.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection – Requirements Checklists

Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist – Quick Reference Guide

Observations and Maintenance

Extinguishers:

  • Must be kept operable and fully charged. 6.2.1.2. OFC
  • Must be located so they are easily seen and accessible at all times 6.2.1.3(1) OFC
  • Having defects must be repaired or recharged when necessary 6.2.4.2. NFC & 6.2.7.3. OFC

MONTHLY

Inspect all fire extinguishers and record inspection date on back of tags. 6.2.7.2. OFC

Ensure that the extinguishers are charged, have not been tampered with and are undamaged.

Check:

  • Nozzle for obstruction
  • Seal or tamper indicators are in place
  • Pressure gauge reading in operable range, if applicable
  • For no signs of physical or mechanical damage
  • Operation instructions on nameplate legible and face outwards
  • Access and visibility of extinguisher not obstructed

The monthly inspection should be more frequent if any of the following exist:

  • High frequency of fires in the past
  • Severe hazards
  • Susceptibility to tampering, vandalism, or malicious mischief
  • Possibility of, or experience with, theft of extinguishers
  • Locations that make extinguishers susceptible to mechanical injury. NFPA 10 1.4.3.1.

ANNUALLY

  • Every 12 months soda-acid, foam, pump tank water and pump tank calcium chloride base antifreeze types of extinguishers must be recharged. NFPA 4.5
  • All extinguishers must be recharged after use or as indicated by an inspection or when performing maintenance. NFPA 4.5
  • Every 6 years, stored pressure extinguishers that require a 12 year hydrostatic test must be emptied and subjected to maintenance procedures. NFPA 4.4
  • All extinguishers must be subjected to hydrostatic testing at intervals and test pressures indicated on the extinguisher’s nameplate NFPA 6.2.7.8.

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Helping save lives is the reason Priority Fire was founded. We strive to be leaders in both quality and safety across North America and are trusted advisers to many of the countries top property management groups.

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