To Avoid Failures, keep an Eye Out for These Fire Extinguisher Issues!

Fire extinguishers are crucial for handling any fire emergencies at home or workplaces. Almost all commercial buildings have designated fire extinguisher cabinets that occupants can access if there’s a fire in the vicinity. Thus, they can save many lives if they are functional and well-maintained. However, a lack of fire extinguisher maintenance can lead to failures during an emergency. It may not only put the building’s occupants in danger but also lead to damages to the assets in the building. Thus, regular fire extinguisher maintenance and inspections are crucial to ensure they are operable at all times. In addition, you should look out for the following common issues that may cause fire extinguisher failure:

Monitor the Pressure

If the fire extinguisher is not regularly serviced, it may lose its pressure over time, rendering it unusable during an emergency. Therefore, it is recommended to check the fire extinguisher pressure every month during the in-house visual inspection to prevent such issues.

Clogged Nozzles

The temperature changes and not servicing the fire extinguishers for a long time may cause blockages in the fire extinguisher’s nozzles. In that case, the fire extinguisher will be unable to dispense fire extinguishing agents to prevent the fire. Regular fire extinguisher inspections and maintenance can help detect and eliminate such clogging issues early.

Damages to Critical Components

One of the most common issues that may lead to fire extinguisher failure is physical damages to the critical components of fire extinguishers such as the nozzle heads, pin, corroded metal parts, etc. In that case, the fire extinguishers will need to be repaired or replaced depending on the extent of damages.

Regular Recharging

After the fire extinguisher has been used, it needs to be immediately recharged. Otherwise, there will not be sufficient fire extinguishing liquid inside the fire extinguisher if another fire occurs and the fire extinguisher needs to be refilled. Thus, regular recharging after every use should not be overlooked.

Environmental Wear and Tear

And of course, no matter how many precautions and maintenance measures are taken, fire extinguishers are still vulnerable to environmental wear and tear due to temperature changes, exposure to UV rays, humidity, and other elements which may cause corrosion or weaken their outer casing. Fire extinguisher cabinets can protect them from many such environmental factors. However, they should also be re-inspected by certified professionals from time to time.

If you have installed the best value fire extinguishers and want to keep them in top condition to extend their lifespan, it is highly recommended to schedule a professional inspection every month, semi-annually, or annually as per the local fire safety guidelines. And, if your fire extinguisher has not been serviced in over 6 months, get in touch with our team for expert assistance!