How to Use a Fire Extinguisher : Maintenance & Testing Fire Extinguishers

All fire extinguishers have to maintained and inspected on a monthly basis. Learn how to maintain a fire extinguisher from a fire marshal in this free safety video.

Expert: Deputy Chief Henry Watson
Contact: www.newbern-nc.org/Fire/index.php
Bio: Deputy Chief Henry Watson has been fire marshal for the City of New Bern doing inspections and fire investigations for the past twenty-five years.
Filmmaker: Tom Swift

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• fire
• extinguishers
• safety
• maintenance
• chemicals
• emergency
• inspection

[JRSK818]

how do you take of the top part?

[levitdoghollowell]

I love how the pull pin is intact, and tamper seal is on, yet, the extinguisher has leaked off, ???

[samj5664]

@hedzred Thanks for the reply, however I have since had it recharged and serviced free of charge by my local firestation... They believe it to be a investment as a member of the public can knock out a small fire them selfes before it develops into an uncontrolable fire which would use up many fire fighting resorces and possibly put their lives at risk. For this reason they also issue free smoke alarms and fire safety checks. Thanks again!

[hedzred]

@samj5664 No, sorry Sam. If there's a bubble inside the gauge, you need to have the gauge replaced. To do that, the extinguisher will need to be recharged. If it's out of your home and if it's a rechargable unit, more than likely it will need it's 12 year hydro test. If it's a 'throw away' bottle, go get another one man.

Best 'o luck!

[hedzred]

@ou812mikey Nice job!  The Sentry gauge is still showing that this baby needs recharged.

[samj5664]

Mike,

The pressure gage on mine is in the green, the pin etc. is inntact. However inside the pressure gage there is a small water bubble, Is this OK? (I live in the UK and therefor can not contact the NAFED)

[ou812mikey]

I am curious to know how many makes and models of fire extinguishers you have service manuals for? I carry more than 120 Manuals for every make and model that is maintainable in North America. You?

[ou812mikey]

I'm sorry but your childish and obviously out of touch reality. Get your Qualifications and get back to me. I've been certified for 24 years and have been trained thought the NAFED on the procedures involved with what you are commenting on. It is you who are incorrect or how you like to say it WRONG! i hope others don't listen to your bogus advice on the matter my friend.

[ou812mikey]

lol I take it you think you can just shake the extinguisher and the powder is fluffed? sorry it must be replaced every six years as for the recycling part this is true it can be recycled. This is out of NFPA 10

7.3.1.2 Stored-Pressure Types.

7.3.1.2.1* Six-Year Maintenance. Every 6 years, stored-pressure

fire extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test shall

be emptied and subjected to the applicable maintenance procedures

as detailed in the manufacturers service manual.

[big9nic]

If you were not supposed to invert the extinguisher, then it would say on the label, "DO NOT INVERT" It does not say that so you are wrong.