Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
It is not everyday that you would use your fire extinguisher and it is easy to forget about their existence. However, it should be in top shape when you need it in a time of emergency. Just like any other device, fire extinguishers need regular maintenance in order to ensure that the device works perfectly. Since a fire extinguisher is extremely important during a fire, and if it doesn’t work to its capacity during the hour of crisis, there can be a lot of damage. Therefore it is essential to make sure you follow fire extinguisher maintenance well.
Here are some tips to help you get started. Remember that there are plenty of varieties of fire extinguishers in the market today, catering to different needs of the people. Therefore it is essential that you understand your device well and also read the user manual completely to check everything about maintenance.
- On a regular basis, typically once a year, get your fire extinguisher serviced through a state or federally authorized agency.
- Quick inspections should be carried out periodically to make sure everything is in proper order.
- You should make sure that all fire devices and your fire extinguisher are in proper working condition. This can be ensured by visiting the local firefighting station and asking them for a check up.
- Most varieties of chemical fire extinguishers contain a number of chemicals inside the canister. This requires an occasional shaking, because otherwise some heavier chemicals tend to settle down, thereby destroying the homogeneous mixture and this can greatly reduce efficiency. You need to check if your fire extinguisher requires such regular shaking, typically once a month. If so, do not neglect this.
- Always check for and ensure easy accessibility to your fire extinguisher by all family members. This is very important because if it isn’t accessible in the time of emergency, then there is no use having it in the first place.
- Check for leaks, dents, rust and wear and tear. Ensure that seals and pins are unbroken.
