If you are looking for a licensed fire safety company to provide annual fire extinguisher inspections, you need an experienced fire and safety system expert. Providing annual inspections for fire extinguishers is a very important role, as these devices must be ready to use at a moment’s notice in case of emergency. Fire extinguishers are often the only thing preventing a fire from quickly becoming uncontrollable, saving property and lives.
NFPA10 Outlines Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Only a licensed fire and safety system expert with knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines should provide annual inspections for fire extinguishers. NFPA10 outlines the fire extinguisher requirements from NFPA, which is the leading resource for nationally recognized safety plan requirements for fire, electrical and all related hazards.
Fire Extinguisher Types for Various Classes of Fire
A technician must be licensed to service and provide inspections for fire extinguishers, and be knowledgeable of the correct type of extinguisher in specific environments.
Types of portable fire extinguishers used for Class A, B, C, D, and K fires include:
- Water and Foam – Used for Class A fires only, and should not be used for either Class B or C fires.
- Carbon Dioxide – Used for Class B or C fires only. Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are ineffective for Class A fires.
- Dry Chemical – The most widely used type of portable fire extinguishers, a multi-purpose dry chemical agent is effective on either Class A, B, or C fires.
- Wet Chemical – Used primarily for Class K fires, often in commercial restaurant settings over a deep fryer or similar environment. NFPA17A details the guidelines for wet chemical fire extinguishers.
- Other less commonly used portable fire extinguishers include Clean Agent, Dry Power, and Water Mist extinguishers.
Fire Extinguisher Services in Chicago
High Rise Security Systems is a licensed fire and safety system expert, providing full service fire protection with system design, maintenance, testing and annual fire extinguisher inspections to a wide variety of commercial customers.
Our licensed technicians follow a detailed checklist when performing your annual fire extinguisher inspections, including:
- Placement - should be easily accessible and mounted appropriately.
- Visual Inspection –ensure unit is free from dust, corrosion and rust.
- Manufacturer Date - all extinguishers require added service at 6 years, and again at 12 years
- Safety Pin – in place and not damaged
- Pressure Gage – should be showing in the green and not pointed to “recharge” indicating full pressure
- Nozzle and discharge hose –free from cracks and in good working order
- Handle and Lever – checked for cleanliness and smooth operation
- Testing history – determine necessary maintenance or hydrostatic testing
- Updating certifications
HRSS provides these services and more during your fire extinguisher inspection. We are a full-service fire and safety consulting firm assisting building owners, contractors and engineers with full compliance to all fire and safety regulations. Contact us today for professional fire extinguisher services from skilled and licensed technicians.
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