Fire Extinguisher: Inspections

Maintenance (Yearly Inspection)
A yearly inspection consists of a technician checking all the exterior parts
of the extinguisher to make sure it is in good condition to extinguish a
fire properly. The technician will make sure the extinguisher is easily
accessible and in its proper location with all the needed labels and tags.
The technician will also inspect: the pressure gauge (to ensure that the
extinguisher has the correct pressure), the hose (for cracks), handle, pull
pin, any dents or rust that would condemn it, or that any service is
needed. The types of service includes: six-year maintenance, hydrostatic
test, and a recharge. If the extinguisher passes the inspection, a new tag
and tamper seal will be placed on it.

Six-year Maintenance
Six-year maintenance is needed every six years on most Dry Chemical,
Dry Powder, and Halogenated extinguishers only. This maintenance
consists of the technician completely breaking down the extinguisher
and checking, cleaning, and possibly replacing all the components
(valves, o-ring, hose, shell, handles, gauge, powder, etc.) to make sure
that it will properly extinguish a fire if one should arise. If any
components are defective, new parts can be used, except the shell. If the
shell is damaged with dents or rust it will be condemned and the
customer will need to purchase a new extinguisher to replace it. Once
the extinguisher is back together, it will be equipped with a new
inspection tag, tamper seal, verification of service collar, and a six-year
maintenance sticker that is placed on the shell. The price of a six-year
maintenance starts at a set price and can increase if any parts need to be
replaced.

Hydrostatic Test
A hydrostatic test is performed every five or twelve years, depending on
the type of extinguisher. All extinguishers that require a six year
maintenance need a hydrostatic test every twelve years. All other
extinguishers require the hydrostatic test every five years. The
extinguisher is broken down and inspected in the exact same manner as
a six-year maintenance. On top of that, the shell of the extinguisher is
pressurized using water, to ensure that the shell can still withstand the
pressure needed to make an extinguisher work properly. If the
extinguisher passes the test, it is put back together and given back to
the customer equipped with a new inspection tag, tamper seal,
verification of service collar, and a hydrostatic test sticker on the shell.
If the extinguisher fails, the customer will need to purchase a new
extinguisher to replace the failed one.

Recharge
A recharge is required when an extinguisher has been used or the
extinguisher does not have the correct pressure and needs to be
re-pressurized. The price of a recharge will depend on how much
powder is needed for the extinguisher to return to its correct weight.
When the extinguisher is finished, it will be equipped with a new tag,
tamper seal, and verification of service collar.

Monthly Inspection
A monthly inspection consists of the business owner checking all the
exterior parts of the extinguisher and accessibility to the extinguisher. The
owner should inspect: the pressure gauge (to ensure that the arrow is in
the green), check if the tamper seal has been broken, examine for dents or
rust that would condemn it, make sure the extinguisher is easily accessible
without obstructions, and is placed in the designated area. If there is
something physically wrong with the extinguisher, a licensed technician
should be called to fix the problem. Each monthly inspection shall be
recorded on the back of the tag attached to the extinguisher with the date
and initials of the person who performed the inspection.