Judd Fire Protection, LLC 24/7 Emergency Service 410.871.3480 MENU « Previous Next » How to Inspect a Fire Extinguisher November 11th, 2021 Without a regular inspection, your fire extinguisher may not work correctly or at all if a fire breaks out. Fire extinguishers are an essential part of fire safety. But it is not enough to just have a fire extinguisher; you need to regularly inspect it to ensure that the device is working correctly. Without a regular inspection, your fire extinguisher may not work correctly or at all if a fire breaks out in your home or business. Here is a handy guide for inspecting your fire extinguisher. How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected? In general, fire extinguishers should be inspected by professionals once a year. You can also perform a monthly inspection on your own to ensure that your device will work efficiently in an emergency. Check the Tag or Label All fire extinguishers should have a manufacturer’s label or tag. This is where you will find important information from the manufacturer, such as the expiration date. After you purchase your fire extinguisher, read the tag thoroughly and follow the recommended maintenance suggestions. Inspect the Pressure Gauge Many fire extinguishers come with a pressure gauge that indicates whether the device is in an adequate operating range. If your extinguisher has one, check to make sure that the gauge’s needle shows correct pressure. If the device has a test indicator, press it to ensure the pressure reading is within the acceptable range. Look for Any Physical Damage If your fire extinguisher has been sitting in the cupboard for a long time, it is essential to check it for any physical damage. Check that the can, hoses, and nozzles are in working in order and aren’t broken. Any visible signs of damage, such as scratches or dents, it may be time to replace the fire extinguisher. Accessibility Make sure the extinguisher is visible and easily accessible. Visit each area where a fire extinguisher should be and make sure that it is still there. A fire extinguisher is no good if you can’t find it in an emergency. There should be no furniture or other obstacles blocking the extinguisher from view or reach. Also, verify that it is in its proper location, typically three and a half to five feet off the ground on a specifically designed bracket or in an unlocked box or glass cabinet. What to do if a Fire Breaks Out If a fire does break out in your home or business, you should only use your extinguisher to put out small fires. If the flames are too large or you cannot reach your fire extinguisher in time, get out of the building and call 9-1-1. Commercial and Residential Fire Prevention from Judd Fire Protection If you want to ensure your home and business are safe throughout the year, trust Judd Fire Protection, LLC. We have over two decades of experience designing, installing, inspecting, and repairing residential and commercial fire protection systems. We serve clients throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. If you are interested in finding out more about our services and protecting your home and business, give us a call at 410-871-3480 or contact us online. For more fire safety tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Categories: Fire Extinguishers | Tags: commercial fire protection, fire protection, and residential fire protection This entry was posted on Thursday, November 11th, 2021 at 4:37 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed. Comments are closed. Recent Posts Fire Safety Tips for the Holidays How to Inspect a Fire Extinguisher How to Prevent House Fires How to Clean Fire Extinguisher Residue The Different Types of Fire Alarms Categories Commercial Fires Fire Alarms Fire Classifications Fire Drills Fire Extinguishers Fire Prevention Fire Protection Fire Safety Fire Sprinkler System Grill Safety Kitchen Fires Residential Fire Protection Residential Fires Smoke Alarms Uncategorized Archives November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 April 2016 Contact Judd Fire Protection, LLC 1100 Business Parkway South, Suite 3 Westminster, MD 21157 Tele: 410.871.3480 Fax: 443.293.8725 © 2021 Judd Fire Protection, LLC All Rights Reserved Website Design & Marketing provided by Adventure Web Interactive