Rank: Forum user 
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I would be interested in a general concensus of who would be considered competent when it comes to an annual inspection of fire extinguishers. Since joining my present employer I have instigated a routine of weekly fire alarm functional checks, fire drills and a monthly physical examination of fire extinguishers. As the company approaches its 1st birthday the extinguishers will be due an annual check. I presently do the monthly check for; physical damage, signs of tampering, correct positioning, presence of intact indicator tags and safe working pressure on the attached gauge, do I need to bring in an external service provider (at some expense) or can I safely use my own common sense to carry out an annual inspection?
Many thanks
Barry
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Rank: Super forum user
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The law is a bit vague when it comes to defining 'competent person'. Article 18 of the Fire Safety Order says
Article 18 (1): The responsible person must, …………., appoint one or more competent persons to assist him in undertaking the preventive and protective* measures.
Article 2 provides a definition of “preventive and protective measures” as: means the measures which have been identified by the responsible person in consequence of a risk assessment as the general fire precautions he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed on him by or under this Order;
So if the RP want extinguishers as part of his preventive and protective measures, the extinguishers have to be maintained (Article 17 refers) by someone appointed by Article 18(1) above. Article 18(5) defines competent person as:
Article 18 (5): A person is to be regarded as competent for the purposes of this article where he has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures
So I am not sure if 'common sense' is enough. There are simple courses available which may help prove competence, and guide you in how to apply the relevant British standard in so far as maintenance procedures & record keeping. In the long run, they may just save you a few quid. Good luck
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Rank: Super forum user
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If in doubt talk to your insurers and they will tell you what they want to continue insuring you.
Bob
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Rank: Super forum user
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boblewis wrote:If in doubt talk to your insurers and they will tell you what they want to continue insuring you.
Bob
Oh no - not again!!
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