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Fire Extinguisher Inspection

This document provides guidance on how to properly inspect fire extinguishers. It states that fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are functioning properly in an emergency. The inspection process involves checking that the gauge is in the green, the safety pin is in place, it is not dented or damaged, the hose is intact, and the inspection tag is filled out. It also describes the different types of fire extinguishers for various fuel types (A, B, C, D, K). Common issues found in inspections like obstructions or dents require removing or replacing the extinguisher. Proper monthly inspections are important to life safety.

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179 views9 pages

Fire Extinguisher Inspection

This document provides guidance on how to properly inspect fire extinguishers. It states that fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are functioning properly in an emergency. The inspection process involves checking that the gauge is in the green, the safety pin is in place, it is not dented or damaged, the hose is intact, and the inspection tag is filled out. It also describes the different types of fire extinguishers for various fuel types (A, B, C, D, K). Common issues found in inspections like obstructions or dents require removing or replacing the extinguisher. Proper monthly inspections are important to life safety.

Uploaded by

hitesh bhoi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Fire Extinguisher Inspection

A properly working extinguisher could save a life, maybe even yours. Everyone
should know how to perform fire extinguisher inspections. They should be
completed on a monthly basis whether at home and in the workplace. Monthly
inspections will ensure the fire extinguisher will operate as directed in the event
of an emergency. When completed, you should be able to perform a fire
extinguisher inspection on common types of extinguishers. The importance of
this training is to ensure you are familiar with fire extinguishers and have a
working, serviceable extinguisher if / when you are in an emergency.

CAUTIONS

 Do not use a fire extinguisher that has been damaged or punctured.


The contents are under pressure and a damaged or corroded
cylinder could explode.
 Ensure you receive proper training prior to operating a fire
extinguisher.
 There are different types of extinguishers for different types of fires.
It is important to use the proper type extinguisher for your work
environment.

Extinguisher Types
How a fire should be extinguished depends on the type of fuel that is feeding the
fire. A fire needs three things in order to burn: oxygen, heat, fuel. Listed below
are the most common types of extinguishers and what fuel they are designed to
extinguish. There are some

 Type A: extinguishes solids such as paper and wood


 Type B: extinguishes liquid and gases
 Type C: extinguishes electrical equipment
 Type D: extinguishes combustible metals
 Type K: extinguishes oils and fats
Types of extinguishers to
Class of fire
use
Class A:  "A-B-C"
Ordinary combustible materials, such as
 Pressurized water
wood, cloth, paper, etc.
Class B:  "A-B-C"
Flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline,
 "B-C" dry chemical
kerosene, etc.
 Carbon dioxide
Class C:  "A-B-C"
Presence of energized electrical circuits
 "B-C" dry chemical
(e.g., electronic motors, electrical wiring, etc.)
 Carbon dioxide
Class D:  D extinguishers only
Reactive metals
Class K:  K (for kitchen)
Oils and fats

Materials
In order to complete a fire extinguisher inspection, here are some
materials you will/may need:

 Fire extinguisher to be inspected


 Inspection or maintenance tag (template provided at Step: 9)
 Safing pin
 Safety tag
Step 1: Knowing Your Fire Extinguisher

Before inspecting your fire extinguisher, it is important to know the terminology of


the parts being inspected. Above is a diagram of a common combination ABC
fire extinguisher. An ABC fire extinguisher is able to be used on fires of types A,
B, and C (A: wood/paper, B: flammable liquids and gases, and C: electrical).

Step 2: Maintenance or Inspection Tag

Verify the extinguisher has a maintenance or inspection tag or record. Check the
tag or record to ensure the extinguisher has been inspected on a monthly basis
and that the inspection has not yet been done for the current month. Most
extinguishers have a tag attached as a quick reference to show the inspection
cycles are up to date.

There are some extinguisher owners who keep a record book of their
extinguishers and when they were last inspected in leu of a tag.

Step 3: Gauge in the Green

Check the gauge to ensure the needlepoints to the green area. This lets the
operator know that the extinguisher is fully charged and ready for use. The gauge
on the left is pretty hard to read, to the gauge on the right has been illustrated to
be able to read it easier. If the yellow arrow is not in the green, the extinguisher
will need to be replaced, or, in some cases, can be refilled at your local fire
department.

