Edward's Environmental Home Improvement Blog

Four Signs You Need To Update Your Company's Fire Extinguishers

29 September 2022 by Terrence Gregory

Fire extinguishers are a necessity when it comes to protecting your building from fire. While it's important to have them in the office, it's equally important that they are working properly and up-to-date. One of the easiest ways to tell if your fire extinguishers need replacing is by looking at the pressure gauge on top. If it shows zero pressure, then you need to replace it. 

Here are four other signs that indicate you need to update your company's fire extinguishers.

1. The Pressure Gauge Is Broken Or Missing  

When a fire extinguisher's pressure gauge breaks or is lost, this means that the device has been exposed to excessive heat and that it needs to be replaced. When this happens, there's no way of knowing how much pressure is left in the tank or how much longer it can provide protection against fires. The only way to be sure is by getting it tested by an expert who can tell you what size replacement you need and what type of chemical should be used in the new model.

2. There Are Cracks On The Shell

If you notice any visible damage on the exterior of your extinguishers, such as scratches or cracks, then this means that they're no longer safe for use and should be removed from active duty immediately. While some companies may choose to keep them around as backup units in case an emergency arises while they're being serviced or repaired, this isn't recommended because it could cause a dangerous situation to occur. 

3. There Is Powder Residue 

Powder residue on the outside means that there was some kind of malfunction inside that caused powder to leak out when it shouldn't have been released at all. This could happen because of improper storage or handling which puts users at risk of coming into contact with hazardous chemicals during use. The presence of powder inside also means that there was more than one attempt made to discharge an extinguisher before it was actually empty.

4. The Label Is Missing Or Torn Off

Without knowing what kind of extinguishing agent is inside and how much pressure it needs to work effectively, you could be putting your employees at risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. You also don't know how much pressure is in the extinguisher, which means that it could malfunction during use. 

Fire extinguishers are an important safety measure for businesses. They need to be updated, tested, and maintained regularly to ensure they are ready to put out a fire if one occurs.

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