According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were over 129,000 fires in nonresidential buildings over the course of ten years.
These fires resulted in 140 deaths and over $3.7 billion in financial loss.
Up-to-date fire safety systems are the best defense business owners have against fires that can harm both people and property.
No fire safety system is complete without fire extinguishers, but having fire extinguishers in the building is only the first step.
Fire extinguishers require regular maintenance, which requires technical expertise.
We’re here to talk about the importance of hiring a fire extinguisher service in Arizona along with important fire extinguisher safety tips.
Read on to get started.
What Should You Know About Your Fire Extinguishers?
First, let’s discuss some of the basics that all business owners should know about fire extinguishers.
From fire extinguisher requirements to fire extinguisher maintenance advice, we’ve got you covered.
Fire Extinguishers Are a Requirement
Having fire extinguishers located throughout your commercial property is not optional.
In addition to meeting Arizona fire safety regulations, all Arizona business owners must meet NFPA codes and standards.
This includes NFPA Code 10, which covers fire extinguisher:
- Inspections
- Testing
- Maintenance
Fire safety codes can be difficult to interpret.
Working with a professional fire extinguisher service is the best way to ensure compliance.
Not All Fire Extinguishers Are Alike
There are multiple types of fire extinguishers that can’t fight the same fires.
For example, you’ll need a different type of extinguisher for:
- Electrical fires
- Grease fires
- Metal fires
Professionals can help you determine which types of fire extinguishers your business needs.
For example, Class K extinguishers are suitable for commercial kitchens while ABC extinguishers are suitable for standard fires.
Fire Extinguishers Require Inspections and Maintenance
As we mentioned earlier, fire extinguishers are a requirement.
You may have noticed that the NFPA also requires that you inspect and maintain your existing extinguishers.
Reading up on extinguisher maintenance advice isn’t enough.
Always call a fire extinguisher service in Arizona for annual inspections and as-needed maintenance.
They can help you repair and recharge your equipment or replace your extinguishers on the appropriate schedule.
Fire Extinguisher Location Makes a Difference
The NFPA isn’t the only agency that regulates commercial fire extinguishers.
OSHA also states that extinguishers must be where employees can locate and retrieve them without injury.
The only problem? They aren’t specific about what that means.
A professional can help you create a fire safety plan that includes smart, functional extinguisher locations.
How Can a Fire Extinguisher Service in Arizona Help?
If you haven’t already, it’s time to hire a fire extinguisher service in Arizona to support your business safety initiatives.
Here’s how fire extinguisher services can help.
Recharge Services
Some fire extinguishers are rechargeable rather than disposable.
Basic recharge services include:
- Refills
- Nitrogen
- Tamper seals
- O-rings
- Recharge labor
You should schedule recharge services after every use of your fire extinguisher.
Even without use, most will need recharging every 6-12 years.
6-Year Maintenance
Every six years, you will need to schedule maintenance on most extinguishers.
Our six-year maintenance service includes:
- Internal examination and recharge (if relevant)
- Chemical agent
- Nitrogen
- Tamper seals
- O-rings
- Recharge labor
After completing six-year maintenance, we’ll provide the approved service decal.
This decal serves as proof that your extinguishers meet NFPA 10 requirements.
Without this decal, you will fail fire code inspections.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing can determine the functionality of your extinguishers.
By performing a pressure test, we can assess signs of structural weakness.
Visual inspections also account for problems like pitting and corrosion.
How often you need to perform hydrostatic testing depends on the type of extinguisher you have.
We can help you determine when your next test should occur.
Annual Inspections
Annual inspections of your fire extinguishers are another requirement of NFPA 10.
An annual inspection is the best way to not only remain compliant but stay ahead of any significant repairs.
Our inspections include steps such as:
- Visual inspections
- Operational tests
- Tamper seal replacement
- Extinguisher cleaning
- Valve assembly inspection
- Placement and size reviews
We’ll also compile a detailed report that you can submit to your insurance company, which may be required to maintain current premium rates.
Annual inspections are one of the most important services to schedule, so don’t hesitate to get one on the books.
Repairs and Replacement
After completing an annual inspection, it’s important to take care of any noted issues ASAP.
As a company that handles both, we’ll quickly schedule:
- Mechanical repairs
- Part replacements
- Full extinguisher replacements
Oftentimes, we’re able to repair existing extinguishers, which can save your business money.
Fire Extinguisher Training
Having fire extinguishers in your commercial property is only the first step.
Your employees also need to know how to use them.
We’re happy to provide fire extinguisher training.
We’ll work on the Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep method.
We’ll also review your fire evacuation procedures and common fire safety hazards to increase your overall workplace safety.
Additional Fire Safety Services
Your fire extinguishers are only one component of a thorough fire safety plan.
You also need devices like fire detectors and sprinklers to ensure safety and meet regulatory codes.
These codes may change from year to year, so consistent professional care is a must.
Hiring a company like Certizona Fire & Safety makes it easy to stay on top of your fire prevention tools.
You can easily schedule all needed services, like backflow testing, sprinkler assessments, and more.
In addition to inspecting and repairing fire safety systems, we can replace and install all of your equipment as needed.
Call Certizona Fire & Safety for Arizona Fire Safety
You understand the importance of keeping fire extinguishers in your workplace.
Now, it’s time to commit to long-term maintenance.
As the top fire extinguisher service in Arizona, Certizona can help.
Certizona has over 30 years of experience to offer Phoenix business owners.
Our expertise and full-scale services have earned us the #1 rating of all certified fire protection service companies in the region.
Contact us and let us know what kind of services you need and we’ll be in touch right away.
Looking for a Fire Extinguisher Service Near Me?
Certizona Fire & Safety offers top-tier fire protection services throughout Arizona, prioritizing your safety and satisfaction. Trust our experienced team for comprehensive fire extinguisher services and more, ensuring quality and reliability.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
