Fire Extinguisher Inspections in Maryland, Northern Virginia & Washington, DC
In trained hands, a fire extinguisher offers a chance to escape a fire safely, and it can even provide the means to stop a flame before it gets out of control. Properly selected and placed fire extinguishers are an integral part of your business’s fire protection plan. But simply keeping them on-site isn’t enough — extinguishers must be thoroughly inspected on a routine basis.
If you require fire extinguisher inspections and testing, rely on the industry veterans at Guardian Fire Protection. We’re a full-service fire protection company that has served commercial and industrial clients for over 40 years with comprehensive knowledge and extensive training to provide businesses in Maryland, Virginia, and DC, with a single source for all their fire safety needs.
Choose us to install or service your fire sprinklers, fire alarms, kitchen fire suppression systems, and more.
How Often Do Fire Extinguishers Need Inspection?
Guidelines for fire extinguisher inspection are set by the NFPA and enforced by OSHA. It’s necessary that you develop a monthly on-site inspection with your own personnel, checking for any visual signs of damage or discharge, improper tagging, etc.
In addition to your own inspections, yearly inspections performed by a trained, certified fire protection specialist must take place. These inspections have to follow strict standards, and they require extensive documentation.
The Importance of Professional Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Hiring Guardian Fire Protection to inspect your business’s fire extinguishers ensures technicians with the highest level of expertise, experience, and specialized equipment conduct the inspections. We’ll accurately assess the operational readiness of your facility’s extinguishers, ensuring they meet legal safety standards and function effectively in emergencies.
Their expertise helps identify potential issues that might not be apparent to untrained people, including internal chemical degradation and signs of wear and corrosion. Routine professional inspections also maintain the equipment’s reliability, protecting lives and property from fire hazards.
Call Guardian Fire Protection to request a quote for fire extinguisher inspection services.
Our Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services
A missed inspection means your business is not only in violation of fire safety regulations, but it’s also more vulnerable to extinguisher failure at a critical moment. At Guardian Fire Protection, we offer thorough and precise annual fire extinguisher inspections.
On the date of service, our teams will arrive to provide all of these inspection services:
- Ensure the extinguishers are properly placed in accordance with your fire safety requirements
- Physical damage checks, including the spray nozzle, hose connector, operating levers, safety pin, and more
- Pressure gauge inspection to ensure an adequate charge
- Ensure that operating instructions are clearly legible and visible
- Inspect the tag for proper records, as well as adding the date, time, and initials of the technician providing the inspection
Don’t risk the safety of your employees and clients. Call Guardian Fire Protection to request a quote.
Choose Guardian Fire Protection for Fire Extinguisher Inspections
For over four decades, Guardian Fire Protection Services has put the safety and needs of our clients above all else.
Our customer-first philosophy means that when you call us, you can rest easy knowing a team of trained, experienced fire safety industry veterans will do all they can to ensure that your business remains secure against fires and compliant with all local, state, and national fire codes.
Ready to schedule a fire extinguisher inspection? Get started with a quote.
FAQs About Fire Extinguisher Inspections
What happens during a professional fire extinguisher inspection?
It begins with a visual examination that inspects the body for damage that could compromise the extinguisher’s integrity and functionality. The inspector will also confirm that each extinguisher is in an accessible location, clearly visible, and not blocked by any objects. Tags and seals are inspected to verify the last service date, and the pressure gauge is examined to ensure the needles are in the green zone.
The hose and nozzle are checked for cracks, blockages, and other damage, and the extinguisher is weighed to ensure it has the correct amount of extinguishing agent. The inspector might also perform an operational check to verify the unit operates correctly. Once complete, the tag is updated, and if any issues are found, recommendations are made for refilling or replacement.
How long does a fire extinguisher inspection typically take?
It varies, but a typical fire extinguisher inspection for a single unit takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The more extinguishers located in your building or facility, the longer the inspection will take.
What are the consequences of not inspecting fire extinguishers regularly?
Not conducting regular fire protection inspections can lead to malfunctioning equipment, increased fire hazards, and potential injuries. It can also result in non-compliance with safety regulations, potentially leading to legal liabilities and fines.
What should I do if my fire extinguisher fails inspection?
If one or more of your fire extinguishers fail inspection, it’s crucial to immediately replace or service them according to the inspector’s recommendations. A certified professional can recharge or replace extinguishers as needed.
What is hydrostatic testing?
During hydrostatic testing, one of our specialists will fill your fire extinguisher with water or oil and then pressurize it to test the shell for integrity. Once the shell is pressurized, the supply valve is closed off to test for any pressure losses or vessel deformations. Sometimes the liquid is colored to make it easier to see.
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