Because of the low probability of most places catching fire, fire extinguishers often sit at the ready for years on end and end up expiring without notice. They are truly just a “just in case” object that is on standby to protect your home or office from fire threats, but once they expire or go bad, you will want these replaced. The last thing you want is the imminent threat of fires and finding out your extinguisher isn’t charged and it does not work.

When it comes to workplaces and fire extinguishers, most areas have laws regarding the proper examination and inspection procedures for fire prevention products. Here are ways to inspect your extinguishers and how often they should be conducted according to certain laws and fire codes:

Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), businesses should have their fire safety equipment inspected visually once a month. Homeowners may also follow this procedure, as it pays to be on the safe side. They will monitor if the extinguishers are still in their designated locations, that there are no exterior damages, that there is nothing obstructing its access, and that it is fully charged for use.

Maintenance Inspections

OSHA requires maintenance inspections on portable fire safety units at least once per year, which entails a more thorough examination of the products. These are usually inspected and conducted by professional fire protection companies, as they have the proper tools and training to deal with these devices. Professionals are also able to analyze hazardous environments and find ways to improve overall safety from fire hazards. Once the fire extinguisher passes the annual maintenance check, it is stamped with a dated tag that indicates it has been approved for emergency use. If the unit is deemed unusable or defective, it must be repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Internal Maintenance Inspections

When it comes to internal maintenance, only qualified fire professionals should handle this, and depending on the equipment type, this should be conducted every five, six, or twelve years. Involved in this procedure is a complete discharge of all contents and a complete examination of the integrity of the product’s internals.

Once the product passes quality checks, it is then subject to recharging of chemicals to ensure that it is working correctly. Dry chemical types of extinguishers require a six-year internal examination, with a twelve-year hydrostatic test.

Periodically down the line, fire extinguishers should be tested for their integrity regarding how well they are able to contain the pressurization used to expel the agent. Wet chemical extinguishers, pressurized water, and carbon dioxide versions require testing every five years. For more information on OSHA standards for testing, refer to this link.

Conclusion

Don’t allow your business to continue to operate without the scheduled maintenance check-ups. Although they seem like an extra hassle or more work and expenses to do, they can save your business if it runs into fires. After all, it is better to be safe than to be sorry.

Here at Atlantic Fire Pro, we are a professionally certified fire safety protection agency in New Jersey. Contact us today for top-notch fire safety procedures and services!

What is the most significant cause of restaurant fires? The answer is from the cooking equipment used to run the business, but that should not come as a surprise. After all, with fires running and flammable objects everywhere, the restaurant kitchen is prone to such accidents. Fortunately, there are plenty of fire suppression systems out there to help control fires and put it out when something goes ablaze.

If you are running a restaurant, then it is your top priority to install a fire suppression system. That way, you keep damage to a minimum and keep your cooks and other staff safe.

That said, it’s important that you are familiar with fire suppression systems in general. Here’s what you need to know about them:

How does a fire suppression system work?

How a fire suppression system works will depend on the kind you implement in your kitchen. Generally, these systems are built only to go off when a fire is detected. They are aimed to cut off either fuel, oxygen, or heat—all of which are needed for a fire to start.

If a kitchen fire occurs, the fire suppression system will quickly activate. In this instance, a few things can happen. For example, nozzles installed over the kitchen can quickly release suppressant, putting out the fire and cooling any burning surfaces. This effectively removes the heat component of the fire triangle.

Another thing that can happen, especially with fires specific to a stove, would be the system cutting off any sources of gas. This chokes the fire and eventually extinguishes it by limiting its fuel.

Also, most fire suppression systems will have kitchen hoods installed. This hood will open if there is too much smoke in the kitchen, allowing it to escape safely somewhere else.

Is a fire suppression system only meant for kitchens?

While fire suppression systems are most commonly used in kitchens, they can be used practically anywhere else. This is possible because the nozzles that spray the chemicals to put out the fire can be adjusted to tackle different types of fire.

