Check the pressure gauge. Examine where the gauge needle is. A needle within the green zone is good. A needle in the left red zone means that the fire extinguisher is undercharged and warrants a recharge, while a needle in the right red zone signals a danger of being overcharged. Pressure Gauge.
Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, then release the locking mechanism. Aim low by pointing the extinguisher at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle from side to side. “Stay calm and let the extinguisher do the work,” says Fix.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection : 9 Steps (with Pictures)
Check the fire extinguisher cylinder for any dents, punctures, corrosion or any type of physical damage. If there any type of damage to the cylinder, the fire extinguisher should be replaced. Operating a fire extinguisher that is damaged or corroded can be extremely dangerous and possibly explode since the contents are under pressure.
These extinguishers can last forever with the right maintenance. If you own one, you will want to have it internally inspected every six years, with every other inspection requiring it to be hydrostatically tested to see if its in ideal condition. This test exposes your extinguishers to higher pressures to see if the shell holds up.
People Also Ask how to make sure fire extinguisher is still good
How do you remember how to use a fire extinguisher?
If it’s a small fire that’s easily containable with a home extinguisher, Harrington and Fix suggest applying the acronym PASS to trigger your memory: Pull the pin and hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, then release the locking mechanism.
Is your fire extinguisher up to date?
That’s why its best to make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date and fully functioning in the event of an emergency. Here are a few signs to look out for to gauge the lifespan of your fire extinguisher Disposable home fire extinguishers found in stores typically have a shelf life of 12 years.
What happens if you don’t replace fire extinguishers?
Issue: As fire extinguishers often remain unused, they can experience physical deterioration due to humid or corrosive environment, constant transfers, or accidental bumps. Physical defects can lead to malfunction or dangerous explosions. Action: Immediately forward the cylinder to the manufacturer for replacement.
Can a fire extinguisher be blocked by anything?
It should not be blocked by any equipment or other objects that would make it difficult to be accessed during an emergency. Portable fire extinguishers other than wheeled types must also be secured in a specific location (e.g. inside an unlocked glass cabinet or a wooden box) to prevent them from being moved.
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Yearly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Video Answer
Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher