Portable Fire Extinguisher Testing and Maintenance Requirements

Portable Fire Extinguisher Testing and Maintenance Requirements | #ESC_LLC #FireExtinguisher #FireCode | Buying quality fire extinguishers is only part of the life-safety equation. It’s certainly an important part, especially where it comes to compliance with local, state, and national fire code. But it’s purely the very beginning.

Portable fire extinguishers need to be inspected, maintained, and tested. They must be visually inspected along with the hose assembly on a monthly basis. An annual maintenance check also is required. The outcome must be recorded along with the maintenance date. This record must be retained for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less.

Extinguishers must be emptied, maintained, and recharged every six years. In addition. dry chemical models require a 12-year hydrostatic test (dry chemical extinguishers with non-refillable, disposable containers are exempt). When recharging or conducting a hydrostatic test, the six-year requirement begins from that date.

ESC will provide equivalent loaners for the protection of your facility while your portable fire extinguishers are being serviced.

What exactly is a hydrostatic test? It’s a testing method that involves the pressurization of an extinguisher’s critical components, such as the cylinder, hose, shell, etc. This test checks for leaks and structural flaws in the extinguisher by filling and pressurizing them with a liquid.

The fact is, a visual examination of a pressurized portable fire extinguisher is not sufficient to determine whether it’s safe or not. Flaws can develop at the point of soldered rivets, for example. Flaws can occur over time for a variety of reasons. The only way to check the safety of each extinguisher is to conduct a hydrostatic test.

“We also provide swap out of like extinguishers to eliminate the need for a return trip-up to code and tested,” says John Larkin, Senior Partner with ESC.

To learn more about what’s involved in conducting a hydrostatic test on your portable fire extinguishers, contact Electronic Systems Consultants (ESC) today. Call 614-754-1393, or send an email to [email protected].

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