First, it’s important to understand how to use a fire extinguisher.

Pull the pin. 

Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames. 

Squeeze slowly. 

Sweep the hose back and forth. 

Position yourself so there is a door behind you to avoid being trapped. This protects you in case the fire grows too large to put out.  Remember, fire extinguishers are most effective against small contained fires. When the flames reach higher than you, exit the building quickly and call 911.

Absolutely. A fire extinguisher helps you maintain a safe environment for your employees, guests, and customers. In order to thrive, a fire requires three things. 

Heat

Fuel 

Oxygen

The powder from an ABC-type fire extinguisher uses a special formula that smothers the fire. This cuts off the supply of oxygen. Without oxygen to fuel it, the fire goes out. 

As mentioned above, though, fire extinguishers mainly work on small fires. When the blaze grows too high to control, get to safety and call emergency responders to the scene.

Fire extinguishers are required to be checked annually by a State licensed firm.  It’s checked thoroughly to ensure it will work properly if needed.  It’s also wise to conduct monthly checks of the pressure gauge and any external damage.  This can be done by a trained, non-licensed employee.

Restaurant suppression systems are required to be inspected semi-annually (twice per year) by a State licensed firm.  Between inspections, restaurant personnel should make sure all the caps are secured on the nozzles, that the nozzles are pointed toward the cooking equipment and check the tank pressure for the suppression system (if a pressure gauge is present).

Every 6 years a dry-powder extinguisher (ABC type) must be disassembled, thoroughly inspected and tested.  

Six-Year Inspection

An extinguisher must be disassembled and the following items checked:

Internal examination of the shell

External examination for damage or corrosion

Make sure all tags are present and legible

Make sure the handle is free and operational

Check the hose for cracks or leaks

Check the pressure gauge for cracks and is legible

Replace the internal valves and o-rings

Ensure the powder or chemical is usable and the proper amount is in the extinguisher

Reassemble the extinguisher and pressurize with nitrogen.

Place the proper tags on the extinguisher to identify when this service was performed

Hydrostatic Test

Every 12 years (5 years for any clean agent or liquid extinguisher), a hydrostatic test is performed. This procedure is the same as the 6-year inspection above, except the following additional service is performed:

The extinguisher shell is filled with water

An extinguisher shell is pressurized to 3 times the normal operating pressure

The technician checks for pressure drop, leakage, distortion or any type of failure

If the extinguisher passes, it’s placed on a dryer system to remove all internal moisture

When an extinguisher fails the test, we condemn it and remove it from service.

After an extinguisher passes the hydrostatic test, 6 years later, it will then be due for another 6-year inspection.

For a fire extinguisher inspection Houston businesses trust, call on the experts at Focus Fire & Safety. We provide thorough, reliable inspections to ensure the safety of your site.

Yes, they do. Fire extinguishers require an inspection according to NFPA safety standards as well as guidelines for a specific type of device.  For fire extinguisher service and maintenance, Houston relies on our team of technicians. In part, this is due to the legal requirements of fire protection regulations.  Extinguishers and suppression systems are subjected to a wide range of environments and conditions:

Heat and cold

Employees bumping into and damaging equipment

Vandalism

Harsh, dirty environments

It’s crucial your extinguishers are checked annually by a licensed, trained inspection company.  Any deficiencies can be corrected by our trained, licensed staff to ensure your equipment works when you need it to.  Experienced technicians know how to identify safety issues during a fire extinguisher inspection. Houston restaurants and businesses benefit from this through increased safety and peace of mind.