A major aspect of emergency preparedness for any business involves fire prevention and suppression, which a certified commercial fire extinguisher service contractor can help with.
The hiring process should involve checking for licensing, certifications, reviews, and service plans.
Between 2017 and 2021, over 36,784 fires occurred across industrial and manufacturing structures, according to the National Fire Prevention Association.
A fire extinguisher is a first-response tool that can handle small fires as long as it’s still functional, full, and in compliance, which regular inspections by a certified contractor ensure.
Knowing how to use such suppression tools can help prevent a small incipient fire from becoming a larger and potentially fatal one.
Who Is a Commercial Fire Extinguisher Service Contractor?
Your contractor is a specialized company or technician who sells, inspects, maintains, installs, and recharges your company’s fire extinguishers.
They also handle hydrostatic testing and ongoing compliance.
Doing so ensures your company has taken one of the first steps in emergency preparedness and is in compliance with fire safety codes.
These professionals ensure your business has the right type of fire extinguisher based on the materials you manage.
For example, you’ll need a Class D level extinguisher for combustible metals and flammable liquids, whereas eateries should have Wet Chemical (K) ones to handle kitchen oils.
Businesses, including hospitals, warehouses, schools, retail centers, hotels, restaurants, and office buildings, should schedule this service for enhanced safety.
How Can I Find the Right Certified Professional?
Your checklist when hiring a commercial fire extinguisher service contractor should include:
- Verifying license and certification
- Confirming specialization
- Asking about the service level
- Checking credentials and reviews
- Getting a detailed quote
Any licensed fire protection company should have a state license, which you can check at your state Department of Professional Regulation (DPOR).
Also check for certifications from the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) and similar certifications.
An easy way to find the right fit is to know what questions to ask during a consultation.
What Should I Ask a Potential Commercial Fire Extinguisher Service Contractor?
When choosing among qualified fire safety experts, a few questions about experience, services, customer service, and cost can help finalize your decision.
Do You Have Experience in My Industry?
Try to find a contractor experienced with your company’s specific type of equipment.
(i.e, restaurants versus manufacturing versus medical equipment).
The company should be able to supply testimonials or referrals from other clients.
What Fire Safety Services Do You Provide?
Be clear on the scope of services your contractor provides.
Ask if a service plan includes inspection, maintenance, repairs, and recharging, or if you will need to hire separate fire safety contractors for these actions.
In addition to fire extinguisher maintenance, ask what other types of fire safety products they may have.
Some companies also supply related care and products for fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire hoses, and special hazard systems.
Do You Offer Training?
According to a survey by Kidde, over 58% of Americans don’t know how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.
Therefore, it’s helpful to find a contractor willing to train your staff on how to properly use different types of extinguishers.
Training may include fire evacuation procedures, education on extinguisher types, common causes of fires, preventing them, and fire classification.
What Is the Pricing Structure?
Providing fire protection for a small company may vastly differ from that of a large industrial plant.
Therefore, you should receive a clear and detailed quote after the initial property survey.
Ask about payment terms and whether the company offers discounts for initial sign-up or for ongoing customer loyalty.
What Are the Benefits of Building Relationships with Qualified Fire Safety Experts?
Hiring a professional for regular extinguisher maintenance services helps protect the people and property at your business.
Here are some tangible reasons why establishing a solid relationship with a fire safety expert is worth it.
Insurance Premium: Better safety measures can lower premium rates and reduce company overhead.
Compliance: Scheduled professional maintenance ensures you’ll avoid fines and legal concerns.
Upgraded Technology: Experts have access to the latest advancements.
Proper Staff Training: Improve safety, reduce damage, and fatality when people understand safe product usage and evacuation techniques.
Risk Identification: Experts see hazards others may overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Fire Extinguisher Service Include?
Your certified fire extinguisher service contractor will provide:
- Visual inspection for damage and corrosion
- Physical inspection/pressure verification
- Compliance documentation
- Annual checks
- Six-year maintenance
- Testing
Speak to them about it.
What Are the OSHA Requirements for Fire Extinguishers in Commercial Vehicles?
Per regulation, commercial vehicles should have at least one 5 B: C-rated extinguisher.
However, vehicles carrying hazardous materials need at least one 10 B: C-rated extinguisher.
The extinguisher must have a clear rating label and be fully charged.
The driver should easily be able to access it from a securely mounted area.
Regular monthly visual and annual professional inspections are required.
What Is the Monthly Checklist for Fire Extinguishers?
Any business or home resident should be able to do a general monthly checklist for fire extinguishers in use.
The first step is to ensure the device is free from obstruction and readily available in case of an emergency.
If you have it in a cabinet, make sure it’s unlocked.
Test for fullness by lifting to feel if it’s heavy.
Also, check the pressure gauge needle.
Keep the cylinder free from dust and avoid areas where corrosion can set in.
Labels should face outward and always ensure you have the right type for the hazard nearby.
Record the date and person’s initials after each inspection on the inspection tag.
Documentation should also clearly display the date of the last annual visit, which should have been in the last 12 months.
Hire the Right Fire Safety Contractor Today
With the professional care of a commercial fire extinguisher service contractor, you can protect your employees and business property from devastating and expensive damage.
A fire can spread quickly, but having a first point of suppression and proper training can prevent a tragic event or business loss.
At Certizona Fire & Safety, we bring over 30 years of expertise as Arizona’s #1 rated certified fire protection service company.
Our mobile teams specialize in comprehensive fire extinguisher inspection, testing, and repair throughout Maricopa County and Yavapai County.
Contact us today and request your quote to experience the Certizona difference.
Need a Fire Extinguisher Inspection Near Me?
Turn to Certizona Fire & Safety for professional fire extinguisher inspection services that keep your property protected and compliant. Our certified team ensures your extinguishers are inspected, tested, and ready to perform when it matters most.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
