Professional Fire Extinguisher Service in Chicago

Fire extinguishers provide the first line of defense against raging fires erupting and causing catastrophic losses.  Big cities with many commercial properties require companies to adhere to national and local regulations, including maintaining their portable fire extinguishers to the guidelines established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  Commercial property and business owners must rely upon the expertise of fire and safety companies to provide code compliant, fire extinguisher service.

Service for All Types of Fire Extinguishers

An experienced fire extinguisher service company will have the knowledge to perform the required maintenance and services to all types of fire extinguishers.  Fire extinguishers are required to be rated to extinguish either Class A, B, C, D or K types of fires.  Most public places and commercial properties have an extinguisher that is rated for either A, B or C fires.  This multipurpose, dry chemical extinguisher works by interrupting the chemical reaction happening in the fire.

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are rated to be effective only on class B or C fires and will not be effective for class A fires.  NFPA 12 details the guidelines for the use and maintenance of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Class D fire extinguishers are effective by removing the oxygen from the fuel source in class D fires and are ineffective on any other type of fire.

Class K fires require a wet chemical fire extinguisher, which is effective on hot grease or oil fires commonly required in restaurants and kitchens.  NFPA 17A outlines the requirements of using wet chemical extinguishers. NFPA 10 provides the overall guidelines for all portable fire extinguishers which commercial properties must adhere to.

When looking for professional fire extinguisher service in Chicago, contact the experienced fire and safety specialists at High Rise Security Systems.

High Rise Security Systems, HRSS, is a leading fire and safety system specialist offering licensed fire extinguisher services in the state of Illinois. We offer comprehensive fire and safety services including maintenance, service, repair, system design and monitoring 24/7/365. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable technician for help with your fire extinguisher maintenance plan.

Signage Requirements for Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers provide a valuable first line of defense against controlling a fire and preventing a raging blaze.  The National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, and the Occupational Safety and Hazard Association, OSHA, outline requirements for the location and service of portable fire extinguishers including signage requirements and mandatory inspections.  According to OSHA standard 1910.57, fire extinguishers must have visual inspections monthly and certified inspections from a licensed fire extinguisher professional annually.

Signage requirements for portable fire extinguishers are detailed in NFPA10 within four basic categories:

• Monthly inspections
• Annual inspections
• Hydrostatic testing
• Six-year testing

Monthly Visual Fire Extinguisher Inspections

The monthly visual fire extinguisher inspections can be performed by the business owner or employee designated to perform the inspections and must be recorded on the attached tags. Every portable extinguisher should have attached tags to record a full year of 12 monthly visual inspections.  Maintaining visual inspections and recording the service is required by OSHA and helps to ensure a safer work environment.

• Monthly visual inspections should include:
• Ensure the hose is not blocked   
• Check to be sure the safety seal is not broken
• Check the pressure gauge to be sure it is completely charged
• Make sure the instructions are still legible

Annual Certified Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Licensed and certified fire extinguisher professional must perform the annual inspections which is more in-depth and detailed.  Professionals check the mechanical parts of the extinguisher itself along with the delivery system of the fire suppression agent.  These annual inspections must be documented and recorded on the tag for compliance.

Certified Fire Extinguisher Inspection Companies in Chicago
 Certified fire extinguisher inspection companies must be licensed in the state of service to perform service to portable fire extinguishers.  High Rise Security Systems is licensed in Illinois to provide portable fire extinguisher service, with in-depth knowledge of all inspection and testing requirements.
HRSS offers decades of experience in protecting commercial properties with code compliant fire and safety systems and inspections.  We provide fire alarm system maintenance, repairs, testing, inspections and monitoring 24/7/365.  Contact us today to learn more about our fire extinguisher services.