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