Let Us Make Sure Your Fire Extinguisher Will Work For You
Fire Extinguisher Capabilities
Maintenance Inspections
On a yearly basis, we do a complete examination of the fire extinguisher and identify anything that needs to be repaired.
Recharge
Anytime a fire extinguisher is discharged, even for a second, it needs to be properly serviced, or it may not work when needed.
Service
We perform routine service to ensure your extinguishers adhere to local, state, and national codes, including six-year and twelve-year required services.
Hydrostatic Testing
Over time, visual inspections aren’t enough. To validate the structural integrity and safety of your extinguisher, we perform hydrostatic testing.
Multiple Types of Fire Training Classes Available!
We hope you never have to use your fire extinguishers but to be safe, let us make sure they will work for you. Services vary by location, so contact us today to discuss your needs.
If you’ve recently had to use your fire extinguishers to put out a fire, then you have one of two options. The first is to get your fire extinguisher completely refilled or recharged. The second option is to replace your entire unit. How do you know which one you should choose? What things should you consider? That’s what we’re here to discuss today.
Here is some quick, helpful advice when it comes to determining whether you should replace your fire safety equipment or have it refilled. Let’s jump right in!
When to refill your tank
Fire extinguishers are built to last – and in some cases can be useful for up to 12 years or more. This means that so long as you keep up with your regular, routine inspections and take care of your equipment, your shell should be in good shape, and you’ll be able to recharge your extinguisher as many times as you need to.
However, a caveat to this is with regards to smaller fire extinguishers. They’re usually only made for a few uses if that. So if you recently used one to put out a fire, we recommend you get it replaced. For normal to larger extinguishers, you should be fine getting them refilled.
When it’s time to get them replaced
Any time you use an extinguisher, you should have it inspected. But when is it time to get a new unit? We recommend purchasing a replacement IF:
The hose or nozzle is damaged
Pins are broken or missing
Wobbly handles
No inspection tag or a missing inspection tag
Cracks or damage to the extinguisher’s shell.
These are all repairs that can’t be made or, if they were made – would cost you a pretty penny. A good rule of thumb is that if the extinguisher experiences any significant damage on the exterior, then it’s time to get it replaced.
If you have a question about this or any other fire protection topic, don’t hesitate to contact Protegis Fire & Safety.
There’s no doubt that fire extinguishers are among the most essential tools in any fire safety plan. They’re often the first line of defense against fires – and their usage can prevent certain fires from becoming catastrophic – saving both lives and assets.
However, many people make the mistake of depending on the same old fire extinguishers they’ve had for a few years. They think that because they haven’t had to use them that they should be full and ready to go whenever needed. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.
Fire extinguishers need to be charged to operate correctly. Here are some ways you can stay ahead of this issue and make sure that your fire extinguishers will be ready when called upon.
Was your extinguisher recently used?
If the answer is ‘yes’ – then it’s time to get it recharged. If the answer is ‘no, it hasn’t been used in years’ – then you need to get it charged. Over time an extinguisher can leak pressure – so little you’d never notice it. And when it leaks air pressure, it also leaks chemicals from within the extinguisher. That’s bad if you need to fight a fire – it’s doubly bad if you lack both the chemicals and the air pressure to fight the fire.
Take the time to read this blog through, then call someone and get it inspected. Oh, and speaking of inspections…
Get your extinguishers inspected regularly
You should get your extinguishers inspected every year. Get a fire safety pro to come through, inspect them -and make sure everything is working as it should be. Fire extinguishers are incredibly durable, but it’s essential to be prepared in the rare event that they’re not. Professionals will also notice things you wouldn’t think or know how to look for. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Be on the lookout for problems
Things like low-pressure readings signify that you might need to get your extinguisher recharged. This would also apply if you can’t read operating instructions or notice that certain seals have been broken. Also – if your extinguisher has been tampered with in any way – It should immediately be replaced.
Beware of pressure gage issues
Anytime you notice little to no change in a pressure gauge over the span of a few months, you could potentially have an issue. Your unit could be overcharged or undercharged – and you’ll need to make sure that your extinguisher is within safe operational parameters.
If you have any questions about this or any other fire protection topic, don’t hesitate to contact Protegis Fire & Safety.
Now is a great time to add more of our services or explore the benefits of beginning service with us. We Do It Right. We Make It Easy. We’re There For You 24/7.
