Fire extinguishers are one of those things that you don’t think about until you need one. And if you do need one, there is a good chance it is a real emergency. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are trying to get a fire under control, reaching for your fire extinguisher, using it and then finding that it has stopped working.
As it turns out, owning fire extinguishers is probably more complicated than you thought. Not that it’s like a pet or anything, but it takes more than buying a pet, hiding under the sink, and then forgetting about it for years. Here’s what to know about that Lifespan of a fire extinguisherand when it’s time to buy a new one.
How long do fire extinguishers last?
Fire extinguishers expire – even if we do not consider them perishable items. The tricky part is knowing how old your fire extinguisher actually is. Generally they are expected to take between five and 15 years, but it’s hard to know where it is currently in its life cycle.
G / O Media can receive a commission
Even if you happen to remember when you bought it, you (probably) still are I don’t know how long it was on the shelf in the store before you brought it home. Here are a few other ways you can help determine whether to invest in a new one or get the one your current business has been waiting for:
Check the pressure gauge
Apparently, you should be doing this monthly. Luckily, it’s easy: just check the meter and if the needle is in the green area, you’re good to go. If it ends up somewhere else, it’s time to leave it serviced or just replace it.
Some older models of fire extinguishers do not have a pressure gauge. That’s probably a good indication that it’s probably time to replace it. Otherwise, you can take it to a place that specializes in fire extinguisher maintenance to have it checked (and likely serviced). To find one, hit “fire extinguishers” on Google and see what’s near you.
Check other things
If any of the following is true about your current fire extinguisher, then it is time to take it to a professional to have it assessed and / or serviced according to tips from Very easily and Hunker::
- The handle is loose or damaged
- The nozzle is cracked, torn, broken, or clogged with dirt
- The pressure is too low
- The locking pin is missing or not sealed
- The device has been used
- The inspection sticker or the hanging label with records of inspections and maintenance work is missing
While an old fire extinguisher may be cheaper to maintain than buying a new one, don’t forget to consider other costs, such as: B. the time it takes to get to and from the fire extinguisher service shop, transportation costs, etc.
When you end up getting a new one, be sure to make a note (possibly multiple notes) of the date you bought it so that you can make some guesses next time.
