You Should Inspect Your Fire Extinguisher Now
Fire extinguishers save lives, but how often do you and your family even think about yours? If you answered “not often enough”, you’re not alone. Your fire extinguisher has a specific lifespan and is designed to save lives within that amount of time. You also need to inspect it regularly. This can help make sure they are in good working order if the time comes when you need them. If you’ve never done a quick check before, then now is the time to inspect your fire extinguisher. Then add it to your home maintenance routine. You can grab your free printable copy of the Complete Home Maintenance Checklist for reminders.
You should keep a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, and at least near your kitchen and in your garage. Keeping it under the kitchen sink is not the best idea as it can easily get buried behind all of your cleaning supplies. You want it to be easy to access and locate it away from where the fire is most likely to break out. Hanging it on the wall nearby makes it easy to locate and grab when the time comes that you need it.
Can You Do a DIY Inspection?
Yes, you can definitely DIY your household fire extinguisher inspection. It’s best to do it monthly and it takes only minutes to do.
How To Inspect Your Home Fire Extinguisher
I do need to point out that this article is for how to inspect the common home fire extinguishers. Commercial models are different, and in commercial settings do require professional service. Please consult a professional fire protection company near you for how often, and who can perform inspections in commercial settings and/or OSHA requirements.
- Check the ensure the pressure gauge on the top is in the green area.
- Check the top for any signs of corrosion. Make sure the pin is in the handle, and the tamper seal is intact.
- Inspect the body for any corrosion or dents.
- Locate the date stamp. Most household extinguishers expire within 10-12 years, so check with the manufacturer of your model to see when you should replace yours.
- Turn the extinguisher upside down for a few seconds to fluff up the dry chemical. This prevents it from getting packed down at the bottom.
- Check the discharge hose for dry rot or blockages at the nozzle.
- Unscrew the hose and check for any signs of discharge or blockages.
- Put the extinguisher back in it’s place and make sure the operating instructions are facing forward.
If your fire extinguisher has expired, pick up a new one as soon as possible as most home models cannot be recharged. You can find one online at many retailers, including Amazon for two day shipping for Prime members here.
