Fire safety is an incredibly important topic, especially in workplace situations. However, at the same time, it’s often overlooked.
This is a dangerous game to play, as neglecting fire safety aspects could easily lead to disaster. An example is how you should check your fire extinguisher systems regularly. Here’s an inspection checklist you can use to accomplish that and ensure your extinguishers are ready in case of an emergency.
The Checklist
If you want to check your fire extinguisher systems properly, the following checklist should be completed at least every month. This prevents issues from going untreated, which in turn ensures your extinguishers will be usable in case of a fire. The checklist consists of the following six steps:
Step One: Confirm that your extinguishers are visible and accessible from where they are throughout your facility. Remove any obstructions if necessary.
Step Two: Ensure the locking pin is properly seated in the extinguisher. It should be intact and, if there’s a tamper seal, it should also be present. Look for any physical damage to the extinguisher unit, like corrosion or leakage. Finally, clear any clogs in the nozzle caused by foreign objects.
Step Three: Check the pressure indicator gauge on the extinguisher. It should be in the correct range or position that shows there’s enough pressure to be used properly. To ensure the gauge is displaying properly, pick up the extinguisher and gauge by weight if it’s still full – an empty extinguisher is easily discernible by its low weight.
Step Four: Ensure the operating instructions, and the nameplate, of the extinguisher, are legible. If these instructions are on a tag, turn it so that it’s facing outward.
Step Five: Check the date on the service tag. Extinguishers need to be inspected and serviced at least once every year by a licensed and qualified professional. If the inspection is out of date, schedule a new one immediately.
Step Six: Record the date of your own inspection and initial the back of the tag. This provides a solid record that you have completed your monthly check.
More Crucial Fire Safety Information
Fire extinguishers don’t help unless they’re in good working order. This is why you need to check them regularly, of course. However, there’s more to fire safety than just the regular check of fire extinguisher systems. Your company needs a solid fire safety plan, and this includes maintenance and testing of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other fire suppression systems. Your employees also need to know the right things to do in the case of a fire, such as how to use extinguishers properly and how to evacuate a location in an emergency. Keep all of these factors in mind if you’re interested in the highest attainable levels of fire safety.
