Annual Inspection
The annual maintenance inspection is a comprehensive external and mechanical examination of the extinguisher performed by a licensed fire protection technician. During the annual inspection, the technician will:
- Verify the extinguisher is the proper type for the hazard
- Confirm it is fully charged and the pressure gauge is in the operable range
- Inspect the hose, nozzle, and valve for damage or blockage
- Confirm the pull pin and tamper seal are in place
- Check the service label for legibility
- Update the service tag with the date and technician credentials
Annual inspections do not require emptying the extinguisher and are typically quick and minimally disruptive.
6-Year Maintenance
Every six years, stored-pressure extinguishers with certain agent types must undergo a more intensive internal maintenance procedure. This involves:
- Complete discharge and emptying of the extinguishing agent
- Internal inspection of the cylinder for corrosion, pitting, or damage
- Inspection and replacement of all o-rings, gaskets, and seals
- Verification that the valve and siphon tube are in proper condition
- Refilling with fresh agent to the proper weight
- Recharging with propellant gas to the specified pressure
- Applying a new 6-year service collar/ring and updating the service label
How to Know When Your Extinguisher Is Due
The service collar on a stored-pressure extinguisher shows the year of the last 6-year maintenance. If no collar is present, the extinguisher is overdue. Our technicians track this during annual inspections and will advise you when 6-year maintenance is approaching.
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