What to Do With Outdated Fire Extinguishers
08/09/2018
Fire extinguishers play a vital role in any Phoenix, Mesa, or Tucson-area business’s fire protection plan. However, they don’t last forever. Even if you’ve never had to use one, the life expectancy of a fire extinguisher is only about 10-12 years.
Once they’ve reached that age, you’ll need to test the fire extinguisher to verify the integrity of the canister. If it’s still in good condition (the shell should be able to withstand a pressure of up to 500 psi), you can recharge the unit and possibly extend its lifespan by a couple of years.
Signs It Is Time for an Extinguisher Replacement
Besides testing the canister, there are other factors indicators a fire extinguisher needs replacing. They include:
- Cracks in the shell
- Clogs or cracks in the nozzle or hose
- A missing inspection tag that indicates the last time a unit was inspected or received maintenance
- Damage to the pin or a missing pin
- A broken or unsecured handle
How to Dispose of Your Expired Extinguisher
When the day finally comes to send a deceased fire extinguisher to that big firehouse in the sky, you’ll want to make sure you do it safely — don’t throw it out with rest of the trash, as it still may contain pressurized chemicals that can cause injuries or property damage if mishandled.
If the extinguisher still has a full or partial charge, try contacting your local fire department to see if you can drop it off at the station for disposal. If the department does not accept expired extinguishers, take it to a nearby hazardous waste disposal facility. If the extinguisher is empty but there is still some pressure in the unit, release it by squeezing the unit’s handle, then remove the head. Contact a recycling plant in your area to see if you can drop off the empty canister.
Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. for more advice regarding how to dispose of your outdated fire extinguishers. We’ll also be happy to schedule a safety inspection to ensure your Phoenix or Tucson company’s fire protection system is in peak operating condition.
