An annual set of operations is required to verify and ensure the operation of fire extinguishers at various enterprises.
As a rule, they are diagnosed, repaired, recharged or taken out of service.
Fire extinguisher inspection frequency
The condition of special equipment at enterprises should be checked at least once every six months.
It is important to note that before starting the operation of a fire extinguisher, it is necessary to conduct an initial inspection, and then conduct periodic inspections to verify proper operation.
What is included in the inspection and who has the right to conduct it?
Inspection of fire fighting equipment may be carried out exclusively by a person who has special powers. It is forbidden to conduct events for persons without appropriate qualifications. Inspection of fire extinguishers is not possible without a special license. When conducting an event, you must follow a specific plan:
- conduct an initial inspection;
- troubleshoot, if any;
- recharge extinguisher with extinguishing fillers;
- experience a fire tool;
- set a check;
- draw up the necessary documentation, a warranty sheet is issued for the tested fire extinguisher.
Testing Powder Extinguishers
The frequency of testing powder extinguishers is once every six months.
This special tool can be a portable and transportable device. It is important to note that most of the enterprises use powder-type portable fire extinguishers.
As a rule, the kit includes: equipment for fastening, a fire extinguisher itself, a kit for repairing a device, a passport, and instructions for use.
Each fire extinguisher must be labeled and must pass the test. They must be kept indoors. They help to establish the safety of using protective equipment and the effectiveness directly in case of fire.
An important point is that the repair, inspection and charging of powder extinguishing media is carried out by specialized organizations.
Consider the frequency of checks for OP fire extinguishers. It is once every three months. The gas pressure in the cylinder is checked. The recharge frequency is once every one year.
The frequency of verification of fire extinguishers OP 4 is once every six months. And the recharge frequency is once every one year.
The frequency of testing fire extinguishers OP 5 is once every one year. To check for the presence of powder, the deadline is 5 years.
For violations of the rules for the use of fire extinguishers in enterprises, there are special sanctions. When the inspector for checking the safety rules for the fire department finds violations, he opens a protocol where he records the organization’s data and the composition of the violation. Then he gives the protocol to the judge, and he, in turn, imposes a sanction.
Maintenance
Fire extinguishers are sent for maintenance in the event of the following malfunctions and violations:
- label damage;
- lack of a passport for special equipment;
- expiration of a previous device check;
- end of warranty period;
- immediately after the use of a fire extinguisher;
- the presence of damage to the seal, lock, device for mounting the device;
- external damage;
- after unsuccessful inspections of fire extinguishers.
It is important to note that before maintenance it is necessary to carry out technical diagnostics of the fire extinguishing agent, which should be carried out once a year. This means that maintenance is also carried out once a year.
Testing Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers
The frequency of testing carbon dioxide fire extinguishers is once every two years.
This type of special equipment is also quite popular, because it is very simple to use.
Consider the device of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. Carbon dioxide is a good fire extinguishing agent, because after the release of this substance under pressure, the flame instantly recedes. However, an important point is that after using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher as intended, it is necessary to ventilate the entire room, as the likelihood of gas poisoning increases.
Devices of this type are aimed at eliminating fires involving oxygen. Unfortunately, if a fire starts without oxygen, then a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher will not be effective. For such cases, powder ones are intended.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers have gained popularity thanks to another significant advantage. Such devices do not cause any harm to objects of ignition. They do not leave any spots or similar marks, unlike other types of fire extinguishing agents.
Types of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
They are made manual and mobile. Manual fire extinguishers are very similar to each other in their design. They are all made of durable steel. They can be easily transported and held when fighting a fire in their hands; their weight is usually up to 7 kilograms. And portable fire extinguishers, as a rule, come with a special cart for transportation. These usually have a weight of 80 kilograms. They can eliminate large fires, but are not very convenient to use.
Storage conditions for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
The range of possible temperatures for the successful storage of such extinguishing media varies from -41 degrees Celsius to +50. The fire extinguisher must be stored in an easily accessible place, and it is important that it is located no further than 1.5 meters from the heating devices. It is necessary to limit contact with direct sunlight. A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher should be checked once every six months to identify problems and fix them.
When buying special equipment, it is important to make sure that there is a marking, it is necessary to check the weight and capacity, date of charging, availability of a passport, warranty sheet and the like.
Fire extinguisher charging times
Fortunately, more fire extinguishers are not used for their intended purpose. If the special equipment did not take part in putting out the fire, then it can be recharged five years after commissioning. But at the same time, strict observance of all the rules of use described above and the annual checks are required.
As for checking the fire safety of vehicles, it is carried out much more often. Recharging in this case is necessary once a year to ensure the greatest safety for passengers and drivers.
If, unfortunately, a fire did happen and the fire extinguisher was used, then an unscheduled reload of special equipment is necessary. It may be necessary if the fire extinguisher has not passed the required annual inspection. The reasons for the failure of the equipment to pass the verification may be:
- external damage to the body of the container;
- illegibility of fire extinguisher marking;
- leakage of extinguishing agent from a cylinder;
- lack of passport;
- warranty expiration;
- damage to the seal;
- malfunctioning checks;
- the fire extinguisher did not pass the test.
How is reloading of special equipment? This procedure includes a whole range of activities.
Firstly, it is necessary to conduct a technical inspection of the device. Then install a new extinguishing agent charge into the tank of the special equipment. Then it is necessary to paint the cylinder of the fire extinguisher. Next, you need to bring the check in working condition. The procedure is completed by issuing the necessary documentation (passport for a fire extinguisher).
The reloading of some types of special equipment can be done only by contacting specialized services and companies. All work must be performed with a license and all fire safety rules.
It is important to know that the frequency of checking fire extinguishers in an enterprise should be at least once every six months.
Remember that compliance with these rules can not only protect you from penalties, but also save property, as well as life and health.