Seldom thought about and just as likely often overlooked, a portable fire extinguisher is one of those "just in case" safety blankets that are great to have around when it's actually needed.
As one of the most often used fire fighting options, fire extinguishers are critical as the first line of defense since they can put out small fires before they become big fires, potentially saving lives while reducing costly property damage and loss. At home, you might have a portable fire extinguisher in a kitchen closet, while at work you may walk right past one daily. In either case, you probably don't think about what condition the fire extinguisher is in and how, or if, it even works.
Ensuring a fire extinguisher is in good working order takes very little effort, but it can pay off in an extremely beneficial way. Always make sure it's stored in a clean, indoor location which helps extend the life of the fire extinguisher. Leaving it exposed to sunlight and UV radiation, wind, or rain can lead to corrosion, rust, and deterioration of the tank, hose, and other working parts. Extremely dirty or dusty environments can limit a fire extinguisher's ability to work properly.
Regardless of the firefighting agent they contain, all fire extinguishers ultimately expire and become ineffective, but will last between 5 and 15 years. Most fire extinguishers for home use are typically filled with dry chemicals (halon or carbon dioxide) and over time will simply lose their charge. A fire extinguisher filled with compressed gas will eventually likely leak its contents slowly as the seals weaken. And those that contain ammonium phosphate can solidify over the years, making the fire extinguisher unusable.
Many fire extinguishers are fitted with a pressure gauge at the top of the unit. If the gauge's needle is within the green area, the extinguisher should be in good working condition. That's great, and to ensure it stays that way, it's a good idea to check it regularly—monthly checks are best. If the needle is anywhere outside the green area, it's an indication the extinguisher is unreliable and should be serviced or replaced.
In addition to checking the gauge regularly, other visual clues to look for include: the nozzle or hose is ripped, cracked, or blocked with debris; the handle is wobbly or broken; the locking pin for the handle is unsealed or missing; or the inspection hangtag or sticker (which details the unit's maintenance record and checkups) is missing. If it's an older fire extinguisher without a gauge, have it inspected professionally. In extreme cases, if the extinguisher canister is dented or damaged, or if the tamper seal and pin are missing, it's possible it could spontaneously explode. If you've examined the entire unit and it’s not in good shape, immediately dispose of it properly.
In addition to regular monthly visual inspections for home and office extinguishers, OSHA requires annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspections by a professional fire protection company for workplace and commercial units. With the correct training and proper tools, these companies guarantee maximum compliance. They can also recognize and correct any potential issues that are discovered during the inspection. After a fire extinguisher passes its annual maintenance, it's verified with a dated inspection tag, good for one year. If the fire extinguisher doesn't pass the inspection, it must be repaired or replaced.
Beyond an annual maintenance inspection, there are also required maintenance inspections every 5, 6, or 12 years depending on the equipment. Typically, carbon dioxide, pressurized water, and wet chemical fire extinguishers need to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Dry chemical units must be tested every 12 years and also require a 6-year internal examination. Internal maintenance examinations require the services of a fire protection company and involve discharging the fire extinguisher, doing a complete internal examination of the unit, and then recharging it to ensure all components of the fire extinguisher are properly working. Hydrostatically testing fire extinguishers tests the cylinders to ensure their integrity and ability to safely contain the pressure used to expel the firefighting agent contained within the extinguisher.
If you need to get your fire extinguisher inspected, a quick search online should help you find a professionally trained individual who can do it for you. In addition to inspecting the extinguisher, they may be able to recharge it for you as well, if needed. A typical professional recharge usually won't cost more than $20.
Finally, if your fire extinguisher has expired or is damaged beyond repair, be sure to dispose of it properly. Don't ever throw a fire extinguisher into the trash or recycling bin! It still contains pressurized, hazardous chemicals and agents that can contaminate the environment or, even worse, explode. Take it to a local hazardous waste collection center within your community, or learn if it can be dropped off at a local fire station near you. Just be sure to call the non-emergency number first to ensure the station will accept damaged or expired extinguishers for drop-off.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.