The First Line of Defense
Fire Extinguishers are an essential part of any fire emergency preparation. According to Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, 94 percent of the time a portable fire extinguisher is used, it puts the fire out – typically within the first two minutes. They are also required by OSHA, and in most jurisdictions, the workplace.
Maintenance Schedule
Every Month:
- Complete a visual inspection of each extinguisher
Every Year:
- External Maintenance is required for portable fire extinguishers by a certified technician
Every 5 Years:
- Run a hydrostatic test on both carbon dioxide and water-based extinguishers
Every 6 Years:
- Maintenance, internal and external, is required on your buildings’ stored-pressure (ABC and BC) extinguishers
Every 12 Years:
- Hydrostatic testing is required on both stored pressure and cartridge-operated extinguishers
The Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection Process:
- Inspect: Visual inspection, pressure gauge inspection, cylinder, valve, and discharge hose inspection, carry handle and push-lever inspection.
- Verify: Verifying current hydrostatic and 6-year maintenance dates.
- Install: Installing new tamper seal, installing certification tag.
- Clean: Cleaning cylinder
Definitions:
6-Year Tear-Downs and Certifications: The removal of the extinguishing agent, replacement of worn parts, refill and repressurize, certification tagging, and re-hanging. Must be performed by a certified technician.
12-Year Hydrostatic Test and Certification: Pressure testing of an extinguishers’ critical components (eg. cylinder, shell, hose assembly, ect) for leaks and structual flaws by pressurizing them with a liquid. Certification taggin and re-hanging. Must be performed by a certified technician.
Access Fire Protection Services, Inc
Seattle, King County: (425) 413-2648
Tacoma Pierce County: (253) 872-7727
Email: admin@accessfireprotection.com
Mailing Address:
PO Box 443, Gig Harbor, WA 98335