For example, fire suppression systems in repair shops can spray powder instead of water. This will ensure that no shortcircuiting will occur due to the liquid and the people inside will not be put at risk of electrocution.

What benefits are there to be had with a fire suppression system?

While there are plenty of benefits from implementing a fire suppression system, the biggest one would be to save on potential expenses. Just think about how much it would cost to leave your property on fire and repair it later compared to installing a system that can put out any fire before too much damage occurs.

In most, if not all, cases, the latter will always be cheaper! Plus, you are keeping your employees and customers safe and sound—something all businesses are expected to do.

Conclusion

If you are running a business with an environment that is prone to fires, such as a restaurant, then you must have a fire suppression installed. With so many types of systems out there, there will be bound to be one that’ll help you achieve exactly what you need. Whether it be a station-focused fire suppression system or a kitchen-wide one., you’ll surely find the right one.

Remember, your staff’s safety is your top priority and your business is the second. Both of these are accomplished with the help of an effective fire suppression system.

We’re experts with fire detection. If you are looking for an ANSUL fire suppression system for your kitchen in New Jersey, reach out to us!

If you think you can smash the glass of that fire extinguisher case anytime you need it—think again. Sure you can break the glass and take out the fire extinguisher, but the most important question is, will it work? Contrary to what you might believe, fire extinguishers encased in glass compartments that are attached to the wall need proper, routine maintenance. And one way to properly maintain a fire extinguisher and ensure that it will work in the event of an emergency is to recharge it.

When should fire extinguishers be recharged? 

You need to recharge a fire extinguisher immediately after use. Even if the extinguishing agent inside was not totally discharged, the fire extinguisher still needs to be recharged to ensure that it’s ready for its next use. 

Even if the fire extinguisher accidentally discharged only a small amount, it should be recharged right away. This is because, when the extinguisher discharges, it loses significant pressure, which can make it faulty should a real need for the extinguisher arise. 

You also need to have your extinguisher recharged after a recent testing. Routine inspections involve discharging fire extinguishers to ensure that all discharging mechanisms and pressure gauge readings are working well. 

Additionally, the fire extinguisher must be recharged periodically throughout its life, even if they haven’t been used.

What is the process of recharging? 

Only a trained professional can recharge a fire extinguisher. In most cases, you can have the fire extinguisher recharged by the company where you bought your extinguisher from. 

The first thing that will happen is the extinguisher will be completely depressurized and the agent will be removed from the cylinder. After this, the siphon tube will need to be removed from the valve, as well as the valve stem. 

Your technician will clean the valve, replace the neck o-ring, and inspect the unit for any signs of damage. Once this is done, the valve will be reassembled with a new valve stem installed to ensure proper seating and to avoid pressure loss. 

The agent will be refilled with the appropriate amount based on its size. It will then be re-pressurized with the right amount of pressuring gas and pressure, based on the recharging instructions. 

After this, the professional will conduct a leak test to ensure that there are no leaks. When everything is settled, the discharge nozzle will be reinstalled. Before the fire extinguisher is put back in its place, it will be weighed to confirm the total weight is within the allowed range based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Lastly, a new tamper seal will be added. 

Conclusion

If you own a fire extinguisher, it is crucial that you know the importance of recharging and routine inspections. Even if you haven’t used the extinguisher for a while, the reason you have one in your property is to keep you and the occupants inside safe and protected in the event of an emergency. As such, don’t let your extinguisher sit in its place for years. Make sure that it gets routine inspections and recharge it when necessary.

Never gamble when it comes to fire safety. Have your extinguishes recharged immediately to ensure that you’re protected at all times. 

Contact us now for fire extinguisher services in New Jersey! We perform outstanding fire extinguisher recharging and annual inspections that you deserve.

A fire extinguisher, for it to be effective in putting out small fires, should be properly charged or pressurized. Not everyone is aware of this, so here’s everything you need to know about recharging a fire extinguisher.

Why is it necessary to recharge a fire extinguisher?

