Portable fire extinguishers are the first line of defense when a fire breaks out in your home, school, or workplace. Unfortunately, more often than not, fire extinguishers are ignored and not maintained, leading to them being almost completely useless in an emergency.
Although there is no expiry date mentioned for fire extinguishers, they can last up to 5 to 15 years if properly maintained; thus, the importance of a fire extinguisher inspection must be addressed.
Fire extinguishers are essential to ensure a small fire doesn’t quickly turn into a big one and damage your property beyond repair. These extinguishers can become faulty if not routinely checked. Thus, the New York City (NYC) Fire Code (3 RCNY Section 115-02) requires quick monthly checks and annual inspection and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Failure to remain code-compliant leads to a notice of violation, which can be challenging to remove.
For this purpose, you can appoint a New York City fire extinguisher company to visit your site and conduct fire extinguisher violations removal and inspections periodically.
Now that you know the importance of fire extinguisher inspection, let’s discuss what is involved in the process.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Process – Step-by-Step Guide
To carry out an inspection, you need the following fire extinguisher sales and equipment:
- An inspector or inspection company
- A maintenance or inspection tag
- A safin pin
- A safety pin
Inspect the Physical Condition
The first step involves checking the physical condition and accessibility of the fire extinguisher. For instance:
- Is the fire extinguisher visible from all nearby places, or is it blocked by other equipment or objects?
- Are there any visible signs of dent or damage?
- Is the serial number and label legible?
- Are the nozzle and cylinder securely connected?
- Are all external parts free from corrosion?
Check the Tags and Gauge
Check the tags attached to the fire extinguisher to keep up with the FDNY and NFPA policies. These tags include the serial number, expiration date, and inspection status to ensure everything is in order.
Next, check the gauge and ensure the needle is in the “green” area. This means it is perfectly functional. However, if the needle is in any of the red areas, it is undercharged or in danger of overload and should be repaired or replaced immediately.
Inspect the Pin and Capacity
Every fire extinguisher has a safety pin to ensure no discharge occurs during inspections. Ensure it is secure and has no chance of falling out accidentally. Then, check the capacity of the fire extinguisher by hefting and checking the agent inside.
Look for Signs of Damage
Carefully examine the fire extinguisher and notice signs of visible dents, damage, or corrosion. Even a small dent can lead to gas leaks or a faulty fire extinguisher at a time of need.
Check the Instructions and Documentation
The last step of fire extinguisher inspection involves checking the instruction and documentation label and ensuring it is not ripped or torn and is visible from all angles.
After the inspection, the inspector will add their tag to the fire extinguisher label.
Conclusion
Monthly and yearly fire extinguisher inspections are critical to ensure that fire hazards don’t get out of hand in an emergency situation. If you are looking for Brooklyn fire extinguisher services, reach out to Ace Fire Protection – they have a capable team of experts and several years of experience, complying with the FDNY standards to ensure you don’t violate any safety standards. Call now to book an inspection.
