Are you confused about how often you need to recharge your fire extinguishers for your business? Find out more about recharging fire extinguishers.
Passing by a fire extinguisher in a hallway or stairwell might help us to feel safer. After all, it’s nice to know that there’s always something nearby and ready to go in case of an emergency.
But more often than we not, we take the readiness of fire extinguishers for granted. There’s always a chance that the extinguisher you just walked past is actually not ready at all, and needs to be recharged. The last time you want to discover this fact is in the middle of an emergency.
Whether you’re an employer or employee, you’ll want to know about fire extinguisher maintenance. Proper care can save lives. Read on and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about recharging fire extinguishers.
What Signs To Look Out For
There are a few different reasons why a fire extinguisher may need to be recharged. Some are quite obvious and others might surprise you.
Immediately following use, a fire extinguisher will need to be recharged. Even if an extinguisher was only used for a brief second, a small discharge can start a leakage that drains the unit of pressure. Proper pressure is necessary for an extinguisher to function.
Manufacturers suggest check-ups on extinguishers every six years after their purchase, which is quite infrequent. But it does go to show that extinguishers can lose their power on their own over time.
If you want to ensure the safety of your workplace, you should perform a brief fire extinguishers inspection at least once per month. The main part of this inspection should involve checking the pressure gauge, normally located at the top of a unit.
This gauge will show you whether a unit is under or overcharged. The needle should be in the green area on the gauge. If it’s on either side of it, the extinguisher is in need of maintenance.
Recharging Fire Extinguishers
If you’ve noticed that a fire extinguisher in your building needs to be recharged, you should contact a trained professional. Recharging should only be done by someone with the proper tools, training, and know-how.
When a professional comes, they will depressurize and remove the valve from the extinguisher. They will refill the extinguishing agent to the appropriate amount given the size of the unit in question. The extinguisher is then repressurized and carefully mounted back on the wall with a new valve attached.
You should never try to recharge a fire extinguisher by yourself if you don’t have the proper training. It can be easy to hurt yourself or perform the process incorrectly.
Once a fire extinguisher is recharged, you can rest easy knowing you’re prepared in case of a fire emergency.
Keeping Your Business Safe
A fire can be a terrifying prospect for any business. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared. Recharging fire extinguishers in your workplace can ensure that you’re ready for a worst-case scenario.
Need help recharging at your office? Contact us for assistance at any time.