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Tag: fire extinguishers

Should I Replace My Fire Extinguisher?

Portable fire extinguishers are an essential part of any commercial fire prevention system.

However, have you ever asked yourself, what is a fire extinguisher’s lifespan, how do I know it is time to replace and how do I dispose of it? We are going to explore those answers today.

The Lifespan of a Fire Extinguisher

When properly maintained, fire extinguishers can last about 10 to 12 years. Once they get to that point, however, you should have them tested to make sure they’re safe. If the shell is in good shape, you can probably recharge the canister and continue to use it. If not, replace it as soon as possible.

When It’s Time

Here’s when you should replace your old fire extinguisher:

  • If the hose or nozzle is cracked or clogged
  • If the canister is losing pressure even if it hasn’t been used in a while
  • If the handle is broken or wobbly, making it unstable and difficult to hold
  • If the shell of the extinguisher is damaged
  • If there’s no pin or the pin is damaged
  • If there isn’t an inspection tag
  • If it fails a test by a fire safety professional

What do I do with it?

The first thing you should do is call a fire safety company to inspect the extinguishers. Disposing of them isn’t a complicated process, but it IS a pretty precise process. It’s best to let the pros handle it. Pressurized chemicals are dangerous – especially when not handled properly – so take the time and money and make sure you do it right.

If you don’t have a Fire Safety company that’s reasonable or in your local area, then call the fire department. Most of them will let you drop them off at the firehouse. If they don’t, take them to a hazardous waste disposal facility.

Ongoing maintenance is a good idea

To avoid having to worry and constantly think about whether your extinguishers are safe or not – hire a fire safety company to perform regularly scheduled maintenance. If they find a problem or notice that a replacement is necessary, they’ll do it.

If you’re worried about your workplace fire extinguishers’ condition, give Protegis Fire & Safety a call. Stay safe!

The Importance of Life Safety Systems Inspections

Now is a great time to review your property’s life safety system’s inspections!

Property management comes with great responsibility. One of those responsibilities is fire safety, and remaining educated about the fire protection systems in your facility. Some of the most common mistakes arise when your systems are not tested and inspected according to NFPA standards and/or your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction).

When properly maintained and inspected, fire protection systems are among the most reliable means to ensure the safety of your building and everyone in it. Trusting that your systems will optimally perform in the event of an emergency depends upon the quality of the service and inspections performed on them. When you work with Protegis Fire & Safety, you get the full-scale capability of one of the most established and experienced fire protection companies in the United States.

Review our Test & Inspect Chart, to verify that your systems are being tested and inspected properly!

Fireguard Inspection & Testing Frequency Chart

The Importance of Testing Your Fire Pump

A fire pump is an integral component of a total fire protection system.  A fire protection system at a facility may include automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, hose stations, and/or fire hydrants.

FirePumpTraining

The purpose of a fire pump is to provide or enhance the water supply pressure from public mains, suction tanks, gravity/elevated tanks, lakes, and other bodies of water.

The building owner or a representative (e.g., management company) is responsible for the maintenance of the fire pump.  Fire pumps should be inspected, maintained and tested per the manufacturer’s specifications.  If the manufacturer’s specifications are unavailable, refer to the standard for the maintenance of fire pumps NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems) or contact the Protegis Fire & Safety’s Automatic Sprinkler Systems Inspection, Maintenance, and Testing Department.

A comprehensive maintenance program is generally broken down into three components:  inspection, maintenance and testing.

Inspection.  A visual examination of the fire pump to verify that it appears to be in operating condition and is free of physical damage.  Examples include:

  • Heat in pump room is minimum 40 degrees F (70 degrees F for diesel engines)
  • Pump suction, discharge, and bypass valves are open.
  • Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.

Protegis also offers maintenance that is performed during this inspection.
Examples include:

  • Lubricate pump bearings
  • Clean pump room louvers
  • Clean coolant strainer in coolant system

Testing.  A procedure used to determine the status of the fire pump and auxiliary equipment by conducting periodic physical checks.  Examples include:

  • Conduct a routine churn test as required by NFPA 25
    (run pump without water flowing)
  • Conduct an annual full-flow performance test
  • Operate alarm, supervisory, and trouble signals

Measures should be taken during an impairment to ensure that increased risks are minimized and that the duration of the impairment is limited.  NFPA 20 provides a trouble-shooting checklist to help in identifying causes of pump problems.  Qualified personnel, such as Fireguard, must make the necessary repairs and adjustments to ensure proper pump operation.

Understanding the proper selection, installation, and maintenance of a fire pump can make the difference between business as usual and a catastrophe at a facility. Let Protegis Fire & Safety be there for you for all your needs. We are your one stop shop for all commercial fire protection needs. Our services range from the installation of fire protection systems in new construction projects to retrofits, to service, testing and inspection of fire sprinkler systems, fire pumps, fire alarm systems, fire extinguishers, kitchen hood systems and emergency lights.