Fire extinguishers are a vital first line of defence in tackling small fires, potentially preventing damage and ensuring the safety of your premises. However, like any safety equipment, regular fire extinguisher maintenance is essential to guarantee they will function effectively when needed most. Understanding the maintenance responsibilities – what your business can handle and when professional expertise is crucial – is essential for compliance and safety. 1st Choice Fire Protection Services provide fire extinguisher maintenance services for businesses across Scotland.
What Routine Checks Can Your Business Perform?
Regular visual inspections by your staff can identify obvious issues and help ensure your extinguishers are readily accessible and in good general condition. These checks should be conducted at least monthly and should look for the following:
- Accessibility: Ensure extinguishers are in their designated locations, clearly visible and not obstructed.
- Tamper Seals: Verify that the tamper seal is intact.
- External Condition: Check for any signs of physical damage, such as dents, corrosion, leaks, or a loose hose or nozzle.
- Pressure Gauge (if fitted): Confirm that the pressure gauge needle is within the operational range (usually the green zone). Over or under-pressurised extinguishers may not function correctly.
- Operating Instructions: Ensure the instruction label is present and legible. Staff should be familiar with the type of extinguisher and how to use it.
- Cleanliness: Wipe down the extinguisher to remove any dust or debris that could hinder its operation.
These basic checks are straightforward and can become part of your regular workplace safety routines. Maintaining a simple log of these checks, including the date and the initials of the person who performed the inspection, is good practice.
When Professional Fire Extinguisher Maintenance is Essential
While your staff can perform routine visual checks, a more in-depth inspection and maintenance is an annual requirement. It should be carried out by a competent person, a qualified fire extinguisher service technician. This is a legal requirement under the relevant fire safety regulations in Scotland to ensure the ongoing reliability and functionality of your fire extinguishers.
A professional fire extinguisher service typically involves:
- Thorough Examination: A detailed inspection of all parts of the extinguisher, both internally and externally, for any signs of damage, wear, or corrosion.
- Pressure Testing (Extended Service/Overhaul): Depending on the type and age of the extinguisher, periodic pressure testing (hydrostatic testing) will ensure the cylinder is still safe to hold pressure. This is usually done every 5 or 10 years.
- Recharging: If an extinguisher has been used, even partially, it must be professionally recharged with the correct extinguishing agent. Over time, some extinguishers may also lose pressure and require recharging.
- Replacement of Parts: Replacing worn or damaged parts, such as hoses, nozzles, valves, and O-rings with approved components.
- Verification of Weight: The technician will ensure the extinguisher contains the correct amount of extinguishing agent.
- Certification and Labelling: Following a successful service, the extinguisher will be tagged with a service label indicating the date of service and the technician’s details. This tag serves as proof of compliance.
Attempting to perform this in-depth servicing yourself is not only potentially dangerous but also illegal. It requires specialised knowledge, tools, and the correct replacement parts to ensure the extinguisher will function safely and effectively.
Ensuring Reliability with 1st Choice Fire Protection Services
For businesses across Scotland, ensuring your fire extinguishers are properly maintained and ready for action is a critical responsibility. While your team can handle the regular visual checks, annual professional servicing is a task best left to the experts.
1st Choice Fire Protection Services offers comprehensive fire extinguisher maintenance services throughout Scotland. Our qualified technicians will ensure your extinguishers are inspected, tested, and maintained to the highest standards, guaranteeing their reliability and your compliance with all relevant regulations.