How to check if your fire extinguisher needs a service (Home / Personal Use)

Fire extinguishers, yeap they’re tough alright! But not invincible! 

Due to the purpose and function of fire extinguishers, the placement of this equipment can vary from being placed in a cozy, air-conditioned room to a damp, hot factory.

Most BOMBA approved fire extinguisher can withstand more than 69 bars of pressure, +60 degrees Celcius, and last up to 10-12 years shelf life !!

How often should you inspect your Fire Extinguisher?

Usually, for personal use there is no hard and fast rule as to when to inspect your fire extinguisher, it's usually a good practice to inspect them once a month. The process should include looking for signs of noticeable damage, such as punctures or corrosion. Checking the pressure gauge is also important. Try to make sure the pull-pin seal is intact.

How to Perform a Fire Extinguisher Inspection?

1. Check accessibility

Make sure your fire extinguisher is accessible, visible, and not blocked by furniture or any other household item. The last thing you need is not being able to get to the extinguisher when the situation demands it.

2. Examine the physical state

Look for dents or signs of corrosion. Usually, the fire extinguishers are resistant to much wear and tear but in some places such as storerooms or kitchen, small dents or rust might pile up.

3. Check the pressure gauge

This one is important! Always make sure the gauge's needle points to the green "charged" zone.

If you feel that this is too complicated, feel free to visit us with your fire extinguisher and we’ll inspect them for free !

Here are some signs that a fire extinguisher needs to be replaced:

Pressure Meter in "red" zone

If your extinguisher pressure meter is in the red zone, it's a sign that pressure is either overcharged or leaking. When the meter shows the extinguisher is overcharged, there is a possibility that the cylinder can explode.

On the other hand, an undercharged pressure extinguisher would not work as intended to extinguish a fire. Hence, it is important to always check the pressure meter of your extinguisher.

Physical Damages to the Cylinder 

Includes visible signs of physical damage, such as dents, corrosion, or leakage. Physical damages could also cause fire extinguishers to malfunction, high chance of the contents being compromised or misfire when you need it the most.

After Usage or Powder Leaking

Fire extinguisher that have been used, regardless if there are remaining of content or leaking of powder, will need a refill. This is to ensure that the fire extinguisher maintained an optimum spread whenever there’s a fire emergency.

Rust or Corrosion

A humid or corrosive environment can lead to rust, which in turn can cause important components to break, become inoperable, or worse lead to serious safety issues such as cylinder rupture.

Safety Pin in Place

Make sure the pin is in place so the extinguisher does not accidentally discharge while being handled. Most extinguishers have a plastic safety seal that keeps the pin from falling out or being inadvertently pulled while being handled. Safety seal tags are important as you can see if it has been interfered before using.

If the safety seal of your extinguisher is missing, you can purchase a similar safety seal to ensure the pin does not fall out. Just because the needle is in the green does not always mean it is fully charged.

Operating Instructions:

Make sure the operating instructions on the fire extinguisher are clear and legible. If they are not, the fire extinguisher will need to be replaced. Do not try to create instructions on your own.

If your extinguishers do show signs of the above, it is time to replace them and buy a new unit which you can do on our Online Store. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp!

Risks of Not Having These Items Inspected:

Should there be a fire, you won’t be able to put the fire out if your fire extinguisher doesn’t work. Therefore, fire extinguisher inspections are vital.

Remember that you should call us any time you use any amount of extinguishant—even just a tiny bit. Releasing just a little bit of extinguishant could result in your fire extinguisher being unable to protect you the next time around.