Similar to any machine, a fire extinguisher needs proper maintenance for it to work properly. That includes replacing used or depleted extinguishing agents. Without enough extinguishing agents, the fire extinguisher cannot perform its function of eliminating a fire. Reassembling of extinguishers also happens to ensure each is in perfect condition. 

Signs that it’s time to recharge your fire extinguisher

• The fire extinguisher has been used
  
  Once a fire extinguisher is used, whether to put down a fire or released by accident, it should be recharged.

• The fire extinguisher, after an inspection, is declared as damaged or depleted

  According to the Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), all rechargeable fire extinguishers should be recharged after usage or as ordered after inspection or servicing. If it is observed as damaged, recharging is necessary.

• The fire extinguisher reached the hydrostatic test interval set by the NFPA
  
  Per the NFPA’s Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, each unit should be inspected monthly (not exceeding 31 days) either manually or by using an electronic monitoring device. 

Special conditions, such as being in a fire-hazard building or location, or being in a high-crime location where fire extinguishers are often used or stolen, will require a more frequent checking compared to other buildings.

What happens during the periodic inspection of fire extinguishers?

Here are what inspectors check during manual or electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers:

• The fire extinguisher should be at its proper designated place
• The fire extinguisher should be visible and must be easy to locate
• It should be accessible to anyone at any time
• It should have weight the same as the standard weight
• The pressure gauge should be in an operable range or position
• For wheeled fire extinguishers, the tires, wheels, hose, nozzle, and the carriage should be in good condition
• For non-rechargeable extinguishers, there should be a push-to-test pressure indicator

How to know if your fire extinguisher’s pressure gauge is operable?

If you’re curious and want to know how the pressure gauge is examined, here’s how you can check:

• Locate your fire extinguisher’s pressure needle. If your extinguisher has a good pressure gauge, the needle should be within the green zone. It means that your fire extinguisher meets your manufacturer’s specifications in terms of proper pressure.
• In case the needle is found outside of the green zone, then, it is time to recharge your pressure gauge. 

How to know when it’s time to replace your rechargeable fire extinguisher?

Your rechargeable fire extinguisher also has its limits. After a while, they also need to be replaced with a new one. Here are the signs your rechargeable needs a replacement:

1. There are cracks, dents, and corrosion found in the shell of your fire extinguisher.
2. The label is unreadable.
3. The discharge hose has cracks, rips, or is clogged.
4. The canister loses pressure from time to time.

Conclusion

Getting a fire extinguisher for your place is only one step in protecting your property and your lives. Another step is making sure it is functioning well and can perform its purpose. Regular maintenance of these items shouldn’t be neglected. 

We’re a New Jersey licensed company providing fire inspection, maintenance, and repairs, including fire extinguisher service. Call us at Atlantic Fire Pro!

Did you know that fire extinguishers don’t last forever? Contrary to what most people think, you can’t just leave a fire extinguisher in the corner forever; they need to be maintained routinely. Failure to do so puts your property at risk of fire. 

A visual inspection should be done at least once every month to check for different signs, such as corrosion or making sure seals are not tampered with. Other types of maintenance also include yearly maintenance, as well as 6-year and 12-year maintenance, all of which, while serving a different purpose, ensure that your extinguishers are working well.

If you are on the fence about carrying out maintenance for your extinguishers, here are five reasons why it’s crucial that you carry this out:

1. Recharging

When your extinguishers have been used fully, or even partially, you need to make sure they are refilled properly. Failure to refill the extinguisher might result in a situation where there’s a fire and someone uses the extinguisher only to find out that nothing is coming out of it.

2. Blocked hoses

Sometimes, even when your extinguishers are sitting there unused, the hoses can be blocked. This can happen for many reasons, the most common one being insects building a nest inside the hose. However, there are many other causes as well, such as a bent hose or the O-rings becoming damaged over time.

3. Faded Labels

While this will not affect the extinguisher directly, faded labels will be an obstacle to anyone using the extinguisher, primarily if they have never used one before. Plus, these labels can also tell the user what kind of fires the extinguisher is meant for. If the label is faded, won’t know what type of fire the extinguisher is made for. In the unfortunate event that the wrong extinguisher is used, such as water being sprayed at a fat-fire, the consequences can be devastating.

