Fire Extinguisher Testing Requirements

Fire extinguisher service companies must be licensed in the state they operate in, and have experience with portable fire extinguisher testing requirements.  There are different types of extinguishers to put out specific types of fires, and some portable fire extinguisher require additional testing.  

At the very minimum, your fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and recorded on the fire extinguisher tags.  All portable fire extinguishers should be inspected annually by a certified fire and safety company.  

Locating a fire extinguisher in proper working order during an immediate need is crucial to extinguishing a fire before it becomes uncontrollable and even deadly.  Maintaining your fire extinguishers along with your entire fire and safety plan is the responsibility of all building owners and engineers to protect buildings, equipment and save lives.  

Fire Extinguisher Types and Fire Classes

There are different classes of fires, each requiring a specific type of portable fire extinguisher, some with specific testing regulations.  Experienced fire extinguisher supply companies will have in-depth knowledge of the various classes of fires, and the optimum extinguisher to use for each situation.   Proper placement of portable extinguishers is important, and having the correct type on hand is vital.  

The typical fire extinguisher used in most public places and business is rated for Class A, B or C fires.  These are multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers that work by interrupting the chemical reaction within the fire.  

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers are rated for Class B and C fires only, as they will be ineffective on a Class A fire.  While NFPA 10 details the standards for all portable fire extinguishers as published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 12 details the guidelines for carbon dioxide extinguishers.  

Class D fire extinguishers are a dry powder rather than dry chemical, and are effective by separating the fuel source from oxygen thus removing the heat.  Class D fire extinguishers are only effective on Class D fires and will not work on any other class of fire.  

Wet chemical fire extinguishing systems are used to treat class K fires, and are usually used in an automatic system such as in restaurants over a kitchen hood.  Wet chemical extinguishing guidelines are detailed in NFPA17A.  

High Rise Security Systems is a leading fire and safety consulting firm providing design, inspection, maintenance, testing and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today for professional and reliable fire extinguisher testing services.