FAQs

Maintenance and servicing of fire extinguishers should be performed by a licensed and insured fire extinguisher servicing company that has the proper tools, training, recharge materials, lubricants, manufacturer’s servicing instructions, and replacement parts.

• Monthly – Quick check to ensure that the fire extinguisher is in the designated place with no obstruction to access or visibility, and that the pressure gauge indicator is in the operable range.
• Annually – A thorough examination of the basic elements of the fire extinguisher performed by a trained person who has undergone the necessary instructions and has the manufacturer’s service manual.

• Locate the fire extinguisher: check for access to, visibility, and locator sign. The extinguisher shall not be obstructed. Examine the bracket stability, extinguisher height and that the proper unit is located for the hazard area.
• Remove the fire extinguisher from the bracket: check hydrostatic test date, six year maintenance date (dry chemical) and general condition of the cylinder and band. The operating instructions on the extinguisher name plate shall be legible and face outwards.
• Weigh the cylinder, check the gauge, remove the safety pin and tamper seal. Inspect handles for proper operation. Reinsert the safety pin with a new seal.
• Remove hose, horn or nozzle. Check for obstructions, wear and proper operation. Reassemble all equipment.
• A conductivity test shall be conducted on all carbon dioxide hose assemblies. Hose assemblies found to be nonconductive shall be replaced.
• Thoroughly clean all equipment, replace worn labels and attach new annual NFPA-10 inspection tag.
• Reinstall unit on bracket back to service.
• When an inspection reveals that tampering has occurred or the unit is due for extended maintenance, the unit must be taken out of service. A spare fire extinguisher suitable for the hazard being protected of equal or greater rating shall be left.

Pressure testing of a fire extinguisher to verify its strength against unwanted rupture performed by a facility that is approved by the D.O.T. to requalify cylinders.

• Dry Chemical 12 years
• Water, AFF, FFFP 5 years
• Halogenated Agent 12 years
• Carbon Dioxide 5 years

An internal examination of an emptied dry chemical fire extinguisher to check for corrosion and any interior problems. Extinguishers that pass the six year maintenance are then recharged, reassembled, and receive a six year service label and a verification of service collar.

• Class A Wood, Paper, Cloth, Rubber
• Class B Flammable Liquids
• Class C Electrical
• Class D Combustible Metals
• Class K Combustible Cooking Media

• Class A 75 Feet
• Class B 50 Feet
• Class D 75 Feet
• Class K 30 Feet

• Fire extinguishers having a gross weight not exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 5 feet above the floor.
• Fire extinguishers having a gross weight exceeding 40 pounds shall be installed so that the top of the fire extinguisher is not more than 3 1/2 feet above the floor
• In no case shall the clearance between the bottom of the fire extinguishers and the floor be less than 4”.

• It should extinguish approximately twice as much Class A fire as a 2-A rated fire extinguisher.
• It should extinguish approximately six times as much class B fire as a 10-B rated fire extinguisher.
• It is suitable for use on energized electrical equipment.

The following are NFPA-10 minimum recommendations per floor:

• A single fire extinguisher rated 2-A:10-B:C or higher.
• One single fire extinguisher rated 2-A or higher, and a second fire extinguisher rated 10-B:C or higher.

• The following types of fire extinguishers are considered obsolete and shall be removed from service:
  • Soda acid
  • Chemical foam (excluding film-forming agents)
  • Vaporizing liquid (e.g., carbon tetrachloride)
  • Cartridge-operated water
  • Cartridge-operated loaded stream
  • Copper or brass shell (excluding pump tanks) joined by soft solder or rivets
  • Carbon dioxide extinguishers with metal horns
  • Solid charge type AFFF extinguishers (paper cartridge)
  • Pressurized water extinguishers manufactured prior to 1971
  • Any extinguisher that needs to be inverted to operate
  • Any stored pressure extinguisher manufactured prior to 1955
  • Any extinguisher with 4B, 6B, 8B, 12B, and 16B fire ratings
  • Stored pressure water extinguishers with fiberglass shells (pre-1976)
• Dry chemical stored pressure extinguishers manufactured prior to October 1984 shall be removed from service at the next 6-year maintenance interval or the next hydrostatic test interval, whichever comes first.
• Any fire extinguisher that can no longer be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s maintenance manual is considered obsolete and shall be removed from service.