A well-maintained fire extinguisher can make the difference between a small, manageable fire and a devastating disaster. However, they are often neglected, and failure to service them regularly could lead to dangerous consequences.
With fire extinguishers often used to hold open doors or just generally abused, they can lead a hard life and this is why annual servicing by a competent person is vital.
Playing an important role in firefighting, and essential for full compliance, fire extinguishers which are not properly maintained carry a risk that they will fail to operate when you need them most. This could be as a result of corrosion, damage or a loss of pressure.
Why Fire Extinguisher Servicing Affects Performance
When a fire extinguisher technician who has the relevant training, qualifications, tools and equipment attends, they carry out a twenty-point check on every extinguisher. This means that potential issues can be identified and rectified before it’s too late, giving you peace of mind. This could be from something as simple as lubricating a pin or tightening something up, to replacing the unit.
Every fire extinguisher sold in the UK is manufactured in accordance with the British Standard 5306. This same standard states that servicing should be carried out annually, and failure to do so will also void your fire extinguisher warranty.
On top of that, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 legislation for England and Wales says that the responsible person should do everything practically possible to prevent and prepare for a fire, in accordance with the relevant standards. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, other fire safety legislation applies, but the message is broadly the same.
To this effect, commissioning of new fire extinguishers is also essential to ensure no damage has occurred in transit.
Tips for Choosing a Qualified Technician
When selecting a maintenance company, firstly ensure that their technicians have undergone and passed all of the relevant training. This is to ensure the competence of the company and/or individual being employed to carry out inspection and maintenance.
You should also be wary of prices. While one company may look cheaper, it’s possible that they will then add charges for new washers, which another may include as standard, or lock you into nasty contracts.
At Fire Protection Online, we have fully-trained and experienced technicians across the UK, with no contracts and no hidden charges.
Click here to see our full range of fire safety services, including fire extinguisher, fire alarm and emergency lighting maintenance.
