Fire extinguishers perform a vital role in the suppression of small fires. As one of the first lines of defence against fire, it is the responsibility of the responsible person (RP) of a premises to ensure that all extinguishers are serviced in accordance with BS 5306-3.

1. Corrosion

An extinguisher cylinder is manufactured from steel or aluminium and is designed to withstand the internal forces of the pressurised gas. Over time, this metal may begin to corrode or deteriorate from stress and compromise the structural integrity of the cylinder which can result in the failure of an extinguisher.

 

2. Tampering

If your fire extinguishers are in public areas, there is always the possibility that someone may tamper with them. Tampering can range from removing the headcap seal or the locking pin, loosening the hose, discharging some of the contents, or moving the extinguisher away from its specific, designated point.  Some of the tampering may have been unintentional, such as when an extinguisher is moved for cleaning or used as a door stop.

 

Fire extinguishers will be checked for any tampering during servicing. However, if you consider that an extinguisher has been tampered with, you should call your service engineer to check and rectify any problems.

 

3. Hose Blockage

The discharge hose of fire extinguishers may, over time, become blocked by debris or insects, resulting in impaired functionality when used. The hose and connector O-rings may also deteriorate over time.

 

4. Leakage

The weight of the fire extinguisher is clearly marked on each maintenance label. This is not so that you know how heavy it is, but because the extinguisher’s weight is the simplest method of telling whether the contents are correct.

 

5. General Wear

Fire extinguishers will experience general ‘wear and tear’ over the years, from a little scuff on the paint to fading labels. However, the consequences of seemingly innocuous damage can be greater than one may have originally thought. For example, over time, as the maintenance label on the extinguishers become faded the important information the technician needs also becomes illegible.

 

The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time.  For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.

The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.