Ensure Your Fire Extinguisher is Ready for Use With These 8 Steps

Fire extinguishers are an essential safety tool in many offices, schools, and buildings across the globe. Not only can it help save lives, but it can help prevent property damage in the case of an emergency.  You already know to have your extinguishers inspected by a fire protection specialist once a year, but did you know you should be checking on certain things between visits? If it’s been a while since you last inspected your fire extinguisher, then it’s time to take a closer look. In this post, we’ll provide you with a fire extinguisher inspection checklist to ensure that your fire extinguisher is ready to use when you need it the most.

This list will provide you with a fire extinguisher inspection checklist to ensure that your fire extinguisher is ready to use when you need it the most.

1. Check The Location– Is the fire extinguisher attached to a bracket or placed in a fire extinguisher cabinet that is specifically designated for it?
2. Verify Accessibility – Check to make sure that the fire extinguisher is not blocked by desks, furniture, or other obstructions that could prevent easy access in an emergency. Every fire extinguisher must have sufficient space of at least three feet in all directions.
3. Check The Label – The label will tell you the extinguisher’s type, weight, and other critical information. Ensure that the label is legible, facing outward and has the current inspection and recharge dates. 
4. Confirm Yearly Inspections– Has a third-party professional inspected and serviced the fire extinguisher within the past 12 months? Check the date on the inspection tag.
5. Check The Pressure Gauge – Ensure that the pressure gauge is in the green zone. If the gauge is in the red zone, the extinguisher needs to be serviced or recharged
6. Look for Physical Damage – Next, inspect your fire extinguisher for any physical damage, dents, or leaks. If you discover damage or even a slight leak, it’s best to replace the fire extinguisher immediately.
7. Shake It – Shake the fire extinguisher in order to prevent the dry chemical from becoming compacted?
8. Sign and Date – Has the inspector signed and dated the tag on the fire extinguisher? This signifies that all required components are verified, and the unit is operational.

Safety First

Fires can be devastating, and it’s essential to have a functioning fire extinguisher. Being educated on fire extinguisher inspection will help ensure that your fire extinguisher is in good working condition if the need arises. If you followed our fire extinguisher inspection checklist mentioned above, you can rest easy knowing that your fire extinguisher is ready to use. Remember, always keep fire safety top of mind, and encourage everyone in your organization to be prepared for an emergency. For more information regarding Texas Fire Code visit The State of Texas Fire Building Code.

Get your fire extinguishers inspected safely and professionally by ESI Fire & Security. Our experienced technicians will inspect every aspect of your fire extinguisher system to ensure its functionality and safety.