Is Your Fire Extinguisher Outdated

02 Mar Is Your Fire Extinguisher Outdated

How to tell if your fire extinguisher is outdated

It often can be difficult to tell if a fire extinguisher has expired, on the grounds that those which are well maintained can last for quite a few years.

A lot of models do come with an expiry date.

Things to consider..

When was the last service for the fire extinguisher?

Firstly look at the condition of the fire extinguisher. Check the label to see if it has been serviced at the correct intervals, this is normally annually. Damage to the extinguisher, rust and corrosion are all indicators that the fire extinguisher has expired and replaced.

Age of the fire extinguisher

Look at the manufacturing date of a fire extinguisher date this is generally stamped on the body or written on the service label. The manufacture date determines if the extinguisher requires its extended service.

For your information,  depending on whether it is water, powder, or foam, they are due 5 years after their first commissioning.  CO2 extinguishers are due after 10 years.

Outdated fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers have changed over the years, some of the much older ones might not reach the current standards. Extinguishers cannot be serviced according to the manufacturers’ specification when the parts are no longer available, therefore these need to be replaced.

Issues which should be addressed immediately

•    Broken Handles
•    Pressure gauge needle shows in the red zone
•    Maintenance records aren’t up to date
•    Blocked nozzle
•    If the headcap locking pin is missing, if the security is broken

If you are worried or concerned about any fire extinguishers in your building, then give us a call for a survey of your equipment.

Safe and Sure are based in Durham and have been providing customers in the area with expert fire protection since 1985.

We are a BAFE registered company, “under the SP101 Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Scheme”