House fires are not uncommon in Australia. In fact, there are an average of 3,000 house fires reported in Victoria each and every year. Having the right type of fire equipment can be the difference between life and death. In particular, you want to make sure that your home has at least one extinguisher rated for "A, B and C" fire types. To make sure that the fire extinguishers will function properly in their time of need, monthly inspections should be conducted. Here are 3 factors you should look at.
Check the Tamper Seal and Look for Visible Signs of Damage
All fire extinguishers have a tamper seal on them to verify that they have not been already used or tampered with. The tamper seal is also used to make sure that the fire extinguishers have not been interfered with. If the tamper seal is broken, you should either replace the fire extinguisher or get it professionally inspected.
Other than the tamper seal, take a quick look at the external side of the extinguisher to determine whether there are any visible signs of damages. You want to make sure that there are no dented or corroded areas. It's also a good idea to see whether the pull pin is positioned in the right place.
Monitor, Check and Jot Down the Pressure
Once you have looked for visible signs of damage, check the pressure gauge on the fire extinguisher. You want to make sure that the needle is still within the green range. Jot down where the needle lies and how much pressure is in the fire extinguishers on a monthly basis. This way, you can compare the pressure within the fire extinguishers every month to see whether the fire extinguishers are depressurizing.
Inspect for Bugs Residing in the Nooks and Crannies
Once the basics have been looked at, take a look at the hose and the nooks and crannies to see whether there are any bugs that have made a home there. Since fire extinguishers are generally left untouched for the majority of the time, insects may find them to be safe havens.
Conclusion
It's not enough to simply have fire extinguishers at home. It's important that you diligently inspect and check all of the fire equipment that you own on a regular basis. There is no point in having a dysfunctional or expired equipment, as it won't do you much good in the event of a house fire. Most fire extinguishers have a life expectancy between 5 to 15 years. You ever know whether you lucked out or not if you don't inspect them.
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