Do You Know When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher?
It comes as a bit of a surprise to some of our customers when we tell them they need to replace their fire extinguisher. Business owners don’t realize fire extinguishers eventually expire, and some kinds even need to be replaced after they’re used.
The good news is that we’re here to clear up any confusion. Keep reading to learn more about how to know when a fire extinguisher is expired.
Do you have to replace a fire extinguisher after use?
Most extinguishers are reusable, so you don’t need to replace them after each use—but you can’t just put the extinguisher back where you found it after you snuff out the flames. Even if you just used it for a short period, the extinguisher needs to be recharged.
At AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc., we specialize in on-site recharging of all sorts of extinguishers. Just give us a call, and we’ll send someone out to inspect your unit and refill it, so it’ll be ready to use once again.
We recommend calling our team for a recharge as soon as possible after a fire. That way, the process doesn’t slip your mind, and you’re not left unprotected from future potential fires.
How do you know when a fire extinguisher is expired?
Knowing whether your extinguisher is usable again can be the difference between life and death. Fortunately, checking if your extinguisher is expired only takes a few seconds. Here are the ways to know if it’s time for a new one:
- Check the date: Each fire extinguisher has a paper tag showing a maintenance record. Many extinguishers have an expiration date on these tags. If yours doesn’t, check the oldest date on the tag. If it’s more than 10 years old, you likely need a new extinguisher.
- Inspect the pressure gauge: There’s an easy-to-read pressure gauge located at the top of each fire extinguisher. If the needle is still in the green range, your extinguisher should be ready to use. Be sure to check the gauge once a month to ensure the needle hasn’t dropped at all.
- Know the warning signs: A couple of visual cues can tell you an extinguisher won’t work regardless of its age. What’s worse, these signs pose a hazard on their own. If the canister is dented or if the tamper seal and pin aren’t intact, the extinguisher could explode at any moment. Make a habit of performing a quick visual inspection now and then.
- Bring the unit to a pro: Bringing it to our team at AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. is the best way to tell if your extinguisher needs to be replaced. We’ll perform a full inspection to ensure the canister is in good shape, and then we’ll recharge it for you. It’s a quick process that can save your life and property.
Call our pros today
There’s never been a better time than now to have your fire extinguishers inspected and recharged. Talk to our team at AAA Fire Protection Resources, Inc. to set up an inspection or to learn more about whether you have to replace a fire extinguisher after use.
Categorised in: Fire Extinguisher Service
This post was written by Writer