An annual fire extinguisher inspection is a required comprehensive physical examination performed by a licensed professional to ensure the device is functional, fully charged, and safe to use. Key steps include checking the physical condition for dents or corrosion, verifying the pressure gauge is in the green zone, confirming the pin and tamper seal are intact, and inspecting the hose and nozzle for blockages or damage. If the extinguisher passes, a new inspection tag with the current date is attached. 

What an annual inspection includes

• Physical Condition: Our technician checks the external and internal parts for dents, rust, corrosion, or other damage that could compromise the cylinder's integrity.
• Pressure Gauge: Our inspector ensures the gauge's needle is in the green zone, indicating the extinguisher is fully pressurized.
• Hose and Nozzle: The hose is removed and inspected for blockages, kinks, or holes. The nozzle is checked to ensure it is clean and free of obstructions.
• Pin and Seal: The safety pin and tamper seal are inspected to ensure they are in place and undamaged, which indicates the extinguisher has not been used or tampered with.
• Weight: The extinguisher is weighed to ensure it has not lost a significant amount of charge.
• Labeling: Lastly our technician verifies that the instructions and labels are legible and that the extinguisher is the correct type for its location. 

After the inspection

• Service Tag: A new, dated inspection tag is attached to the extinguisher to show the date of the professional service.
• Record Keeping: The inspection is documented, and records are maintained according to regulations within our proprietary equipment tracking software.
• Maintenance: If any issues are found like the extinguisher needing to be recharged, repaired, hydro tested or replaced our technician will inform you before servicing.

Reasons a cylinder may fail

• Illegible labels
• Dents deeper than 1/4 inch
• Heavy rust/ corrosion
• Low Pressure
• Due for additional testing (12 year Hydro Service/ 6-year inspection service)

If your cylinder is due for additional services, we will inform you at the time of Annual service and can facilitate those services as well at an additional cost.

Preventative maintenance is performed monthly, yearly, at six years, and at twelve years.

Fire Extinguishers Inspection Process

• Check the Gauge pressure
• Check the condition of the Gauge and its compatibility with the Extinguisher
• Check the last Hydrostatic Test date is within code requirements
• Check the last 6-year maintenance inspection, if applicable
• Check the Valve and Shell for damage or corrosion
• Check the condition of the Hose and Discharge Horn
• Break the Extinguisher Seal and remove the Locking Pin
• Check the Handles
• Replace the Locking Pin and reseal the Extinguisher
• Check the Valve opening for Powder or any foreign matter
• Wipe down and clean Extinguisher
• Check that the unit is properly located at the required height from the ground
• Check that the unit is visible and unobstructed

ASC ensures that Fire Extinguishers are in working order, recharged, tagged, placed in the proper location, and that glass and breakers are installed on Fire Extinguisher Cabinets.