The Fire Extinguisher’s Lifespan – Everything You Need To Know
Fire extinguishers play an important role in reducing potentially catastrophic damage to buildings and can even help in preventing loss of life. However, if your fire extinguishers are not properly maintained, they may not pass a safety inspection. More than that, if you’re unsure about how old your existing canisters are, it’s difficult to guarantee the safety of yourself and your colleagues. Therefore, it’s important to know when to replace your fire extinguisher.
When Do Fire Extinguishers Expire?
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect your fire extinguisher to last anywhere between ten and twenty years. However, it’s worth noting that the fire extinguisher’s lifespan will vary depending on the type of fire extinguisher you have, the environment it’s in and the product quality.
Fire safety regulations state that you should replace your fire extinguishers every 5 years. Generally, you can expect a brand new wet chemical extinguisher to last for a minimum of 5 years. The same is also true for carbon dioxide and pressurised water extinguishers. The lifespan of dry powder extinguishers and CO2 extinguishers, on the other hand, is slightly longer. On average, you can expect a dry powder extinguisher to last for at least 12 years. Likewise, it’s recommended that you replace a CO2 extinguisher after 10 years.
How To Extend The Lifespan Of A Fire Extinguisher
The fastest way to shorten a fire extinguisher’s lifespan is not keeping up with the recommended maintenance. Without proper care, your fire safety system will degrade in quality and function. As a result, you may need to replace it earlier than expected.
Having said that, all of the above can be avoided with regular maintenance. The Fire Safety Order 2005 sets out that inspections must be carried out by a certified safety engineer. This means that even if you are the property owner, you cannot carry out inspections yourself. Although, it’s worth noting that you do not need a trained technician to service p50 fire extinguishers. This is because they are resistant to scratching, corrosion and weather.
It’s recommended that you schedule a basic fire extinguisher service at least once a year. A more extensive examination should be performed at least once every five years. For more information, read our guide on servicing fire extinguishers.
Knowing When To Replace A Fire Extinguisher
If you notice the following signs of potential damage, it’s a good idea to schedule a fire extinguisher service.
1. Leaking or broken seals
If the seal is broken in any way, it’s best to have it inspected and serviced by a certified professional.
2. Signs of damage or tampering
This includes damage to the outer shell, as well as unsealed or missing safety pins. To learn how to mitigate the effects of improper use, read our guide on how to protect yourself against fire extinguisher vandalism and theft.
3. A broken handle
This can make it extremely difficult to use the extinguisher safely.
4. Weather corrosion
When affected by corrosion, there is a significant risk to the user.
5. Loose components
If the extinguishers are installed in an area with excessive vibrations, components can become loose.
6. A dropped canister
This can eventually result in other issues, such as broken seals.
7. Damaged hose
If the hose becomes cracked, clogged, or otherwise broken, this could result in the extinguisher malfunctioning when used.
8. A missing inspection label
Inspection tags are extremely useful as they provide details of the last service. It’s important to make sure these are secured tightly to the extinguisher.
How To Dispose Of An Expired Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are considered hazardous waste. Therefore, at the end of the fire extinguisher’s lifespan, it’s important to dispose of it properly.
If your local fire department or fire protection company has the proper channels in place to dispose of expired fire extinguishers properly, you can drop them off there. Alternatively, you can drop your out-of-date fire extinguisher off at your local household waste recycling centre or the closest hazardous waste disposal facility. Though, it’s wise to get in touch with them first, as there may be special requirements you need to follow to get the extinguisher ready for safe disposal.
If your nearest steel recycling centre offers a service to drop off a discharged and empty fire extinguisher, you could potentially take it there for safe disposal. Before you drop your extinguisher off, you will need to press the lever to ensure it is completely empty and any leftover pressure is released.
Key Takeaways
Unless you own a p50 fire extinguisher, it’s important to schedule a basic fire extinguisher service with a trained extinguisher technician every year. You will need to schedule a full service every 5 years and replace your extinguisher after 10 years. If you’re thinking about replacing or upgrading your fire extinguisher, read our guide to learn more about different types of suitable fire extinguishers.
