Posted By MJD86 how often should fire extinguisher's be inspected ? when inspecting what should you be looking for? do they need to be inspected externally?

Posted By Raymond Rapp Many companies use an external source for checking fire extinguishers and normally on an annual basis. The checks are that the extinguishers have not been discharged, there is no obvious sign of damage. They are then signed and dated with a new colour coded tag applied.

Posted By FAH Hi MJD There are no legal restrictions on doing any part of the necessary routine FE inspections in-house. The only restrictions that you should consider are related to the competence of those doing the inspections. Don't be bluffed by those who provide such services & "big it up" to get the business! The only costly [in terms of competence] inspection that I would suggest that you really should contract out is the routine internal examination required because FEs are pressure vessels. Any competent provider could train your personnel to do the rest in-house - especially the stuff related to what extinguishers & where they should go [see a previous thread for observations on this topic 'cos that's your FRA responsibility anyway]. Shall now retreat to the Castle Keep & await response! Frank Hallett

Posted By FAH OK, I've stuck my head out again! IFSGD You identify that the hoses are maintained by the landlord. Are they fire-hoses or rubber type hose-reels? And, "Yes", the use of hose & hose-reels is generally considered less than desirable for all sorts of reasons. Regardless of the existing hose/hose-reels, has YOUR FRA identified the hose & hose-reels as an essential part of YOUR fire risk management strategy? If Yes, get them sorted; if No, disconnect and remove! Frank Hallett

Posted By Steve Cartwright Raymond's not far off the mark. You can carryout weekly/monthly visual inspections. Anual inspection will depend on what type of extinguisher it is. CO2 weigh it, check the hose is clear, replace O ring on hose, check for signs of damage and you can read the writing. Every 10 years do a discharge test and then it has to be factory filled. They will also do a pressure test. Stored Pressure water/foam/powder, again weigh it, check pressure guage is working, check hose is clear and not damaged, replace O ring on hose, writing is legable and do a discharge test every 5 years. When ext is empty check inside for any signs of corrosion, if ok fill it back up and pressurise it. If they have a gas cartridge mainly the same as above apart from you have to take it apart and weigh the gas cartridge on a yearly basis and check for signs of corrision inside anually.

Posted By STEPHEN81 My two cents, when getting your fire extinguishers serviced make sure the service provider is BAFE accredited & also the technicians are BAFE certified, your insurance company will ask this question. When you get the bill by the way, ALWAYS ALWAYS query it! I've saved up to 40% by doing this.

Posted By Crim To answer the initial question - it is not simple. There are so many variables here that apart from stating that annual inspection is required you cannot state what has to be inspected. Leave that to the experts.