If the fire extinguisher is used, even partially, it is useless in case of a subsequent fire scenario. Hence it is essential to get the fire extinguisher recharged immediately, without any delay. Each hour the premises is without a functional fire extinguisher, implies a serious risk to life & property.
When maintenance is indicated it should be performed by trained persons having proper equipment. Fire extinguishers are pressure vessels and must be treated with respect and handled with care. They are mechanical devices and require periodic maintenance to be sure that they are ready to operate properly and safely. Safetik strongly recommends that the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers be done by a trained professional.
The statutory framework in the country makes it mandatory for the shell of the fire extinguisher to undergo Hydrostatic Pressure Test every 3 years, where approximately three times the service pressure is administered on the container body of an extinguisher to check its pressure bearing capacity (burst capacity) This is because fire extinguishers are pressurised and their container body and other parts are constantly under stress. This continues stress leads to slow and gradual deterioration of the extinguisher body and its components. Even a small leak can lead to a fatal explosion in a premise.
Schedule for Hydraulic Pressure Testing of Fire Extinguishers
| Sl.No | Type of Extinguisher | Test Interval Year | Test Pressure Kg/Cm2 | Pressure Maintained for min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water type (gas cartridge) (IS 940) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 2 | Water type (stored pressure) (IS 6234) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 3 | Water type (gas cartridge) (IS 13385) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 4 | Mechanical foam type (gas cartridge) (IS 10204) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 5 | Mechanical foam type (stored pressure) (IS 15397) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 6 | Mechanical foam type (gas cartridge) (IS 13786) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 7 | Mechanical foam type (gas cartridge) 135 litre (IS 14951) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 8 | Dry powder ( stored pressure )( IS 138:19) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 9 | Carbon dioxide IS 2878 | 5 | 250 | 2.5 |
| 10 | Clean agent (1S 15683) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
| 11 | Dry powder (gs cartridge 1( IS 2171, IS 10658 and IS 11833) | 3 | 35 | 2.5 |
Life of Fire Extinguishers
| Sl.No | Type of Extinguisher | Life Time (Year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water Type | 10 |
| 2 | Form Type | 10 |
| 3 | Powder Type | 10 |
| 4 | Carbon Dioxide | 15 |
| 5 | Clean Agent | 10 |