Table of Contents
- 1 What is fire extinguisher maintenance?
- 2 How often should a service technician check fire extinguishers?
- 3 Why do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?
- 4 What qualifications do I need to service fire extinguishers?
- 5 Can anyone service a fire extinguisher?
- 6 What qualification do you need to test fire extinguishers?
- 7 How many years is a fire extinguisher good for?
- 8 What extinguisher to use on an electrical fire?
- 9 What is the job description of a fire protection engineer?
- 10 What does a fire protection technician do?
What is fire extinguisher maintenance?
Check the valve and shell for damage or corrosion. Remove the hose and check the threads, inspect the hose for cracks or splits, and inspect the condition of the discharge horn. Check the valve opening for powder or any foreign matter. Remove the extinguisher seal and locking pin and check the upper and lower handles.
How often should a service technician check fire extinguishers?
Extinguishers need to have an internal examination conducted at anywhere from 1-6 year intervals depending on the type of extinguisher. For example, a dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher must have an internal examination every 6 years, see NFPA 10 Table 7.3.
Do fire extinguishers need a certificate?
When purchasing fire extinguishers, always look for the Kitemark and the CE mark to ensure they meet the requirements of BS EN3. If the extinguisher is to be used in a commercial or public building – it will need to be commissioned on site after delivery.
Why do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?
Over time, damage or deterioration can occur in hard to see areas. For example, corrosion to the aluminum or steel extinguishers can occur on the inside weakening the integrity of the cylinder over time.
What qualifications do I need to service fire extinguishers?
Simply put, there’s no necessary qualification for a fire extinguisher technician to have passed before they can begin work.
Why do you shake a fire extinguisher?
Some manufacturers recommend shaking or inverting and patting the bottom of your dry chemical extinguishers once a month to prevent the powder from settling/packing. Dry chemical fire extinguishers require regular professional maintenance at 6 and 12 year intervals.
Can anyone service a fire extinguisher?
Since they’re not an in-depth service, they can be conducted by a person within the business, such as a Fire Warden. This is someone with the basic knowledge and training to be able to complete the task and record the findings.
What qualification do you need to test fire extinguishers?
Can anyone check fire extinguishers?
These inspections are usually to be conducted monthly. Since they’re not an in-depth service, they can be conducted by a person within the business, such as a Fire Warden. This is someone with the basic knowledge and training to be able to complete the task and record the findings.
How many years is a fire extinguisher good for?
When to Replace a Fire Extinguisher Even if there’s no expiration date, it won’t last forever. Manufacturers say most extinguishers should work for 5 to 15 years, but you might not know if you got yours three years ago or 13.
What extinguisher to use on an electrical fire?
You must use the correct fire extinguisher for electrical fires because there is a risk of electric shock. You should certainly never use a water extinguisher on an electrical fire as water is a good conductor of electricity. Always use carbon dioxide extinguishers or dry chemical extinguishers on electric fires.
How to service a fire extinguisher?
– Discharge the extinguisher – Unscrew the headcap in a safe manner and check all removable parts for any sign of corrosion and blockages – Examine the extinguisher body internally for any signs of corrosion – Rinse water based extinguishers out with clean water – Replace all ‘O’ rings and hose rings – Refill the extinguisher – Refit the headcap – Re-pressurise the extinguisher – After a refill with generic chemicals (not the original chemicals used by the manufacturer), the extinguisher must receive a label with the new chemical specification
What is the job description of a fire protection engineer?
The fire protection engineer is also known as a fire safety engineer or fire engineer. The fire protection engineer responsibilities include using engineering techniques in order to save people and their environments from the destructive effects of fire and smoke.
What does a fire protection technician do?
Through preventative work, a fire protection technician protects human life and property from fire damage. Fire protection technicians may be employed by the government, by firehouses, or by companies in the private sector, such as insurance groups, fire protection equipment manufacturers, or consulting firms.