A fully functional fire extinguisher is a significant component at the workplace that ensures complete safety on commercial premises against minor and major fire outbreaks. Its availability allows the employees to prevent fire disasters. Thus, it is the responsibility of the employers to ensure that the extinguishers are functional and remain effective during a fire breakout. Employers should contact professionals who can help them with timely maintenance services for fire extinguisher maintenance in Nottingham.
Here are a few signs that indicate the fire extinguisher is not working. Look for the signs and fix the damage instantly.
What are the Warning Signs Indicating a Faulty Fire Extinguisher?
The pressure Gauge is Red
If the needle on the pressure gauge is red, the extinguisher is not functioning correctly. Again, low pressure means it may not work at all, while high pressure could pose a risk of bursting. Hence, you need to keep checking the pressure gauge to ensure parity in the process.
Visible Damage
Do you notice corrosion or cracks in the cylinder’s body? Any visible damage will make the extinguisher nonfunctional during emergencies. Moreover, if you see a broken nozzle or leaks in the hose pipe, you must either replace it or fix it as soon as possible.
Leaks from the Extinguisher
Do you often hear a hissing sound coming from the extinguisher? Then, some leaks in the body or the extinguisher’s nozzle release the pressure. If you have a leaking extinguisher in the office premises, remove it immediately and replace it with a new one. Hire a qualified technician to get the extinguisher checked.
Broken Safety Pin
All fire extinguishers have a safety pin to prevent accidental discharge of fumes. Contact the professionals immediately if the pin is loose, missing, or damaged. This indicates that the extinguisher has been tampered with and needs to be replaced immediately.
Outdated Inspection Tag
All fire extinguishers have a tag or label showing the last inspection date. All employers are responsible for checking the data and ensuring that the inspection date has not exceeded more than a year. If the previous inspection was conducted long ago, you must schedule an immediate inspection to ensure the extinguisher’s functionality. For commercial safety, monthly visual checks are the best option.
Clogged Nozzle
When the extinguisher’s nozzle is clogged, it cannot discharge the contents, making it ineffective during an emergency. Contact the professionals for quick extinguisher maintenance if you notice a clogged nozzle. To keep it functional, the unit should not be clogged or cleaned.
For commercial fire extinguisher maintenance in Nottingham, contact Bit 4 Fire & Security. Our certified team of technicians will help you with proper servicing.