As a property manager you inherited responsibility for the maintenance of fire extinguishers in your building or property. You already know they are an integral part of life safety and required by OSHA and Fire code. But how do you know you are properly and responsibly maintaining them? Here are five helpful tips to keep in mind:

1. Fire extinguishers do not have a one-size-fits-all solution.  The type and size of extinguisher can vary depending on the application.  Fortunately, there is a lot of information out there but if you are still not sure reach out to your local fire department or service provider for advice.

2. Fire extinguishers don't have a true "expiration date" but have a life expectancy from 5 years to as long as 10-12 years if they are regularly maintained and inspected.  You can typically find a manufactured date on the cylinder, though it might take some detective work.  Most importantly, extinguishers must be inspected annually.  If the inspection tag is more than a year old, you should get the extinguishers professionally inspected soon.

3. Sometimes it's cheaper to replace fire extinguishers than to service or recharge them.  Cracked, ripped, or blocked hoses or nozzles are a sign to take action.  If the locking pin on the handle is missing or unsealed or if the handle is damaged or wobbly, those are other indicators.  A broken pressure gauge is a good sign of a needed replacement. If the inspection sticker or tag is missing, you should have them professionally inspected before deciding to service or replace them.

*Pro-tip: If you do replace fire extinguishers, ask to keep a few old ones and use them for training purposes with building occupants and staff.

4. Often, the service provider who maintains your fire sprinklers can also maintain your fire extinguishers. Combining this service can help save money, coordination time, and disruption of normal building business. If your building has fire hoses, you should ask about servicing those too!

5. Most local fire departments require service providers to have their inspectors be licensed by the local fire department. You should verify your service provider sends licensed inspectors before scheduling a service.

With 45 years of experience in the fire protection industry working with businesses, schools, military installations, and government agencies across Hawaii, Guam, and the Pacific Islands, Phoenix Pacific has the expertise to protect your most valuable assets.  Visit their website for more information on their fire protection solutions or call (808) 682-1000 to discuss your project.