Fire Extinguishers
Your first line of defense — annual inspection, testing & maintenance per NFPA 10.
Fire Extinguishers have found their way across America and the world.
Placed in, on, or near any combustible materials, equipment, and throughout facilities — fire extinguishers are your first line of defense. Having these ready is a must in case of an emergency.
How does it work?
A fire extinguisher is a cylinder containing high-pressure gas to propel water, chemicals, or clean agent through a nozzle or hose directly at the fire, helping to contain smaller fires before they spread.
Types of Fire Extinguishers
There are many types of fire extinguishers used for different classes of fire applications. The most commonly used is the ABC dry chemical — the ABC stands for the A, B & C classes of fires listed below.
Classes of Fires
Ordinary Combustibles
Fires in ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, plastic, and trash.
Flammable Liquids & Gases
Fires in flammable liquids such as gasoline, petroleum oil, and paint — as well as flammable gases such as propane and butane.
Electrical Equipment
Fires that involve energized electrical equipment such as motors, transformers, and appliances.
Combustible Metals
Fires in combustible metals such as potassium, sodium, aluminum, and magnesium.
Cooking Oils & Greases
Fires in cooking oils and greases such as vegetable fats and animal fats.
Deciding what fire extinguisher to use in your facility is extremely important. Not understanding the proper fire extinguisher for the class of fire could cause the fire to re-ignite.
What is Needed to Keep My Extinguisher Ready?
Inspection, Testing & Maintenance
Annual Inspection
All fire extinguishers are due for annual inspections according to local, state, and national codes and regulations. Maintenance must be provided by a professional who is trained and knowledgeable in NFPA 10 — the standard for fire extinguisher inspection, testing & maintenance.
Annual
Full inspection
6-Year
Internal maintenance
12-Year
Hydrostatic test
Stored Pressure ABC Extinguishers
Stored pressure ABC extinguishers require internal maintenance every 6 years and hydrostatic testing every 12 years.
Inspection / Service Tag
For every fire extinguisher service or inspection there must be a tag stating what type of service was performed, the date the service was performed, and by whom the service was performed.
