Fire extinguishers are one of the most important tools people have to fight fires. Therefore, it’s important to keep them in good, working condition and well-maintained at all times.

Many of our clients assume they can rely on the same extinguishers they’ve had for eight (8) to ten (10) years because they’ve never used it. Truth is, fire extinguishers need to be looked at frequently. One reason is to make sure it is charged enough and will work when you need it.

If you’re wondering whether or not it’s time for you to get your fire extinguishers charged, then today’s blog is for you.

Have You Recently Used Your Extinguisher?

If you recently used or discharged your extinguisher, it’s time to get it recharged. Yes, it SHOULD work fine without the recharge, yes the chemicals SHOULD be balanced enough, but the truth is you should NEVER risk it. Even using just a small amount can mess with the pressurization in your extinguishers and cause leaking leading to potential failures when you need them the most.

ALWAYS get your extinguisher recharged after use.

Get an Inspection

If you’re not sure of the condition of your fire extinguisher, get it inspected. A professional will know exactly what to recommend.

Obvious Problems

You should always get your extinguishers recharged whenever you notice the usual, obvious issues an extinguisher is having. Things like pressure readings being too low, leaks, missing safety pins near the handle and etc. Also, always be on the lookout for tampering with the extinguisher (for example, a broken seal)

Fire extinguishers are one of those things where if it looks like something is off, chances are it is.

Pressure Gauge Issues

Occasionally, a pressure gauge will stop working and when it does, it’s the equivalent to flying blind. We cannot say it enough, always check and recheck your pressure gauges.

Over time, pressure gauges fail just like anything else would. Not knowing what’s in your fire extinguisher is too dangerous of a thing to risk. Make sure your pressure gauges are constantly looked at so that you have an accurate idea of exactly how much is in your extinguisher.

Calling an Expert for Help

Never try to recharge or fix your fire extinguishers yourself. Too much is at stake. It is best to leave it to the pros.

If you have a question about this or any other fire protection topic, please contact Protegis Fire & Safety. Stay safe.