Feature What Is Fire Extinguisher Testing And Servicing?
Fire extinguisher testing and servicing is the process of ensuring that fire extinguishers are compliant with regulations and are free from faults and defects. Regular testing is essential to not only give you peace of mind that your fire safety equipment is in order but that you are also meeting all your legal obligations as an employer or responsible person.
As part of the fire extinguisher testing and servicing offered by phs Compliance we will check: • Your fire extinguishers are fully functioning and safe to use in the event of a fire. • You have the correct type of fire extinguishers for different parts of your building. • You have the correct number of fire extinguishers to cover your building. • Your fire extinguishers are positioned in appropriate places throughout your building.
How Often Do Fire Extinguishers Need To Be Tested?
Your fire extinguishers are serviced and checked regularly to ensure they are fully functional in the event of a fire. Different checks must be carried out to ensure compliance, and these vary in frequency.
Firstly, every fire extinguisher will need an initial inspection called a commissioning service. According to fire extinguisher serving requirements, all fire extinguishers in your building should then be inspected on a monthly basis by a visual check. This involves making sure the extinguishers are located in the designated place, are unobstructed and visible, are securely housed and have not been tampered with or sustained any visible damage.
These checks should be properly documented by the responsible person. You should then ensure that you arrange annual safety service and associated fire extinguisher certification, carried out by an accredited specialist such as phs Compliance.
As well as a monthly visual inspection, fire extinguishers also require a minimum of a ‘basic service ‘every year, which must be conducted in accordance with BS 5036-3 regulations. It is a legal requirement that these services must be carried out by a professional, certified fire safety organisation – such as phs Compliance. The servicing process will involve an expert technician testing the safety pin and pressure gauges, as well as changing O rings in the valve, hose and horn if necessary.
What About Other Fire Safety Equipment?
Fire extinguishers aren’t the only safety measure that should be in place in your building. Other fire safety equipment such as fire alarms should be tested regularly, as well as emergency lighting and checks on equipment such as air conditioners and heat pumps. phs Compliance can provide guidance and further testing as part of your regular health and safety checks.
Book Fire Extinguisher Servicing With phs Compliance phs Compliance is an expert in fire safety procedures and can help your business or organisation with its fire safety assessments, equipment and more. Find out more about our fire extinguisher servicing and testing services3
or get
a quote from one of the team. If you have questions about our services and would like further information, please contact us4
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Extend services should be carried out on all extinguishers at longer intervals, and these vary depending on the types of extinguishers being used by your businesses. Extended servicing is done every 5 years for water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers, whereas CO2 extinguishers require an extended service every 10 years and this is called an overhaul. Regulations for CO2 extinguishers differ due to their being of much higher pressure than other fire extinguishers.
REFERENCES
1:
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/14879/making‑your‑premises‑safe‑short‑guide.pdf 2:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2006/456/contents/made
3:
https://www.phscompliance.co.uk/services/statutory‑and‑inspection‑test/fire‑extinguisher‑testing/ 4:
https://www.phscompliance.co.uk/contact/
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