Welcome to the Essential Guide to Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Safety!
As the fire marshal or responsible person for fire safety in a property, you must ensure that fire extinguishers receive annual servicing. Adhering to fire safety regulations is not just a legal obligation but crucial for safeguarding lives and property. This article outlines the essential aspects of fire extinguisher maintenance and what quality engineers do to keep your equipment in top condition.
Annual Servicing and Accreditation
You need to have your fire extinguishers serviced annually to comply with fire safety regulations. A competent individual or company with the necessary accreditation, such as BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment), should perform this service. BAFE accreditation means an independent third party monitors the service provider, ensuring thorough, high-quality service that meets regulatory and insurance requirements.
Weekly checks during your fire alarm tests are also essential. These checks should include:
- Tamper-evident pin holder: Ensure it is intact.
- Pressure gauge: Verify that the needle is in the green zone.
- Physical condition: Inspect the body for damage and the hose for secure attachment.
A loose hose or low pressure indicated by the gauge (red zone) can render the extinguisher ineffective during an emergency.
Weekly Fire Extinguisher Checks
In addition to the annual servicing, weekly checks during your fire alarm tests are essential. These checks should include:
- Tamper-evident pin holder: Ensure it is intact.
- Pressure gauge: Verify that the needle is in the green zone.
- Physical condition: Inspect the body for damage and the hose for secure attachment.
If the hose is loose or the gauge indicates low pressure (red zone), the extinguisher may not function correctly during an emergency.
Comprehensive Extinguisher Maintenance by Quality Engineers
A quality engineer will perform several critical checks to ensure your fire extinguisher is ready for use:
- Tamper Pin: The engineer will inspect the tamper pin, which secures the safety pin and indicates whether the extinguisher has been used. If the extinguisher has been discharged, it will be refilled.
- Pressure Gauge: The gauge must be fully functional and accurately reflect the extinguisher’s pressure. Any sign of damage or moisture that causes the needle to stick will be addressed, ensuring the extinguisher is pressurized and ready for use.
- Extinguisher Body: The engineer will look for signs of corrosion, dents, or other damage. A compromised extinguisher body can be dangerous and may need to be replaced.
- Labelling: The extinguisher must have a clear and legible label detailing its operation, ratings, and refill information. Faded or illegible labels typically mean the extinguisher should be condemned.
- Hose Condition: The hose will be checked for any signs of damage, such as tears or frays, to ensure it will function correctly in an emergency.
- Location and Signage: The extinguisher’s location will be assessed to confirm it is visible, correctly positioned, and properly signposted. Extinguishers often get moved or hidden, which can hinder quick access during a fire.
- Paperwork: Maintaining accurate records is essential. Documentation proving that the extinguishers are serviced and ready for use should be stored in a document box near the fire detection and alarm panel.
- Recycling and Replacement: When replacing extinguishers, recycle the old ones as they contain valuable metal. If still pressurized, use them for staff training before recycling. Never dispose of pressurized extinguishers in general rubbish.
- Proper Placement: Regularly review the placement of extinguishers to ensure they are easily accessible and not obscured by new layouts or items. Clear signage should be present to guide users.
Conclusion
We hope this Essential Guide to Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Safety has been a useful piece explaining the importance of proper maintenance and how to actually get the job done right. Proper maintenance and regular checks of fire extinguishers are vital for ensuring fire safety. Following these guidelines and employing a quality engineer for annual servicing ensures your fire extinguishers function effectively in an emergency. This diligence protects lives and property. Remember, fire safety requires continuous responsibility and attention to detail.
For more information or to schedule a service, contact Fire Risk Assessors South West today. Your safety is our priority.
