Fire extinguishers are vital tools for preventing small fires from turning into catastrophic disasters. However, their effectiveness hinges on regular inspections. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has set forth comprehensive guidelines ensuring that fire extinguishers are ready to combat emergencies. These inspections are performed by certified fire protection technicians. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of monthly fire extinguisher inspections, covering frequencies, procedures, corrective actions, and record-keeping.
Inspection frequency:
NFPA’s guidelines emphasize the importance of regular inspections to maintain the readiness of fire extinguishers. Key points include:
- Initial Inspection: Fire extinguishers must undergo a manual inspection when initially placed in service to ensure they meet safety standards.
- Monthly Inspections: Fire extinguishers and Class D extinguishing agents should be inspected at least once per calendar month. Inspections can be done manually or through electronic monitoring, ensuring no interval exceeds 31 days.
- Daily or Weekly Inspections: In conditions indicating a need for more frequent checks, such as severe hazards or specific environmental conditions, daily or weekly manual inspections are required.
- Electronically Monitored Extinguishers: Extinguishers that are electronically monitored for location only must still undergo manual inspections in accordance with specified guidelines.
Inspection procedures:
During inspections, a thorough check of various components ensures the fire extinguisher’s reliability. Key inspection items include:
- Location: Confirming the extinguisher is in its designated place for quick access during emergencies.
- Visibility: Ensuring the extinguisher is visible or has a means of indicating its location, facilitating quick response.
- Access: Verifying easy access to the extinguisher, promoting efficient use in critical situations.
- Pressure Gauge Reading: Checking that the pressure gauge reading or indicator is within the operable range, indicating the extinguisher’s functionality.
- Fullness: Determining the fullness by weighing or hefting, ensuring an adequate supply of extinguishing agent.
- Condition of Components: Assessing the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, nozzle (for wheeled extinguishers), and indicators for non-rechargeable extinguishers.
Visual inspections:
In addition to standard inspections, visual inspections are required under specific conditions, such as:
- High Frequency of Fires in the Past
- Severe Hazards
- Locations Prone to Mechanical Injury or Physical Damage
- Exposure to Abnormal Temperatures or Corrosive Atmospheres
These visual inspections involve additional checks like verifying legible operating instructions, broken safety seals, tamper indicators, and examining for physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles.
What to do when the extinguisher doesn’t meet inspections requirements
When inspections reveal deficiencies, immediate corrective action is necessary. Specific actions are outlined for each type of extinguisher. For rechargeable extinguishers with specific problems (like low pressure or damage), they should undergo professional maintenance procedures. Non rechargeable dry chemical extinguishers or those containing halon agents, if deficient, should either be removed from use, discharged, and destroyed (for dry chemical extinguishers), or returned to the manufacturer without being discharged (for halon agent extinguishers).Top of Form
The importance of monthly Inspection record keeping:
Keeping detailed records is crucial for demonstrating compliance with NFPA standards. Both manual and electronic inspection records must be maintained for at least the last 12 monthly inspections. Manual inspections can be recorded on tags, labels, or electronic methods, including the inspector’s initials and the date. Electronic monitoring systems should keep records of corrective actions through electronic event logs.
By adhering to NFPA’s guidelines for monthly fire extinguisher inspections, property owners and facility managers can ensure the reliability of their fire safety equipment. Regular inspections, corrective actions, and meticulous record-keeping collectively contribute to a safer environment for everyone. Remember, a well-maintained fire extinguisher is your first line of defense in the face of unexpected emergencies.
