Fire Extinguisher Maintenance According to the SNI Certification – In addition to understanding how to use a fire extinguisher, the parts of a fire extinguisher as well as fire extinguisher placement standards.
Knowing how to maintain a fire extinguisher is a critical step in ensuring safety in a variety of environments, be it an office, factory or other public place.
Fire extinguishers are designed to put out small fires before they develop into larger disasters.
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However, a poorly maintained fire extinguisher can become ineffective when needed.
Therefore, regular and periodic maintenance of fire extinguishers is as important as how PPE is maintained.
How to perform fire extinguisher maintenance according to the SNI? Check out the explanation down below!
Table of Contents
Why is It Important?
Fire extinguisher maintenance is fully regulated both based on national standards and international standards.
How to maintain a fire extinguisher according to the SNI is stated in SNI 03-3988-1995 (Extinguishing Ability Testing and Assessment of Light Fire Extinguishers).
While internationally, this is contained in the NFPA 10. This is a standard issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that regulates the maintenance, inspection, and use of portable fire extinguishers.
There are 2 reasons why understanding and implementing how to properly maintain a fire extinguisher is important:
- Ensuring the fire extinguisher is always in a ready-to-use condition so that it can function optimally when needed. Proper and regular maintenance of the fire extinguisher will also help identify
- Aside from the practical benefits, fire extinguisher maintenance is also important for compliance with regulations and safety standards set by the government and relevant authorities.
Also Read: “CO2 Fire Extinguisher: What Is It? How Does It Work?“
Things to Consider
1. Who Can Perform the Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection?
According to fire extinguisher regulations, fire extinguisher inspections must be carried out by a competent and trained person.
Ideally, this person has received specialized training on how to inspect fire extinguishers and maintain them.
This training ensures that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively conduct inspections and recognize signs of damage or potential problems.
They are also usually knowledgeable about inspections based on the type of fire extinguisher, because the maintenance of each of the types of fire extinguishers are different.
2. Fire Extinguisher Inspection Frequency
Fire extinguisher checks should be carried out regularly to ensure that they are always in ready condition.
Simple visual inspections should be done monthly, while more detailed checks and hydrostatic testing should be done at least once a year.
In addition, additional inspections may be required after the use of a fire extinguisher or if there is a malfunction.
3. How to Document a Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Documenting fire extinguisher inspections is an important step to ensure that maintenance is performed consistently and can be audited.
Each inspection should be recorded in an inspection log that includes information such as the date of the inspection, the name of the person conducting the inspection, the results of the inspection, and any necessary corrective actions.
Not only does this documentation help in maintaining good records, it can also serve as proof of compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Also Read: “SNI Certification for Fire Extinguisher“
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance According to the SNI Certification
1. Checking the Physical Condition of the Fire Extinguisher
The first step in fire extinguisher maintenance is to conduct a visual inspection of the physical condition of the fire extinguisher cylinder.
Check for signs of damage such as dents, rust, or cracks in the canister. Physical damage can affect the integrity of the fire extinguisher and the ability of the fire extinguisher to function properly.
2. Checking the Pressure Gauge
Gauge pressure is an important indicator to ensure that the fire extinguisher has enough pressure to function properly.
Make sure the needle on the pressure gauge is in the green zone. If the needle is in the red or yellow zone, it indicates that the pressure is insufficient and the fire extinguisher needs to be refilled or further checked.
3. Weighing the Fire Extinguisher
Weighing the extinguisher is an important step to ensure that the weight of the extinguisher matches the stated weight.
A significant change in the weight of the extinguisher could be an indication that the fire extinguishing agent has leaked or is insufficient.
4. Checking the Hose and Nozzle
Check the hose and nozzle to ensure there is no damage or blockage. A cracked hose or clogged nozzle can impede the flow of fire extinguishing agent and reduce the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher.
5. Checking the Seal and Safety Pin
The seal and safety pin are critical components that ensure that the fire extinguisher is not used accidentally. Make sure the seal is intact and the safety pin is securely in place.
6. Checking the Manufacture and Expiration Date
Every fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture and an expiration date stamped on the canister.
Checking these dates is important to ensure that the contents are still effective and have not passed their expiration date. Extinguishers whose contents have expired should be replaced immediately.
So there you have it! The fire extinguisher maintenance according to the SNI!
By following these maintenance steps, you can ensure that the fire extinguisher is always in a ready-to-use condition and function effectively when needed.
