You may think that testing your fire extinguisher—by discharging a small amount—will be helpful to know that they work, but it is not recommended to test your fire extinguisher. Testing your fire extinguisher, even by just a little, can decrease the pressure in the canister and lead to a useless, non-working extinguisher in the event of a real fire.
Fire extinguishers need to have an external maintenance examination conducted on a yearly basis, at the time of hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection discrepancy. Extinguishers need to have an internal examination conducted at anywhere from 1-6 year intervals depending on the type of extinguisher.
Should I Test My Fire Extinguishers? | Fire Extinguisher Testing in …
You should never test your fire extinguisher yourself, but that doesn’t mean all testing is frowned upon. In fact, NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers requires a process called hydrostatic testing. Why is hydrostatic testing necessary? The chemicals stored under pressure inside a fire extinguisher can eventually damage the canister.
Yes. Although home extinguishers are not built like commercial models, which feature all-metal components that require service, it is still important to inspect them regularly. When doing a DIY fire extinguisher inspection, check to make sure: The gauge on the top of the extinguisher is in the green.
People Also Ask should you test fire extinguisher
Who can check fire extinguishers?
Yes, fire extinguisher inspection is a requirement. According to the Fire Protection for portable fire extinguishers standards of OSHA, The employer is responsible for inspection, maintenance, and testing (ITM) of all available portable fire extinguishers in the workplace (1910.157 (e) (1)).
How often should you inspect fire extinguishers?
Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections – Once per MonthLook for obvious signs of physical damage, such as corrosion, leakage, or dents.Check the pressure gauge to make sure the indicator is in the operating range.Make sure the pull-pin is not missing and the pull pin seal is intact.Verify the date of the last professional inspection.
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How often to check fire extinguisher?
Tagging and labeling the date of each fire extinguisher inspection is an easy way to keep track of when you last inspected your extinguisher.It is important to check if fire extinguishers are in assigned locations.The seals and tamper indicators should also be checked.The yearly maintenance inspection needs to be performed by a fire-safety expert.
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What are the steps of using a fire extinguisher?
There are four basic steps to using a fire extinguisher.Pull. Place the extinguisher on the floor. Hold it by the tank (pressure on the handle could pinch the pin). Pull the pin straight out.Aim. Start 10 feet back from the fire. Aim at the base of the fire.Squeeze. Squeeze the lever on the fire extinguisher.Sweep. Sweep from side to side, moving in slowly until the fire is out.
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Yearly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Video Answer
Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher