Fire Extinguisher Inspection Made Easy

Having equipment for a job is one thing, but working equipment is what makes all the difference. It isn’t enough to simply hope that your fire extinguishers work year after year, real steps need to be taken. Annual inspections on extinguishers by certified fire protection companies or your facility’s safety team are required to keep commercial buildings and their occupants safe.

Portable fire extinguishers are most often the first line of defense against small fires. Like any lifesaving equipment, you need to make sure your gear is always in top condition, so it’s ready when you need it most. By following proper inspection, testing, and maintenance protocols, a fire extinguisher can serve its intended purpose for years on end. This blog will provide a baseline look into ensuring fire extinguishers remain ready.

An inspection is the easiest way to make sure your extinguisher can be used reliably and effectively in case of an emergency. Inspecting must include at least these steps:

• The device should be placed in the appropriate location.
• Extinguishers must be visible or marked with signage indicating where they are.
• Ensure that you can easily access the extinguisher.
• Set the pressure gauge to the desired range of operation.
• You can weigh your extinguisher or lift it to ensure it is full.
• Make sure the tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle of wheeled extinguishers are in good condition.

Following proper fire extinguisher inspection protocol is critical for keeping people safe. Learn more about fire extinguisher inspection procedures with the NFPA standards on portable fire extinguishers.

A fire extinguisher should be externally maintained annually, at the time of hydrostatic testing, or when a discrepancy is noted on inspection. Depending on the type of extinguisher, extinguishers need to be examined internally every 1-6 years. A dry chemical, stored pressure fire extinguisher, for example, should be inspected every six years. See NFPA 10 Table 7.3.3.1 for more details on other types of fire extinguishers.

The tag or label attached to each fire extinguisher must indicate that it has been maintained. Labels and tags should include the following information:

• The month and year maintenance was performed
• An individual who performs the task
• The name of the agency performing the work

Managing this data can get confusing when using just pen and paper. Streamline the extinguisher record-keeping process with mobile inspection software.

An inspection usually costs between $40 and $100, depending on the urgency and size of the business. Having a code-compliant setup and working fire extinguishers is the most important part of inspections. Inspectors can be asked about whether you need to recharge or replace fire extinguishers.

A new extinguisher may be needed if the old one fails to hold pressure or is damaged. The most common 10lb ABC fire extinguishers can cost close to $100. It costs around $40-$60 to buy a small 5lb extinguisher. A 20lb fire extinguisher can cost upwards of $200. A business inspector can suggest which is best for you based on the size of your business.

The cost of a fire extinguisher recharge is often less than buying a new one. Over time, fire extinguishers gradually lose pressure, but they can be recharged and kept pressurized at a low cost.

No matter how many assets you manage, you want a fire extinguisher barcode inspection software that can handle your needs. When it comes to inspection software, InspectNTrack is an industry leader for fire extinguisher inspections. The automated inspection software gives you the flexibility to perform inspections on your own or combine them with other fire protection, life, and safety devices.

At higher education institutions or large facilities, you understand it’s important to keep track of equipment when inspecting it. Using InspectNTrack’s barcode inspection for fire extinguishers, you can do just that, while making the process seamless and safe.

What exactly does InspectNTrack’s fire extinguisher barcode inspection system have to offer? First and foremost, it complies with 10 NFPA regulations. The software also comes with a mobile app that uses color-coded icons to show technicians what they’ve tracked and what to do next.

Additionally, this app supports a wide array of barcode inputs. This app accepts 1D, 2D, QR codes, manufacturers’ barcodes, existing barcodes, or brand new ones.  Outdated barcodes can also be easily replaced, so there’s no need to worry about the system not working.

With this inspection app, you’re able to add fire extinguishers manually. For those managing large amounts of assets, this solution is ideal, as it allows uploading files or using a mobile app. Furthermore, if you’re on a campus with multiple buildings or rooms, this system has routes to keep equipment organized. By following these paths, technicians can maximize efficiency and make sure no equipment is overlooked.

Fire extinguisher barcodes make it easy to prevent missing a failed inspection with InspectNTrack. Besides just documenting inspections, there are also corrective features that keep you and others safe.

In case there are discrepancies, there is a problem log that tracks them. In its log, the source of the issue, category, images, resolutions, and other pertinent details are recorded. Discrepancies are recorded in a separate module, which enables the system to detect recurring issues.

You can set up automated incidents that are triggered by failures such as moving an extinguisher or setting the status to inactive. General notifications are generated by the system to make you aware of any issues. In the event of a failure, the system will notify the appropriate person.

It is features like these that make InspectNTrack’s fire extinguisher barcode inspection system an industry leader. When you choose InspectNTrack, you are in good hands because the software is designed to be safe and accurate.

InspectNTrack was created by TISCOR FacilityManager to serve as a seamless way to manage, track, and schedule inspections across assets. In 2012, the system was launched to modernize and streamline inspection processes. Formerly, TISCOR created FacilityManager 3.0, which made it easier for facility personnel to record and track inspections. The company is constantly improving and building upon previous technology to create software that will benefit everyone.

Since InspectNTrack’s inception two decades ago, it has been an industry leader. It reduces the time and concerns about making sure all equipment is safe and inspected. Using the automated system has served companies and institutions all over the world to create a safe workplace.

If it’s time to upgrade your inspection system or try something new, then it’s time to contact InspectNTrack. Visit their website to learn more and request a free demo.