Can I conduct fire extinguisher maintenance myself?

Yes, you can conduct fire extinguisher maintenance yourself on a monthly basis. Regular checks help ensure your extinguishers are in proper working order and can be relied upon in the event of a fire. However, it’s essential to understand the limits of what you can do and the importance of professional servicing to meet safety standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can and cannot do when maintaining your fire extinguisher.

Monthly Self-Checks

As the owner or user of a fire extinguisher, you are encouraged to perform simple, visual inspections at least once a month. These routine checks can help identify obvious issues that might prevent the extinguisher from working when needed. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Check the condition of the extinguisher:

Inspect the body of the extinguisher for any signs of damage, such as dents, rust, or corrosion. Any physical damage could affect the extinguisher’s performance.
Ensure the seal and pin are intact and in place. The pin prevents accidental discharge, and the tamper seal should be unbroken to indicate the extinguisher hasn’t been used.

2. Check the pressure gauge:

Most fire extinguishers have a pressure gauge that indicates whether they are adequately pressurised. The needle should be in the green zone, which indicates the extinguisher is ready for use. If the needle is in the red (low or high), the extinguisher may not work properly and needs servicing.

3. Inspect the hose and nozzle:

Ensure the hose and nozzle are free from cracks, obstructions, or debris. These parts should be clear to allow the fire suppressant to flow properly when the extinguisher is used.

4. Check the labelling:

Make sure the instructions and labels are clear and legible. These provide important information on how to use the extinguisher in an emergency and should be easily readable.

5. Ensure accessibility:

Confirm the fire extinguisher is easily accessible, with no obstructions blocking it. In an emergency, a fire extinguisher should be within reach and visible, ideally mounted on a wall or in a designated holder.

6. Shake dry powder extinguishers:

If you have a dry powder fire extinguisher, it’s a good idea to shake it gently once a month to prevent the powder from settling or compacting at the bottom. This helps maintain the effectiveness of the powder when deployed.

Limitations of Self-Maintenance

While these monthly checks are important, they are basic inspections meant to catch obvious problems. They do not replace professional servicing, which is required by law and fire safety regulations. Self-inspections are only the first line of defence to ensure the extinguisher appears to be in good condition, but they cannot guarantee full operational readiness.

Professional Servicing

Even if you conduct your monthly maintenance diligently, your fire extinguisher must still be serviced annually by a BAFE-certified professional (or a similarly qualified technician). Here’s why professional servicing is essential:

1. Thorough internal inspection:

A certified technician will open the extinguisher to check its internal components, ensuring there are no hidden issues such as corrosion or blocked hoses that could impede performance.

2. Recharge and refilling:

Professionals can check whether the extinguisher needs recharging or refilling, which is something you cannot do yourself. Even if an extinguisher hasn’t been used, it can lose pressure over time or after minor discharges, making it ineffective in an emergency.

3. Certification for insurance and safety compliance:

Regular professional servicing ensures your extinguisher meets fire safety regulations and insurance requirements. Failure to have it professionally serviced could result in non-compliance, leading to penalties or invalidating insurance claims in the event of a fire.

4. Testing and calibration:

Technicians will also test the pressure gauge and other mechanisms to ensure accuracy, and they may recalibrate parts of the extinguisher to make sure everything functions correctly under emergency conditions.

5. Replacement of worn parts:

Over time, seals, pins, hoses, and other parts can degrade. During a professional service, worn-out parts are replaced, ensuring the extinguisher remains in top working condition.

6. Extended lifespan of the extinguisher:

Regular professional servicing helps extend the life of your fire extinguisher, as any potential issues are addressed before they become serious problems. This can save you money by preventing the need for early replacement.

Importance of Professional Certification

BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) certification ensures that the professional servicing your extinguisher is qualified to do so. BAFE-certified technicians follow strict guidelines and use specialised equipment to inspect, maintain, and certify fire extinguishers. This certification gives you peace of mind that your extinguisher is fully compliant with UK fire safety regulations and will perform as expected in an emergency.

In conclusion, while you are encouraged to carry out monthly maintenance checks on your fire extinguisher to ensure it is in good working order, these checks are basic and should not replace professional servicing. Self-inspections focus on visual and external conditions, such as checking the pressure gauge, inspecting for damage, and ensuring accessibility. However, to meet fire safety regulations and ensure your extinguisher is fully operational, it must be serviced at least once a year by a BAFE-certified professional. This ensures the extinguisher is properly maintained, recharged if necessary, and compliant with legal requirements.

For more information on Fire Extinguisher Maintenance contact Total Safe UK.