Whether you have to maintain your fire extinguishers yourself or hire a service company, there are a few basic things you should know about fire extinguisher certification. These standards include the Hydrostatic test, the initial training criteria, and the maintenance and training requirements. The responsibility of the responsible person is to ensure that the service provider meets these standards. Read on for more information!
Monthly and annual inspections
In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to perform regular hydrostatic testing of your fire extinguishers. You should have these tests done every five or six years, depending on your type of fire extinguisher. The results of hydrostatic testing must be retained for at least a year. It is also necessary to periodically check the extinguisher’s hose for blockages and to make sure the safety seal is intact. Additionally, you should check the pressure gauge to ensure it is working properly. You can also keep a fire extinguisher’s hang tag, which will record the month and year it was inspected.
Fire extinguisher maintenance is crucial for safety. Regular inspections will keep your extinguisher in good condition, and will prevent damage and malfunctions. The tech will weigh the fire extinguisher to ensure it is in working order. They will also clean exposed parts of the fire extinguisher, including the hose and outlet. The technician will also inspect the extinguisher’s delivery system and label it with a tamper-resistant seal.
Hydrostatic test
One of the most important parts of a fire safety maintenance plan is hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers. In fact, the test is required once every 12 years. Besides hydrostatic testing, service labels for fire extinguishers should also be checked periodically. Fire protection contractors can help you stay on track with regular maintenance. Hydrostatic tests are the key to ensuring the safety of your facility and your customers.
Hydrostatic tests are performed to ensure the tank cylinder of fire extinguishers can withstand the stored pressure. This test measures the strength of the container against possible failures and defects. The test is performed by filling the cylinder with non-compressible fluid. The pressure must be maintained for at least 30 seconds. To meet hydrostatic test standards, the tank cylinder must be hydrostatically tested every six to 12 years.
Maintenance
The Fire Extinguisher Service Technicians Scheme and BAFE SP 101 specify the contract maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. SSAIB certifies service technicians in accordance with these standards. BAFE is an acronym for the British Approval for Fire Equipment. The standards are set out for both the installation and maintenance of fire extinguishers. The following paragraphs provide an overview of the criteria used to verify the quality of contract maintenance.
In accordance with NFPA-10, fire extinguishers should undergo maintenance at least once a year, or as required. Maintenance consists of a comprehensive inspection of the extinguisher’s mechanical parts and the contents of its extinguishing agent. It may also require hydrostatic Test and Tag internal maintenance to ensure safety. This maintenance must be performed by an approved service company.
Training
Many public buildings and private residences are equipped with fire extinguishers. Australia has set up a routine for fire extinguisher inspections. These inspections are accompanied by a hang tag on each fire extinguisher that records the date of each inspection and a brief description of the extinguisher. If you have a fire extinguisher in your business, it is important to have it inspected on an annual basis.
Australia requires that the use of portable fire extinguishers be accompanied by proper training. These organizations must provide this training to employees upon hiring them and re-certify them annually. In addition, employers should create a policy regarding fire extinguisher use. This policy should clearly state who has access to a fire extinguisher and in what circumstances they should use it. The policy should also specify the correct procedures for its use.