Fire extinguishers are one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in any building. But they only work if they’re properly maintained. In this article, you’ll learn how to maintain your fire extinguisher so that it’s always ready to do its job in an emergency.
Empty and Depressurize your Extinguisher Completely
Before you can properly inspect your fire extinguisher, you need to make sure that it’s completely empty and depressurized. This is important because it allows you to check the entire fire extinguisher for any damage or leaks.
To empty your fire extinguisher, simply point the nozzle away from you and press the lever all the way down. You should hear a hissing sound as the fire extinguisher empties. Once it’s empty, release the lever and press it again to make sure that it’s in the fully depressurized position.
Wipe the Outside of the Extinguisher
Use a clean cloth and a mild solvent-free cleanser, such as warm water and dish soap, to wipe down the extinguisher and remove dirt, dust, and grease. Dry the extinguisher with a clean rag or towel.
Inspect the Nozzle and Hose for Damage
Once your fire extinguisher is depressurized, you can inspect the nozzle and hose for any damage. Look for any cracks, breaks, or other damage that could prevent the fire extinguisher from working properly.
Check the Pressure Gauge
Next, check the pressure gauge to make sure that the fire extinguisher is fully charged. The needle should be in the green zone, or above the 60 psi mark. If the needle is in the red zone, or below the 20 psi mark, you need to recharge your fire extinguisher immediately.
If you’re not sure how to recharge your fire extinguisher, consult the owner’s manual or contact a professional fire extinguisher service NYC.
Visually Inspect the Extinguisher Body
Finally, take a look at the extinguisher body itself. Look for any dents, cracks, or other damage that could compromise the fire extinguisher’s integrity. Also, make sure that the safety pin is in place and that the tamper seal is intact.
Maintaining a fire extinguisher is an important part of ensuring that it’s always ready to do its job in an emergency. In this article, you’ve learned how to empty and depressurize your fire extinguisher, wipe it down, inspect the nozzle and hose for damage, check the pressure gauge, and visually inspect the body for damage. By following these simple steps, you can be sure that your fire extinguisher is always ready to use.