When it comes to fire extinguisher testing, how often you schedule inspections is a common question.At certain intervals during the life of your fire extinguisher, a fire extinguisher technician should be checking and testing every aspect of the device. Below we have prepared a mock test which features all the questions relating to fire extinguishers that you may come across on your test. While everyone wants to stay and help put out a small fire if they can, it is more important to stay safe and leave the building unharmed. According to the AS1851, fire extinguisher test and refill services should occur at the following intervals: All portable and wheeled fire extinguishers need to be tested every 6 months. The service procedure involves thorough checking of the fire extinguisher for corrosion and partial or complete discharge.
A test can include an inspection of the service tag or label to determine if the fire extinguisher is properly installed and is the correct type for the risk area.
Additionally, to recharge a fire extinguisher requires specific training.
If your device has been tested before, you will be able to determine your fire extinguisher testing frequency by looking at the tag to see when the last test was completed. It is therefore important that you’re familiar with the various types of fire extinguishers – not only will it appear in your CSCS Test but you may also need to use one in the event of a fire. After each test is completed, information must be recorded on the service tag attached to the top of each device.
How is the maintenance of a fire extinguisher recorded? A good knowledge on fire extinguisher and fire fighting is never useless for a person. Using a fire extinguisher should not be a complicated process when you are in the middle of a fire. If this is the case, the professional doing the test will replace them with tested extinguishers. To recharge a fire extinguisher, it must be the right kind of extinguisher. You should never test your fire extinguisher yourself, but that doesn’t mean all testing is frowned upon. Reply
If you are driving a private motor car then you are not required to carry a fire extinguisher in the UK, but you are in some European countries such as Belgium, Bulgaria and Poland, so check before you go. You should also alert the fire department.
Reference should be made to the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions for specific information on servicing and recharging. If you are wondering how often fire extinguishers should be inspected, or need to know crucial fire extinguisher testing requirements, contact us at Jim’s Test & Tag. Extinguishers such as the dry chemical type requiring a 12 year hydrostatic test also require a 6 year internal examination.