How Often Do Fire Extinguishers Need To Be Checked?
If you run a business, it’s important to make sure that your fire extinguishers are checked regularly to ensure they are in working order. In this post, we will discuss how often fire extinguishers need to be checked and the legal requirements for doing so. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your fire extinguishers in good condition.
Why Fire Extinguishers Are Required By Law
Fire extinguishers are required by law to keep your property and employees safe in the event of a fire. Fire extinguishers can help to put out a small fire before it becomes a bigger problem, and they can also help to prevent a fire from spreading.
The legal requirements for having fire extinguishers vary depending on the state or province that you live in. However, most states and provinces require fire extinguishers to be checked at least once a year. In some cases, the law may require more frequent checks depending on the type of business or building that you own.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Checked?
While the legal requirements for how often fire extinguishers need to be checked may vary depending on your location, it’s generally a good idea to check them more often than the minimum requirement. We recommend checking fire extinguishers at least once a month to ensure they are in working order.
If you have a business with high risks of fire, such as a restaurant or a factory, you may need to check your fire extinguishers more often. In these cases, it’s a good idea to have a professional service come and check your fire extinguishers for you.
Legal Requirements To Service Fire Extinguishers In The US
In the US it is a legal requirement to service all fire extinguishers in businesses, organizations, and public buildings. Not only will avoiding this annual maintenance leave your people at risk but you could be liable for large fines if anything goes wrong with the device.
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Requirements
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the standards for fire extinguisher maintenance in the US. All businesses and organizations are required to follow these standards to ensure the safety of their employees.
OSHA requires all fire extinguishers to be checked annually to make sure they are in working order. Businesses with a high risk of fire, such as restaurants and factories, may need to check their fire extinguishers more often. It is also a legal requirement to have a professional service come and service your fire extinguishers every year. Best practices would include monthly inspection and maintenance.
How To Be Proactive in Maintaining Your Fire Extinguisher
To be proactive in maintaining a workplace fire extinguisher, it is important to understand how often they need to be checked and the legal requirements for doing so. You should also be familiar with how to properly use a fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.
Some tips on how to be proactive in maintaining your fire extinguisher include:
– Checking your fire extinguishers at least once a month
– Having a professional service come and check your fire extinguishers regularly
– Familiarizing yourself with how to use a fire extinguisher
– Train staff and residents on how to use the devices in the event of a fire
How Do I Calculate How Many Fire Extinguishers I Need In My Business?
When calculating how many fire extinguishers you need in your business, it’s important to consider the size of your business, the type of business, and the risks of fire.
Here are a few tips on how to calculate how many fire extinguishers you need:
– Consider the size of your business. The larger your business, the more fire extinguishers you will need.
– Consider the type of business. Certain businesses have a higher risk of fire than others.
– Consider the risks of fire. Certain areas of your business may be more at risk for fire than others.
NFPA code states that there should not be more than 75 feet between any two fire extinguishers. This distance may be lessened if the hazard is especially high, such as in a flammable liquids storage area.
Once you have considered these factors, you can use this formula to calculate how many fire extinguishers you need:
(Number of floors x Number of rooms on each floor) / 75 = Number of fire extinguishers needed
For example, if you have a three-story building with 20 rooms on each floor, you would need at least 24 fire extinguishers:
(20 x 20) / 75 = 24
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to fire safety. If you’re unsure how many fire extinguishers you need, it’s best to contact a professional. They will help you assess your risk and make sure you have the correct amount of devices for your needs. Stay safe and don’t take any chances when it comes to fire safety!