How to Maintain a Home Fire Extinguisher

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Having a fire extinguisher in your home in case of fire is a key part of fire safety. However, if that fire extinguisher is not in good working order, it will not be very useful in the event of a blaze. It is important that you carry out a regular inspection of your fire extinguisher to ensure it is free from damage and will work as expected in the event of an emergency. Below is a brief guide which will help you to properly inspect and maintain your home fire extinguisher.

Regular Inspection

You should carry out a regular inspection of your fire extinguisher to check its condition. If there is more than one person in your home who may need to use the fire extinguisher, you should ensure they know how to operate and inspect the extinguisher themselves. Below are some things you will need to check when inspecting your fire extinguisher:

• Accessibility: You should check that the fire extinguisher can be easily accessed in the event of an emergency. Fire can spread quickly, so the last thing you want is to be trying to reach a fire extinguisher which is at the back of a cluttered cupboard.
• Seals: You should check that the safety and tamper are intact.
• Pressure: Check the pressure gauge. The needle should be within the green part of the gauge. If the needle is in the red part, this means that the pressure within the extinguisher is either too low or too high. If this is the case, you should have the extinguisher serviced.
• Damage: You should then perform a visual inspection of the exterior of the extinguisher for signs of damage such as cracks, dents or leaks. You should also check that the nozzle is not blocked. If you notice any signs of damage, the extinguisher should not be used. It will need to be repaired or replaced.

Professional Inspection

Once a year, you should have your fire extinguisher inspected by a qualified fire safety contractor. These professionals are certified to examine the internal mechanical components of the extinguisher and the fire suppressant within it. After they have completed their inspection, they will advise you if the extinguisher needs to be repaired or replaced. If the extinguisher is in good working order, they will update the tag on the body of the extinguisher to certify the extinguisher for another year.

If you have any questions about maintaining your home fire extinguisher, contact a professional fire safety contractor today.

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26 September 2016