While it is important to have administrative controls that ensure that staff report any fire extinguisher usage to management, it is also important to have regular visual inspections of the fire extinguishers to determine if they require service in between mandated service periods. 

Here are some things to keep an eye on. 

Correct locations

It is important for the extinguishers to be kept at designated locations, as these can dictate the speed that a potential fire could move through the building. Unfortunately, fire extinguishers can get moved as people move office walls and locations or even just when cleaners come through the office. For that reason, it is important that the fire extinguisher locations are regularly verified and inspected so that in the event of an emergency the designated fire wardens can easily access the extinguishers. 

Trigger guards

Many extinguishers have a trigger guard or pin to indicate when the extinguisher has been used. If the extinguisher has a guard, it is important to check that it is in place and not damaged to show that it has not been used since the last inspection. 

Additional scratches and marks

While one of the most important things to check is usage, even if an extinguisher has been removed from its wall-mounted holder or container and dropped, this can affect its ability to perform as an extinguisher in need. One way to check this is to check the orientation of the extinguisher as well as visually inspect it for scratches or new marks. If you do note any marks, be sure to mention these to the fire extinguisher service company so that they can formally test the extinguishers.  

Fullness

While you cannot get a formal indication on how full an extinguisher is using physical signs, it can be useful to lift the extinguisher and move from side to side to see if it has observable contents. Empty extinguishers feel light and the contents do not move in motion. 

If you do find some indication that an extinguisher may have been used or just don't feel confident in judging whether it has been used, it can be useful to get your extinguishers regularly inspected by a fire extinguisher inspection service. These professional inspectors are quick and efficient at carrying out inspections and can be a great resource to ensure that your fire extinguishers are ready to go in the event of an emergency. 

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