It is extremely important that all businesses have portable fire extinguishers on the premises. However, they are useless if they are inaccessible, employees do not know how to use them, or they do not work correctly. Desert State Fire is a full-service, fire safety and inspection company serving businesses statewide across Arizona.
We do not simply sell businesses a fire extinguisher and then walk away. We can help with placement, and answer questions related to vital OSHA, NFPA, local, and state rules and regulations. Once the fire extinguishers are in place, we will be happy to set up a service and maintenance schedule with you to ensure that each fire extinguisher is working correctly.
Each fire extinguisher should be thoroughly inspected regularly. This inspection should include the following points.
• Location: Each fire extinguisher should be placed in a permanent location, and should be returned to that location after cleaning, inspection, and use.
• Mounting Bracket: This should be checked to make sure that the fire extinguisher is installed correctly and cannot fall, or be easily knocked off. This is to avoid potential injury, and damage to the fire extinguisher.
• Handle or Lever: this should be checked to ensure that it will work correctly in the event of a fire.
• Clean the Extinguisher: During the inspection process, the extinguisher should be cleaned. A degreasing solution should be used if necessary.
• Locking Pin: This should be removed and inspected to ensure that it is clean, working correctly, and can be removed quickly and easily if the fire extinguisher is ever needed.
• Discharge Hose: Remove the hose and inspect it for signs of wear and tear, damage, or blockage. If any is found,the hose should be immediately replaced.
• Fire Extinguisher Weight: The best way to ensure that the correct amount of extinguishing agent is in the fire extinguisher is to check its weight.
• Pressure Gauge: This needs to be checked to ensure that the extinguisher is properly pressurized.
• Maintenance and Test History: During every inspection, this should be reviewed in order to determine whether the fire extinguisher requires hydrostatic testing or maintenance.
• Hazard Application: This should be reviewed to ensure that the fire extinguisher is the correct type for any potential hazard. If it is not, it should be replaced immediately with one that is.
• Inspection Certification: Once the inspection is complete, it should be documented by attaching a service tag and safety flag to the extinguisher.