Fire Extinguisher Inspections in North Carolina
The people inside a building are the first line of defense against a fire. And when disaster strikes, you need to be as prepared as possible with properly functioning fire extinguishers.
It isn’t good enough to view fire extinguishers as a one-time purchase that you forget about and don’t regularly maintain. In fact, regular fire extinguisher inspections in North Carolina aren’t just recommended — they’re mandatory.
When it’s time for fire extinguisher inspections, don’t settle for just any company. Trust City Fire & Safety, a family-operated business that’s been helping North Carolina property owners like you since 1985.
Contact us today to learn more about our inspection process or request a free estimate.
Importance of Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Beyond satisfying a mandatory requirement, fire extinguisher inspections and replacements help maintain a safe environment. Some of the benefits of regular inspections include:
- Better safety: Inspecting your fire extinguishers often will ensure they’re in good working condition and can prevent small fires from escalating into more significant incidents.
- Code compliance: In North Carolina, businesses and certain residential properties are required by law to maintain their fire extinguishers. Regular inspections also ensure that your fire extinguishers are up to code.
- Early issue detection: You may not realize it, but fire extinguishers can experience problems like pressure loss or external damage. Detecting these issues early can allow for timely repair or replacement.
- Enhanced occupant confidence: As a tenant, you would have more confidence knowing that the fire extinguishers are regularly inspected and properly working.
- Increased extinguisher lifespan: Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your fire extinguishers and helps you avoid costly replacements.
Fire Extinguisher Inspections and Regulations
North Carolina has strict regulations for fire extinguisher inspections designed to ensure fire extinguishers’ safety and readiness. Annual compliance with the NC Department of Insurance includes:
- Extinguisher inspection: This consists of checking that the extinguisher is in its designated place and hasn’t been used or tampered with.
- Extinguisher maintenance: Maintenance includes thoroughly examining the extinguisher to ensure it will operate effectively and safely.
What To Expect From a Fire Extinguisher Inspection
As your local fire safety experts, City Fire & Safety is here to give you a thorough and professional inspection. Our process typically includes:
- Visual inspection: We first check for any obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or tampering and confirm that the extinguisher is easily accessible.
- Pressure gauge check: Next, we check the pressure gauge to confirm it’s within the recommended range and fully charged.
- Hose and nozzle inspection: We then examine the fire extinguisher hose and nozzle for any cracks, blockages, or signs of wear.
- Testing and maintenance: Finally, depending on the extinguisher type and age, we may conduct additional tests or implement necessary repairs so the fire extinguisher is fully operational.
Choose City Fire & Safety for Your Fire Extinguisher Inspection Needs
Don’t put off fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance. Functioning fire extinguishers are necessary to keep you and your tenants safe in the event of a fire disaster. Our skilled team is here to help you every step of the way. For over 35 years, the City Fire & Safety team has proudly offered timely delivery, personalized service, economical prices, and quality fire protection products and services.
Schedule your North Carolina fire extinguisher inspection with City Fire & Safety today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Common questions we receive about fire extinguisher inspections include:
It’s vital to take immediate action to ensure the extinguisher’s integrity and readiness. Contact a professional fire safety services provider to inspect, repair, or replace any damaged extinguisher.
Employees don’t need to exit a building during a fire extinguisher inspection. These routine safety procedures generally don’t require using any processes or substances that would require evacuation.
OSHA and the NFPA require annual inspections to ensure each extinguisher’s integrity. Businesses should also conduct monthly visual inspections to confirm proper placement and accessibility, clear instructions, intact seals, and proper pressure. Depending on the equipment, internal maintenance inspections should be performed every five, six, or 12 years.What should I do if my fire extinguishers are missing a locking pin or have a broken seal?
Do my employees need to leave the building during an inspection?
How often do fire extinguishers need to be examined?