4. Deterioration

While time will deteriorate any extinguisher, fire extinguishers that have never been touched before are especially prone to this. Damages such as corrosion or the weakened integrity of the tank itself are just some examples of the damage that time can cause on an extinguisher. To add to that, these kinds of damages are hard to see, and sometimes won’t even be visible to the naked eye. For that reason, maintenance is required to make sure the extinguishers are in good working order.

5. Leaks

Leaks can be a problem for extinguishers, as over time, it can lose all the pressure inside, rendering the equipment useless. Fortunately, there is an easy way to check for this, as most extinguishers come with built-in gauges on them. However, not all extinguishers come with this feature, and even if they come with it, regular maintenance is still required to make sure the tanks are leak-free.

Conclusion

There are a myriad of problems you will run into if you do not carry out maintenance for your fire extinguishers. Remember, failure to do this job can put the safety of everyone in the building at risk. No one wants to find themselves in a scenario where there’s a fire and none of the fire extinguishers are working properly. As such, do your part and ensure that maintenance activities are carried out specifically for your fire extinguishers.

Looking for fire extinguishers inspections in New Jersey? We provide top-notch maintenance on your fire extinguishers! Ask our team at Atlantic Fire Pro!

Fire extinguishers are always present in various facilities, and rightfully so as it is a necessary feature that plays a pivotal role in passing fire safety inspections. More than just being an accessory to a fire safety plan, it can make all the difference between minimal damage and a full-on catastrophe. 

Thankfully, most fire extinguishers are rarely used in most buildings, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need maintenance. Just like any other appliances, a fire extinguisher needs to be up-to-date and tagged for you to know it can function and fulfill its purpose correctly. 

If left unchecked for years, you may find yourself stuck in a heated situation – literally! With that in mind, the guide below should clue you in on when it’s time to replace your fire extinguishers. 

How Long Does a Fire Extinguisher Last? 

For one thing, the shelf life varies according to different types of fire extinguishers. Dry chemical extinguishers are designed to perform to its full potential between 6 to 12 years at a minimum, depending on how well it is maintained under your supervision. 

Fire extinguishers like pressurized water, carbon dioxide, and wet chemicals will only have a lifespan of 5 years. However, all types of extinguishers can be maximized even further between 5 to another whopping 12 years so long as it is subjected to service or hydrostatic testing, as stated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). 

Of course, non-rechargeable fire extinguishers are only built to last for 12 years and must be replaced once it is out of date. 

When to Replace a Portable Fire Extinguisher 

All portable fire extinguishers are built to last between 10 to 12 years. You should see the date stated on the extinguisher, so if you see that it is way past its required testing interval, then it indicates that you should put it up to service with an approved extinguisher servicing company. 

If it passes hydrostatic testing, it is good to go for a few more years. If it fails, then you should replace it with a new one. As for rechargeable fire extinguishers, you should immediately swap it for a new one when you notice one of the following issues: 

• The device is losing pressure 
• The hose is clogged, cracked, or ripped
• The handle is wobbly or broken 
• The locking pin is broken 
• The outer shell is damaged
• There is no inspection tag 
• Fails hydrostatic test

The Bottom Line: Scheduling Your Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Seeing the importance of a fire extinguisher in grave situations, keeping them up-to-shape, and ready for action is crucial. With that in mind, business owners, buildings, and even homeowners who have access to fire extinguishers have a responsibility to maintain it by hiring a professional service to inspect its quality and performance at least once a year for portable fire extinguishers.

Meanwhile, chemical fire extinguishers should be tested every five years, while dry chemical fire extinguishers must be inspected every 12 years. Of course, conducting a visual check on your own if there are any flaws, leaks, or repairs necessary monthly is even better. 

If you’re looking to replace your fire extinguishers and other fire protection services in New Jersey, contact us at (732) 443-0608!