Step 4: Safety Pin in Place

Make sure the pin is in place so the extinguisher does not accidentally discharge
while being handled. Some extinguishers have a plastic security tag that keeps
the pin from falling out or being inadvertently pulled while being handled. In the
case of the picture above, a small zip tie is being used. If the security tag is
missing you can use a zip tie to ensure the pin does not fall out. If the pin is
missing, it could be an indicator that the extinguisher has been used.

Step 5: Hefting

Just because the needle is in the green does not always mean it is fully charged.
To ensure the extinguisher is full, heft or pick it up. You should be able to feel the
weight of the agent inside. If you do not feel the agent move inside the cylinder,
it could either be old and no longer moves freely in the cylinder, or there is no
longer any agent inside the bottle. In either case, the fire extinguisher needs to
be replaced.

Step 6: Dents and Damage

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. For disposition of damage fire extinguishers, please contact
your local fire department.

Step 7: Hose
Check the hose for cracks, kinks, breaks and security to the cylinder. Look inside
the hose and nozzle of the extinguisher to ensure there are no obstructions or
clogs. If you find a problem with the hose, the extinguisher will need replaced, or
in some cases only the hose will require replacement. Please consult your local
fire department.

Step 8: Operating Instructions

Make sure the operating instructions on the fire extinguisher are clear and legible.
If they are not, the fire extinguisher will need to be replaced. Do not try to create
instructions on your own.

Step 9: Document

On the maintenance or inspection tag, document for the month and year the
inspection was completed using your initials. If the tag has no more available
boxes to show current inspections, replace the tag. Tags can be picked up at
your local fire department or printed off the internet. I have provided a simple
template for printing below.
Congratulations, you have completed a monthly fire extinguisher inspection. See
you next month.

Monthly inspection requirement

Departments must assign an individual to inspect monthly the extinguishers in


or adjacent to the department's facilities. Recommended personnel include:

 Labs and shops: Area Safety Coordinators


 Administrative areas: Department Safety Coordinators
Use the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist to perform a monthly inspection
of your department's extinguisher(s).

Testing

All extinguishers need to be serviced and tested every 6 years and also when:

 The fire extinguisher has been used


 The pin has been pulled
 The gauge is not in the green (or proper pressure area)
Extinguishers must be inspected by a licensed fire extinguisher maintenance
contractor once a year in the intervening 5 years.

Top 5 Most Common Issues Identified During Fire Extinguisher


Inspections and What to do

While it is important to know how to identify a proper-functioning fire extinguisher,


it is equally important to be aware of the common issues that arise and how to
respond:
1. Fire extinguisher location obstructed
Issue: When a fire extinguisher is obstructed, it could mean the difference between life
and death. Pay attention to instances where a portable fire extinguisher may be behind
furniture, office equipment, and doors, or hidden under office desks and sink cabinets.
Action: You should immediately remove obstructions, or reposition the fire
extinguisher. Make sure it is easily seen by everyone. Place it along a natural path of
travel, such as a hallway or an entrance/exit. Post it under a clear fire extinguisher
signage.
2. Cylinder has dents and/or rust
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.
3. Fire extinguisher overcharged or undercharged
Issue: An extinguisher with a good charge will have sufficient velocity to spur the
chemical 10-20 feet. An overcharged fire extinguisher can cause leakage or worse, a
cylinder explosion. An undercharged one can be equally dangerous and be unable to
extinguish fire.
Action: Immediately forward the cylinder to the manufacturer for replacement
/recharge.
4. Locking pin missing/broken seal
Issue: Locking pins and seals can go missing when they have not been replaced after
training exercises, have been tampered, or were simply not installed in the first place.
These two must always go together as they prevent accidental pressing of the lever
and release of the fire extinguisher’s contents.
Action: Whichever is missing, immediately get replacements from your supplies. Pins
and seals are either made of metal or plastic. If not in stock, contact your fire
extinguisher provider or go to your nearest hardware store.
5. Fire extinguisher not elevated from the floor
Issue: A fire extinguisher directly on the floor may cause others to accidentally bump it
off, which can further cause dents to the body. The changing temperature of the floor
can also directly affect the fire extinguisher, which can cause change in pressure.
Action: Depending on the cylinder size, the standard practice is to mount it via metal
brackets on a wall, 3.5 – 5 feet above the floor. Alternatively, you could also use wooden
or steel fire extinguisher stands.

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