Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Code requires annual fire extinguisher maintenance to be performed by a professional fire safety company that is properly licensed. In addition, each business owner is required to conduct their own monthly (30 day) inspections. Fire & Safety Commodities provides annual fire extinguisher inspection services to many buildings throughout New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, Slidell, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Many business owners feel that fire extinguishers are pretty durable and that an annual fire extinguisher inspection won’t turn up any problems. However, this is not always true. Many times, our trained technicians find that one of your fire extinguishers has been tampered with or has bumps, dents, leaks or rust that can impair its ability to keep you safe at all times. We can provide fire extinguisher maintenance that’s as basic or as advanced as you need to make sure your fire extinguisher will function properly in an emergency situation.
Fire Extinguisher Recharge
Have you discharged your fire extinguisher recently? Even if you only used a tiny bit, you should have the extinguisher recharged right away – just a few milliseconds of lost fire extinguisher pressure can make the difference between a small flame and a devastating, costly disaster. If you need fire extinguisher recharge services in New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Mandeville, Covington, Hammond, Slidell, Baton Rouge and Lafayette, call Fire & Safety Commodities today!
Fire Extinguisher Hydro Testing
Fire extinguishers should last a very long time, but let’s face it – nothing’s perfect. If your fire extinguisher is more than 12 years old, call Fire & Safety Commodities for a fire extinguisher hydro test today! A fire extinguisher hydro test will make sure the shell of your fire extinguisher has no cracks or leaks that can cause it to malfunction when you need it most, and it is required every 12 years.
Fire Extinguisher FAQs
The number and type of fire extinguishers you require depends on the nature of your business and the risks involved. The best way to evaluate these risks is to undertake a Fire Risk Assessment, which is also part of your legal obligation as a business owner. Click here to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians who can provide a full assessment of your facilities and determine the appropriate level of protection required.
FIRST: Determine what type of fire extinguisher you have. Ratings are shown on the extinguisher faceplate.
– Class A and B extinguishers carry a numerical rating that indicates how large a fire an experienced person can safely put out with that extinguisher.
– Class C extinguishers have only a letter rating to indicate that the extinguishing agent will not conduct electrical current. Class C extinguishers must also carry a Class A or B rating.
– Class D extinguishers carry only a letter rating indicating their effectiveness on certain amounts of specific metals.
Some extinguishers are marked with multiple ratings such as AB, BC and ABC. These extinguishers are capable of putting out more than one class of fire.
– Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as computers and other electronic equipment. Because of this, carbon dioxide or halon extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very little residue.
SECOND: Has it ever been used?
– YOU CANNOT “TEST” A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. DRY CHEMICAL extinguishers will usually NOT hold a charge after partial use. This is also true for all your personal home and vehicle dry chemical extinguishers. While the gauge may hold steady in the green immediately after a slight use, check it the next day and you’ll find the gauge on EMPTY! This is because upon use the dry powder gets inside the seals and allows the nitrogen carrier to escape over a period of time. After ANY use a BC or ABC extinguisher MUST be serviced and recharged. This is very important for home extinguishers also; YOU SHOULD HAVE THE EXTINGUISHER REFILLED AFTER ANY USE.
– CO2 and halon extinguishers will generally hold their pressure after a slight discharge, HOWEVER, it is best to always have a full canister in case of an emergency.
THIRD: Some fire extinguishers are refillable as long as it is up to the current standards.
– Contact a Fire Safety Equipment dealer to determine if your fire extinguisher is refillable. Fire & Safety Commodities is located in Kenner, LA and services extinguishers in Kenner, New Orleans, Metairie, Houma, Hammond, Mandeville, Covington, Slidell, Baton Rouge and Lafayette.
Fire & Safety Commodities
922 Industry Road, Kenner, LA 70062
FOURTH: To dispose of an old fire extinguisher that cannot be refilled or that you do not wish to refill.
– Release any pressure contained in the canister by shooting a small amount into an open area.
– Let the canister sit for a few days, making sure the pressure has been released.
– Once there is no longer any pressure, dispose in a trash bag in your regular garbage.
The fire extinguisher is broken down and checked for damage. The “O” ring and gaskets are replaced and the extinguisher is recharged.
