When soaking up the glorious sunshine on the laid-back shores of the Sunshine Coast, it's easy to get swept away by the beauty around. But in this coastal paradise, safety takes center stage. FCF is diving into the world of fire safety, specifically honing in on the vital aspect of Fire Extinguisher Testing and Maintenance.
When people are surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Sunny Coast, they want to make sure they have a solid plan to keep both the scenery and the community safe. So, grab the sunnies and join FCF, as they unravel the essentials of maintaining a blaze-ready Sunshine Coast!
The Pro Maintenance Dance
- Who will perform the inspection and maintenance of all fire equipment?
The inspection and maintenance of all fire equipment, including fire extinguishers, fire blankets, exit lighting, and more, should be carried out by properly trained and licensed personnel.
FCF Certifiers can complete relevant government documents for fire equipment maintenance
FCF Fire & Electrical, as a licensed and insured fire safety company, has the expertise to perform inspection and maintenance of fire equipment in compliance with Australian standards. They are authorized to solve any problems and maintenance issues that may arise during the inspection process.
Also, FCF Certifiers can complete relevant government documents for fire equipment maintenance. Users can rely on FCF for professional inspection and maintenance of all the fire safety equipment.
Fire Extinguisher Testing
Fire extinguisher testing involves regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that fire extinguishers are in proper working condition.
According to AS 1851, fire extinguishers should be tested every 6 months to ensure their proper functioning in case of a fire emergency. This testing involves checking the pressure in the cylinder, inspecting working components, ensuring clear hoses, and verifying the weights of gases.
Hydrostatic Testing
Hydrostatic testing is a method used to test the structural integrity of pressure vessels, such as fire extinguishers and cylinders. It involves filling the vessel with water and subjecting it to a pressure that is higher than the normal operating pressure.
The vessel is then inspected for any leaks, bulges, or other defects. This test helps ensure that the vessel can safely contain the pressure it is designed for. FCF Fire & Electrical is a family-based company owned/ operated by Jacob Foster.
Routine inspections and testing
Each fire extinguisher requires a maintenance record tag and needs to be stamped
Fire extinguisher maintenance includes routine inspections and testing to ensure that the extinguishers are operational when required during an emergency. It follows the guidelines of the Australian Standard AS1851.
Each fire extinguisher requires a maintenance record tag and needs to be stamped for each 6-month test (level 1) and an annual test (level 2).
Annual checkup
During the annual checkup of a fire extinguisher, the following procedures are typically carried out:
- Full Inspection: A thorough visual inspection of the entire extinguisher is conducted, checking for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
- Pressure Test: The pressure gauge is checked to ensure that it is within the specified range and accurately indicates the pressure in the extinguisher.
- Discharge Test: In some cases, a controlled discharge test may be performed to verify the functionality of the extinguisher.
- Maintenance Record: A detailed maintenance record is updated to document the annual inspection and any actions taken.
It's important to engage qualified personnel and follow AS 1851 guidelines for the annual inspection of fire extinguishers. FCF Fire & Electrical provides professional fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services in compliance with Australian standards.
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Fire extinguisher maintenance includes routine inspections and testing
Fire extinguisher maintenance includes routine inspections and testing to ensure that the extinguishers are operational when required during an emergency. It follows the guidelines of the Australian Standard AS1851.
Each fire extinguisher requires a maintenance record tag and needs to be stamped for each 6-month test (level 1) and an annual test (level 2).
- During the annual checkup of a fire extinguisher, the following procedures are typically carried out, after the correct use for the risk is assessed:
- Full Inspection: A thorough visual inspection of the entire extinguisher is conducted, checking for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
- Weight of the asset: Fire extinguishers shall be weighed to measure the internal mixtures to ensure the gauge is correct or in some cases, such as a CO2 fire extinguisher gauges are not present on the cylinder.
- Pressure Test: The pressure gauge is checked to ensure that it is within the specified range and accurately indicates the pressure in the extinguisher.
- Discharge Test: In some cases, a controlled discharge test may be performed to verify the functionality of the extinguisher.
- Maintenance Record: A detailed maintenance record is updated to document the annual inspection and any actions taken.
It's important to engage qualified personnel and follow AS 1851 guidelines for the annual inspection of fire extinguishers.
Inspection and maintenance services
FCF Fire & Electrical provides professional fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services in compliance with Australian standards. Think of it as ensuring that the extinguisher can handle the pressure when the heat is on - literally.
Hydrostatic testing ensures that the container can withstand the force needed for effective firefighting. It's an extra layer of assurance, a thorough examination that ensures the extinguisher is robust and reliable.