How to maintain CO2 fire extinguishers?

Did you know that CO2 fire extinguishers may become vulnerable to many problems such as blockage, valve jamming, corrosion, and so on if not properly maintained over the years? If the CO2 extinguisher is not used for a long time and remains inactive, it might become useless when the need arises. There is nothing worse than an inoperable fire extinguisher during a fire emergency. Therefore, fire extinguisher maintenance is crucial to ensure your fire extinguisher stays well-maintained and functional at all times. 

As per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, commercial building owners are required to conduct a monthly visual inspection of the portable fire extinguishers in the building. Following are a few tips to ensure proper maintenance of your CO2 fire extinguishers:

• For CO2 extinguishers, you must make sure there is no damage such as corrosion, leakage, or dents on the surface of the extinguisher. If you notice any damage or leak, make sure to contact professional fire extinguishing services immediately.
• Check the pull pin and make sure it is fully charged. A refill for the fire extinguisher would be required after every use. Even if the fire extinguisher has not been used, its contents would need replacement after 5-10 years. 
• Ensure the fire extinguishers’ hose does not have any crack, split, or any other signs of damage. Also, make sure the nozzle heads and valve are not stuck or damaged in any way.
• Don’t forget to check the CO2 extinguisher’s pressure. If there is any change in its pressure, make sure to contact professional fire extinguisher services for immediate assistance.  
• Always check the date of the previous inspection on its label during monthly visual inspection to know when it’s time for a professional fire extinguisher inspection. 
• Make sure to keep a written record of every month’s visual inspection.

 

It is recommended to schedule regular fire extinguisher services to inspect, repair, and maintain your building’s fire extinguishers every 6 months/annually as per the OSHA regulations. CO2 fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested by a professional every 5 years. So, if your extinguisher is almost 5 years old, make sure to schedule fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection regularly to ensure your building is equipped with well-functioning fire extinguishers to handle any fire emergency.