How to Know When It’s Time to Replace a Commercial Fire Extinguisher?
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?
Rechargeable extinguishers have no fixed universal service life. They stay in service as long as they pass monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, type-specific internal maintenance, and hydrostatic testing. Stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers get internal maintenance every 6 years, and hydrostatic test intervals depend on the extinguisher type and shell material.
Under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 (Table L-1) and NFPA 10, the hydrostatic test interval is 5 years for water, carbon dioxide, wet chemical (Class K), and stainless-steel-shell dry chemical extinguishers, and 12 years for stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers in mild steel, brass, or aluminum shells. Extinguishers that pass hydrostatic testing and maintenance can continue in service, as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Non-rechargeable (disposable) fire extinguishers are not hydrostatically tested; they must be retired no later than 12 years after the manufacture date.
When to Replace a Portable Fire Extinguisher
Check the dates and tags on the extinguisher. If it is past its required maintenance or testing interval, put it up for service with an approved extinguisher servicing company.
If it passes hydrostatic testing, it can continue in service until the next interval. If it fails, it must be removed from service and replaced. For rechargeable fire extinguishers, have the unit serviced and evaluated when you notice one of the following issues; a technician will decide whether it can be repaired, recharged, or must be retired:
- The device is losing pressure (or its gauge, where fitted, is out of the operable range)
- 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 (the unit needs to be inspected and tagged)
- 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 them: a monthly visual check, plus annual maintenance by a trained professional for portable fire extinguishers.
Meanwhile, stored-pressure dry chemical fire extinguishers get internal maintenance every six years, and hydrostatic testing is due every 5 or 12 years depending on the type and shell material, as noted above. Of course, conducting a visual check on your own each month for any flaws, leaks, or repairs necessary 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!