Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30 day intervals. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require. Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance not more than one year apart, at the time of a hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection.
Portable extinguishers shall be kept operable and fully charged.
Portable extinguishers shall be located so that they are easily seen and shall be accessible at all times. They shall be located in or adjacent to corridors or aisles that provide access to exits.
Fires containing ordinary combustible materials, including wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and some plastics are Class A fires and are generally extinguished by the heat-absorbing (cooling) effects of water, the coating effects of certain dry chemicals which exclude air, or the interruption of the combustion chain reaction by halogenated agents.
Fires in flammable or combustible liquids, flammable gases, greases and similar materials are Class B fires and are generally extinguished by excluding air, inhibiting the release of combustible vapours, or interrupting the combustion chain reaction.
Fires in live electrical equipment where there is potential electrical shock hazard are Class C fires. Agents used on these fires must be nonconductive, such as a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or halogenated agents.
Fires in certain combustible metals (such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium and potassium) are Class D fires and require a heat-absorbing extinguishing medium that does not react with the burning metals.
Fire-Alert experts can perform hydrostatic testing on your extinguisher, to ensure it is functioning properly. It includes both internal and external visual examination of the cylinder and pressure vessels can be tested for strength and leaks. The test involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid, usually water, which may be dyed to aid in visual leak detection, and pressurization of the vessel to the specified test pressure. Pressure tightness can be tested by shutting off the supply valve and observing whether there is a pressure loss. A structurally weakened fire extinguisher can malfunction or even burst when it is needed the most. To maintain the quality and safety of this product, hydrostatic testing is utilized.