As a business owner, it is your job to ensure that your building will be safe, no matter what happens inside of it. One way to ensure that your building is secure is by installing and using fire extinguishers inside of your building. It is not enough to just have them, though; you also need to take care of them properly so you can count on them when you need them.

Location

First, you are going to want to ensure that the extinguisher is where it should be. You need to ensure that it is easy to spot and that a sign easily indicates where it is located. You could have an overhead sign or a sign on the wall that identifies where it is located. Many places install bright red boxes to hold their extinguishers to ensure that they are as easy to spot as possible.

Accessibility

You need to ensure that it is easy to grab the extinguisher. One shouldn't have to move boxes or equipment out of the way to grab it. In the case of an emergency, you will want to be able to immediately grab it without having to spend time thinking about it. There should be nothing that gets in the way of easy access to it.

If it is a wheeled extinguisher, make sure the tires are in good shape and that one can easily grab it and wheel it without having to move anything.

Readiness

Next, you are going to want to ensure that the extinguisher is ready to go. You can do this by lighting the extinguisher up and ensuring that it feels full. Or you can place it on a scale and verify that the weight matches the weight of a full unit.

Check the pressure gauge and ensure that it is set so that it is within the right range. The pressure has to be right for it to have the force needed to spray the material inside that will put out the fire.

Keep Records

Finally, you should keep a record showing that you checked the unit monthly to ensure that it is ready to go. You should also get a professional to verify your inspections as well and do any necessary maintenance to your fire extinguisher units.

To ensure that you are taking proper care of your fire extinguishers, you will want to get a formal fire extinguisher safety inspection. The safety inspection will help ensure that your equipment is stored in the right place and that it is in good shape and will work when you need it. A safety inspection will also help you comply with building safety codes and requirements that you are required to follow. Contact a fire extinguisher inspection service to learn more.

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