Fire equipment helps ensure the safety of a building. There are different types of such equipment, including:

• Fire extinguishers
• Sprinklers
• Alarms and
• Smoke detectors.

Irrespective of the type, each of them needs proper maintenance and upkeep to ensure they work properly when required and help protect lives and property.

Typically, through such maintenance, you will know when the equipment needs repair or replacement. Here are some specific signs you should look for during inspection to know the need for fire equipment maintenance.

Signs That Show Your Fire Equipment Needs Maintenance

Physical Damage

The most crucial and common sign of equipment maintenance is physical damage. The signs may vary from one type of fire equipment to another and include:

• Cracks
• Rust
• Corrosion
• Dents

It may also be any other imperfections or damage to any component of the fire equipment.

Damaged or Missing Components

Sometimes, there may be a specific component, such as the safety seal or tamper indicators, damaged or missing. These are signs of tampered equipment or one that is not fully operational or charged, depending on the type.

Low Pressure

If you see that the pointer in the pressure gauge of a fire extinguisher is pointing towards the red zone, it indicates that the pressure within the equipment is perfect, and the system may not be fully operational.

A Blocked Nozzle

In a fire extinguisher, there is a nozzle that you point toward the fire while putting it out. If the nozzle is blocked, the content within the vessel will not reach the fire effectively. There may be insects or debris clogging the nozzle. It also indicates carrion inside the outlet.

Outdated Inspection Tag

During inspection or fire equipment maintenance, you must maintain a proper record of the date and the issues, if any. There is a specific tag to document them and attach them to the equipment, especially a fire extinguisher. If you find that the date of inspection or maintenance is long overdue, make arrangements for one immediately.

Leaks

Especially in the case of fire extinguishers which contain chemicals and water inside the metal cylinder, there may be leaks. If you see any signs of content leaking from the inside, it is a clear sign for immediate replacement. This is because leaks deplete the pressure and the content and, therefore, render it useless when you need it the most.

Faded Labels

Sometimes, the labels attached to the fire equipment may be faded or missing. In such cases, you will not know anything about the maintenance history. Using such equipment may not offer the desired output during an emergency.

Difference in Weight

Every specific fire extinguisher, in particular, has a particular weight when they are in the right condition and charged properly. If you find it heavier or lighter than what is mentioned on the label, consider it a sign of a problem with the content inside.

Tampering Evidence

There may be different signs of tampering existing in the fire equipment, depending on its type, such as:

• Loose parts
• Broken seals
• Missing screws
• Missing pins

In such cases, immediate inspection will reveal the reliability and functionality of the equipment.

Few Other Signs That Indicate the Requirements of Fire Equipment Maintenance

• Internal damage in fire equipment may also emit unusual noises. These are clear signs of damage inside a fire extinguisher.
• The expiration date is long past any fire equipment, which signals immediate replacement since it will be less effective and risky to use.
• If there are mechanical issues with any equipment part, such as the handle of a fire extinguisher, it indicates immediate fire equipment maintenance.
• Incorrect installation may result in the exposure of fire equipment to extreme moisture and temperature, causing malfunctioning due to degraded components asking for immediate action.

Conclusion

In conclusion, though there are different types, fire equipment maintenance is crucial for all. Regardless of their types, the signs for such requirements are quite the same, and therefore, it is not difficult to know when you should invest in their maintenance. Ideally, you must not ignore it for the sake of saving a few dollars, which may seem a waste of money, apparently.  

So, look for the specific signs mentioned above and have your equipment checked and serviced by certified professionals to ensure the safety of the building and the people living within it.

Know more @ Expert Tips from Hunt Fire Protection Services: Maintaining Fire Safety Systems