According to NFPA 10, fire extinguishers in commercial and industrial spaces must be inspected on a monthly basis. This inspection can be done internally by a designated staff member or by a certified fire extinguisher company, like Fire-Alert. On an annual basis, fire extinguishers must be inspected by a certified company.
ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers must be tested every 6 years. A recharge is performed at the 6 year mark followed by a hydrostatic test at the 12 year mark. Co2, Class K (kitchen) and water fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Fire hoses are hydrostatically tested 5 years from the manufacture date and every 3 years thereafter.
Fire extinguishers are to be mounted at hip height 3-5 feet from the floor. The distance between fire extinguishers varies depending on the size and type of building , the work being performed and/or the products stored within. This recommendation can be made during a site visit.
We recommend having adequate signage in order to easily locate the whereabouts of fire extinguishers in case of fire. We also recommend exterior fire extinguishers that are subject to adverse weather conditions be stored in fire extinguisher cabinets or have a cover to prevent rust and damage.
In regards to residential fire extinguishers, we recommend having one on every level of your home. At a minimum, you should have a 2.5lb ABC fire extinguisher in your kitchen under your sink, one in your garage and one beside your barbecue while you are grilling. Practicing an evacuation plan with your family in case of fire is also highly recommended. You can never be too prepared in case of emergency.
If you wish to learn more about fire extinguisher inspections, testing, and training please contact us today at 1.877.347.3801 as we’d be happy to help!