Maintenance Tips for Keeping a Metal Fire Extinguisher Ready to Use
A metal fire extinguisher is often ignored until it’s required, like most safety tools and most emergencies. As we all know, fire extinguishers are imperative for any building, whether industrial, residential, or commercial. Moreover, no building will be without an extinguisher manufactured by the best fire extinguisher suppliers. Likewise, there are many types of fire extinguishers and brands. Additionally, a metal extinguisher safeguards lives, helps you comply with regulations, and secures property.
Regardless of whether you have one or more extinguishers, you must maintain them to ensure they work as intended when required. In this comprehensive blog post, we will discuss how to keep a metal fire extinguisher in good working order, step by step, and when refilling or replacement is necessary. Let’s get started with the blog to get precise details.
13 Best Maintenance Tips for a Metal Fire Extinguisher
Here are some significant maintenance tips that you must adhere to keep your metal fire extinguisher ready to use:
1. Ensure to Check Your Extinguisher Every Month Visually
Performing a simple visual inspection of your metal fire extinguisher every month is essential. However, this inspection involves casually checking the extinguisher’s body, handle, nozzle, and pressure gauge, and it makes a huge difference. If you notice dents, scratches, or rust on the body, you may need a professional inspection. Many trusted extinguisher suppliers also provide monthly inspection guides that help you easily check whether the extinguisher is in operational condition.
2. Check that the Safety Pin is Placed Securely
If a safety pin accidentally slips out, the extinguisher may discharge at any time. Additionally, if the pin itself is missing, it can create confusion during an emergency. Therefore, it is essential to keep the safety pin tightly locked and the tamper seal secured at all times. If the tamper seal is found broken, it indicates that someone has attempted to use the extinguisher. Moreover, in this situation, you should call a professional immediately for a proper recheck.
3. Make Sure to Prevent Dust from the Nozzle and Hose Clear
The nozzle and hose of a metal extinguisher can clog over time, especially if your extinguisher is installed in a kitchen, warehouse, workshop, or parking area. Do you know? Even the tiniest amount of dust, grease, or cobwebs can block the discharge. Therefore, a weekly wipe of the nozzle with a soft cloth is sufficient. Many fire extinguisher suppliers recommend using a nozzle cover in dusty environments. A clean nozzle means a smooth discharge during an emergency.
4. Ensure that the Pressure Meter is in the Green Zone
The pressure gauge of a metal fire extinguisher is like its core thing. If the needle is in the green, the extinguisher is fully ready. When the indicator enters the red zone, it indicates either low pressure or overcharging. In both cases, the extinguisher will not work in an emergency. Therefore, it is essential to check the meter monthly. Many people ignore this step, and later, when the need arises, the extinguisher does not discharge at all. Likewise, this small habit elevates your fire safety level.
5. Never Overlook the Rust Spots on the Fire Extinguisher
Rust is a metal extinguisher’s biggest enemy. Furthermore, a small rust spot can slowly weaken the cylinder’s strength. You can sandpaper and apply protective paint to small rust spots, but if the corrosion is deep, replacement or refurbishing is the best option. Nevertheless, many fire extinguisher suppliers offer modern designs with rust-resistant coatings, making maintenance easier.
6. It is Imperative to Check the Weight of the Extinguisher Regularly
The weight of a fire extinguisher is a solid indication of its readiness. Cylinders can develop minor leaks over time, and when the weight drops, it means internal discharge or pressure loss has occurred. Moreover, the weight should always be compared with the manufacturer’s standard during annual servicing. Nonetheless, if the cylinder weighs less than expected, it needs to be recharged or replaced.
7. Ensure that Labels and Operating Instructions are Clearly Visible
Printed labels on metal extinguishers are the most crucial guide in case of an emergency. If the label is faded, scratched, or completely blurred, it must be replaced. A reliable fire extinguisher manufacturer in India always provides high-quality laminated labels that are resistant to moisture, dust, and scratches. Consequently, readable labels help even an inexperienced person use the extinguisher in seconds.
8. Make it a Habit to Mount in the Correct Location
An extinguisher is ready only when it is easily accessible. Many people place the extinguisher behind decorations, against the side of a wardrobe, behind shelves, or at an unreachable height. However, this placement creates a significant risk during an emergency. Ensure the extinguisher is mounted on a wall bracket at eye level. Use a strong metallic bracket to reduce the risk of an accidental fall.
9. Don’t Skip Annual Professional Service
Whether the extinguisher is new or old, annual professional servicing is mandatory. Servicing includes internal cleaning, pressure testing, refilling, valve testing, and leakage inspection. Many fire extinguisher suppliers also offer an Annual Maintenance Contract, which automates regular servicing. Only a trained technician can ensure the exact refill type, correct pressure, and proper valve sealing.
10. Always Keep the Service Record Tag Updated
The service tag on a fire extinguisher is a small card, but it is very valuable. It contains the last service date and the next due date. Sometimes tags go missing in offices, and the team doesn’t know when the extinguisher was last serviced. Furthermore, updating the tag after every service and keeping it in a visible position is essential for fire safety compliance.
11. Give Dry Chemical Extinguishers a Shake Test
In dry-powder metal extinguishers, the powder settles and forms holes at the bottom. When you use the extinguisher in an emergency, the jammed powder blocks the discharge. To avoid this problem, lightly shake the extinguisher upside-down every 1-2 months. Therefore, this simple shake test guarantees that the powder remains free-flowing. Many fire extinguisher manufacturers also strongly recommend this tip.
12. Observe Temperature Conditions
Metal extinguishers are sensitive to both extreme heat and extreme cold. Direct sunlight increases pressure, and freezing temperatures can damage internal components. Therefore, always mount the extinguisher in a cool, shaded, dry, and stable place. Rust develops faster in areas with high humidity, so one should be extra careful in such locations.
13. Act Immediately When You Detect a Leak or Moisture
Indicators of a leak include a chemical smell, moisture around the hose, white residue, or a pressure drop. Leakage is a silent extinguisher killer, causing the cylinder to become dangerously under-pressurized. As soon as you notice any signs of leakage, call for immediate servicing. Delaying could render the extinguisher completely useless in an emergency.
It’s Time to Wrap Things Up!
It is not always about buying the proper fire extinguisher or about picking any extinguisher. You need to be mindful when making an informed decision about the types of hazardous fire, capacity needs, and how you will maintain them. Nevertheless, we know maintaining a metal fire extinguisher might seem like a complicated process, but it is one of the crucial things one must do to keep potential fire hazards in check.
However, if you are looking for a reliable manufacturer of fire extinguishers, look no further than Somya Pyrotek Services Pvt. Ltd. We offer a wide range of fire extinguishers that will ensure the protection of your space. We are working tirelessly to provide every customer with cutting-edge metal extinguishers and complete fire security for multiple fire risks. So, what are you waiting for? Check out our product page for precise details about our wide range of fire extinguishers. Let us be your extinguisher companion, safeguarding your space.