Buying & installation of fire extinguisher's is increasing in a rapid way in Nepal in recent years. Fire Extinguishers can be taken as First Aid Equipment’s which can be used in case of an un-wanted or un-controlled fire that can cause a savior disaster within a minute if not controlled. Fire Extinguishers are critical and highly sensitive equipment’s. Successful and efficient use of fire extinguisher can prevent and protect from a fire disaster.

Its’s very important to ensure fire extinguisher in good condition and do not cross the expiry date & regular preventive maintenance and inspections. While many business places and homes have installed fire extinguishers they might have forgotten about regular inspection procedures and preventive maintenance on regular intervals. Timely inspection, refilling & maintenance of fire extinguisher is important to ensure that the fire extinguishers can perform as desired when used in emergencies.

How often should fire extinguisher actually be refilled or replaced? Let’s know more about fire extinguisher life span and refilling?

Expiry date or lifespan of fire extinguisher depends on its type and chemicals. Fire Extinguisher’s lifespan is built to last between 5 to 15 years. Regarding the life span we have categorized the extinguishers in two ways: Life Span of Extinguishers: its mean’s the life of fire extinguisher cylinder. A fire extinguisher cylinder can last from 5 to 15 years depending on the type, make and model-prescribed by manufacturers. However, it can also vary especially if the extinguisher is exposed to extreme condition or it has not been properly serviced. To find out the exact life span of fire extinguisher we have to follow the manufacturer’s label, guidelines to installation environment, certifications standard which can make us clearer about recommended replacement period.

How to Understand the Expiry Date of Fire Extinguisher of Various Type’s?

To extinguish the fire over different types of materials we have different Class and Categorize fire extinguishers into different types. We find variety of fire extinguisher on different size and Class basis. Different Class of fire extinguishers have different types of Chemicals like water, Dry Powder, Carbon Di-Oxide & HFC, Fluro Keton to AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) agents. Depending on the chemical filled inside the fire extinguisher expiry date of fire extinguisher can differentiate in years:

Fire Extinguisher Refilling Date-Expiry Date:

Fire Extinguisher’s are installed on different places from our workplaces, commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, public places like bus park, gas station, industries, railways to government premises to house etc. Depending on the indoor and outdoor conditions there are certain indications that they should be replaced immediately. Let’s find out the signs of fire extinguishers needs replacement:

S.N.	Class A -Water Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	Refilling of Fire Extinguishers
1.	Class AB: AFFF Foam Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	1 Year's
2.	Class ABC: Dry Chemical ABC Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	5 years to (3 Year's.-Basic Extinguishers)
3.	Class BC : Co2 Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	3 Year's.
4.	ClassK : Kitchen Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	3 Year's.
5.	Class ABC HFC Clean Agent Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	5 Year's.
6.	Class BC: Dry Chemical Sodium Bi-Carbonate Type Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date	2 Year's.

Sign's That Fire Extinguishers Need Replacement:

1. Damaged or Missing Manometer (Pressure Guage): - A Manometer is a vital part of a fire extinguisher which indicates the internal pressure of the propellant in a fire extinguisher. It determines that the extinguisher is in ready to use condition or not? If a manometer of a fire extinguisher is damaged or the needle is not in green zone- fire extinguisher many not work.

If Extinguisher manometer-pressure gauge is damaged or broken don’t open the extinguisher valve or puncture it. The extinguisher must be serviced by a certified technician only.

2. Broken or Tampered Safety Seal and Safety Pin: Safety Seal’s are kept by the manufacturer or Fire Extinguisher Refilling Service Center to ensure safety. Safety seals even indicate that the fire extinguishers are ready to use. If the safety seals are broken and safety pins are not in correct order, the extinguishers might have lost pressure and could be less effective or completely nonfunctional.

3. Visible Damage & Corrosion: Any sign of corrosion, dents, damages on valves or on the body of a fire extinguisher clearly indicates the potential weakness which can cause the fire extinguisher to malfunction or fail to hold the propellant pressure. So, in such case we have to replace the extinguisher immediately.

4. Expiry Date & Inspection Tags: Different Class of Fire Extinguisher have different expiry date. It’s important to check the installed date and refilling date of fire extinguisher. If date of expiry date label is not known or inspections are skipped or overlooked, the extinguisher may not be reliable to depend on them.

Regular Inspection and Preventive Maintenance of Fire Extinguisher:

1. Monthly Inspection: Check Pressure Guage of stored pressure type fire extinguisher. Check Weight of Co2 Type Fire Extinguisher, Check Safety Seals. General Condition of fire extinguisher stated by manufacturer to operate successfully.

2. Schedule Annual Maintenance & Service of Fire Extinguisher: Inspect the internal chemicals through a professional technician or fire extinguisher service company.

3. Conduct Hydrostatic Testing: During refilling and maintenance check extinguisher hydrostatic test in every 5-12 years depending on type of extinguisher.

When to Replace Fire Extinguisher: -

We have to replace the fire extinguisher even with professional maintenance, there comes a time when fire extinguisher must be replaced. Disposable fire extinguisher need’s to be replaced after every use. For rechargeable extinguisher that that can be refilled, they should be refilled in every one to 5 years depending on chemical agents.

If a fire extinguisher has been used partially it must be refilled or replaced immediately. The used fire extinguisher may not function effectively for second use.

The Risk of Keeping Expired Extinguisher or corroded Extinguisher in our office or house:

Using an expired outdated or corroded fire extinguisher during an emergency situation can be extremely dangerous. An expired extinguisher might fail to operate properly or not discharge to put a fire when needed most in emergency situation. It can potentially lead fire to spread. Additionally, a fire extinguisher with fault on its valve or corrosion on the body or wear can make extinguisher weak. It can explode or rupture under pressure.

Ensuring That You Always Have a Reliable & Certified Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguisher are vital fire fighting equipment’s in Fire Fighting & Fire safety. They have limited self-life & expiry date. Fire Extinguisher need regular inspection, maintenance. We should always be aware about the expiry date of fire extinguisher recommended by manufacturer to refill or service them. If your extinguisher shows sign of low pressure, corrosion you must be aware about its service. A serviced, inspected and reliable fire extinguisher could make all the difference in fire emergency.

Talk to our Fire Extinguisher Experts Today at First Aid Nepal Pvt.Ltd.