Commercial Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements

Fire extinguishers are a critical piece of an overall fire alarm and safety system as they provide the first line of defense to extinguish a fire before it becomes uncontrollable, dangerous and deadly. It is important for all commercial properties to maintain recommended extinguisher inspection requirements so that your extinguisher will be ready when needed.  

All fire extinguishers are required to be inspected internally on a monthly basis and annually by a professional and licensed fire extinguisher service company.  Monthly inspections should be recorded on the back of the tag with the initials of the person doing the internal inspection. Fire extinguisher professionals should record their inspection on the tag with their annual inspections.

Monthly internal extinguisher inspections must include:

• checking the pressure gauge to be sure it is pointed to green and ready to go
• a visual inspection to be sure there is no rust or corrosion on the extinguisher
• verification of overall readiness and easy access

Annual extinguisher inspection requirements from a licensed professional must include:

• Overall visual inspection of the unit and components for readiness
• Verifying the pressure is adequate with the pressure gauge
• Locking pins and valves are in place and undamaged
• Verification of the chemical compound and weight of the extinguisher
• Any required six-year inspections on extinguishers six years old from the manufacture date
• 12 year required inspections that include in-depth service and recharging

High-Rise Security Systems Offers Licensed Extinguisher Inspections

HRSS provides licensed fire extinguisher inspections for all types of commercial properties in and around the Chicago area. We offer professional extinguisher services for all types of extinguishers including those rated for class A, B, C, D, and class K fires.  We make sure that your fire protection system is ready to use and provides a reliable protection intended to contain any fires before they become an uncontrollable.

HRSS is recognized as a leading fire and safety systems provider, offering professional and licensed inspection and testing services of your fire alarm system including portable extinguishers. Contact us today to learn more and to speak with a fire protection specialist for all your extinguisher inspection requirements.

Help with Fire Extinguisher Installation Requirements

Portable fire extinguishers are an important part of your fire and safety system, providing the first line of defense when a fire erupts often preventing escalation to a dangerous and uncontrollable blaze. Installing fire extinguishers, however, requires some knowledge of the regulations regarding insulation and placement of portable extinguishers.

That National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) details the recommended guidelines for installation and use of fire extinguishers in NFPA10.  The NFPA is nationally recognized as the leading source of fire and safety plan requirements, with most local and state jurisdictions requiring adherence to the standards for code compliance.

Fire Extinguisher Service Companies in Chicago

High-Rise Security Systems is an experienced and licensed fire and safety consulting firm, offering comprehensive fire alarm services including proper placement and installation of fire extinguishers. We begin with a thorough design to ensure your extinguishers are installed in the right location for code compliance and fire protection safety.  

We can help to answer any questions you may have regarding proper placement and use of your fire extinguishers and offer ongoing fire extinguisher inspections, testing and maintenance.

Our licensed and experienced technicians follow a comprehensive checklist during your annual inspections of portable fire extinguishers. Our annual inspections include checking the following:

• Visual inspections to check for rust, dust or corrosion    
• Proper placement as all portable fire extinguishers must be mounted properly and easily accessible
• Visually check to be sure the safety pin is not damaged and still in the proper place
• Inspect the pressure gauge to be sure the unit is charged with full pressure
• Verify the manufacture date of all extinguishers which require additional service at six and 12 years
• Inspect the lever and handle for smooth operation
• Be sure the discharge hose and nozzle is in good working order and free of cracks
• Review the testing history to determine whether additional maintenance or hydrostatic testing is required
• Update all inspection tag requirements

High-Rise Security Systems is and experienced and licensed fire safety consulting firm offering comprehensive services to commercial properties in and around Chicago. We provide complete fire alarm system design, code compliance and data sheets for permit approval. Contact us today to learn more about our fire extinguisher installation and inspection services.

What are My Fire Extinguisher Signage Requirements?

Fire extinguisher signage requirements are detailed in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards along with requirements listed by Occupational Safety and Hazard Association (OSHA).  OSHA standard 1910.57 states that portable fire extinguishers are required to have visual inspections performed every month, along with a required annual inspection by a certified fire extinguisher professional.  

NFPA10 is the standard that outlines fire extinguisher signage and inspection requirements, including four inspection categories consisting of monthly, annually, hydrostatic and six-year testing inspection requirements.

Fire Extinguisher Monthly Visual Inspections

Monthly visual inspections may be performed on portable fire extinguishers by the business owner or homeowner, it must be recorded on the extinguisher tags. Every fire extinguisher has tags to record the annual maintenance along with a backside that has spaces to record all 12 monthly visual inspections. Maintaining these visual inspections is important for the safety of your building occupants as well as to maintain OSHA compliance.  

Monthly visual inspections should include checking the following:

• Ensure the safety seal is not broken
• Be sure the hose is not blocked
• Make sure instructions are still legible
• Check the pressure gauge to be sure the extinguisher is fully charged

Fire Extinguisher Annual Inspection Requirements

Only certified, licensed and trained professional fire extinguisher personnel can perform annual inspections, this in-depth inspection requires checking the delivery system of the fire suppressing agent and the mechanical parts of the portable extinguisher itself.  Evidence of these annual inspections is required to be shown on the tag itself to verify compliance.

Licensed Fire Extinguisher Companies in Chicago

High Rise Security Systems is a licensed and professional fire extinguisher service Company, offering professional fire and safety services for all types of commercial buildings.  We ensure that your building is compliant to all fire extinguisher signage requirements and protected beyond code regulations.

HRSS offers decades of experience in protecting commercial properties with code compliant fire and safety systems and inspections. Contact us today to learn more and to speak with a professional fire alarm system specialist.