Fire extinguishers are an indispensable part of fire safety for every commercial building. They can stop small fires at the source before they cause significant structural damage or injuries, and they’re your first line of defense. However, it’s important that your fire extinguishers are inspected often to ensure they will perform well in an actual emergency.
Reliable Fire & Safety’s team consists of NFPA 10-certified fire extinguisher technicians who provide fire extinguisher inspections and testing in Bessemer City and the Greater Charlotte area.
Our company has been in the fire protection business for over 35 years, providing superior service with fast response times, competitive prices, and excellent reviews. We’re available 24/7 for emergency support, and we’re here to help with all your commercial fire safety needs.
Why Are Fire Extinguisher Inspections & Testing Important?
With time, fire extinguishers can lose pressure, the seals can fail, the tank can corrode, or they can become physically damaged. Any of these issues could compromise the fire extinguisher’s performance in an emergency, making it difficult or impossible to respond to a fire appropriately.
By having your fire extinguishers inspected and tested at regular intervals, you can ensure they’re in good condition and ready to operate during a fire.
When to Schedule Fire Extinguisher Inspection & Testing
In a commercial building, fire extinguishers should be inspected and tested once a year by an NFPA-certified technician, like the experts at Reliable Fire & Safety.
Ideally, as a business owner or manager, you should also perform your own visual inspections monthly, ensuring that your fire extinguishers are charged, easy to access, and ready for an emergency.
Schedule fire extinguisher inspection and testing in Bessemer City by calling Reliable Fire & Safety today.
The Consequences of not scheduling Fire Extinguisher Inspections & Testing
You must have your fire extinguishers inspected regularly to avoid putting your business at risk. OSHA can impose stiff fines for non-compliance, up to $16,000 per violation, and local authorities can levy fines and enforce penalties up to and including business closure.
Your insurance premiums may also skyrocket, your policy may be canceled, and your business can face legal jeopardy if any injuries or property damage happen during a fire.
What Is the Fire Extinguisher Inspection & Testing Process?
When you call Reliable Fire & Safety to perform a fire extinguisher inspection, they will evaluate the condition of all your fire extinguishers and properly document the process so you can stay in compliance with local fire and safety codes.Â
The inspection process will typically include:
- Verify proper placement: Fire extinguishers must be located every 75 feet within a commercial building and within 30 feet of any cooking equipment.
- Verify proper type: The type of fire extinguisher needed in each area of a building will vary based on the nature of the threat. For example, areas that store chemicals would need a different type of fire extinguisher than those in food preparation areas.
- Check the charge: Most fire extinguishers have gauges to indicate if they’re charged and ready for a fire.
- Physically inspect the fire extinguisher: This step will check for issues like corrosion, damaged seals, missing tags, damage to the fire extinguisher tank, damaged hoses, missing pins, and more.
- Document the inspection: A technician will update the tag with the inspection date and document any necessary details.
Why Choose Us?
Reliable Fire & Safety has been serving Bessemer City and the Charlotte area since 1986, providing professional fire protection services that include fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire sprinkler services, and more.
We’re family-owned and -operated with a commitment to excellent service, so you can rely on us for honest recommendations and exceptional service.
Call Reliable Fire & Safety today to schedule fire extinguisher inspections in Charlotte or nearby.
FAQs
Commercial fire extinguishers must be pressure-tested every 12 years to ensure the tank is structurally sound before recharging.
Most fire extinguishers last five to 12 years, though they can be tested and certified to operate longer.
Because the tank is made of steel, corrosion or rust is the most common cause of failure, allowing the fire extinguisher to depressurize over time.
