An extinguisher that has not been checked may not work when you need it. The powder can go hard, the pressure can leak out, or the pin can be missing. The good news: keeping them ready is easy.
Short answer: check every extinguisher yourself once a month, get a full service by a trained person once a year, and refill right after any use, even a short one. The cylinder also needs a pressure test after some years.
Every month: a 1-minute check
Anyone can do this. Walk past each extinguisher and check:
- It is in its place and nothing is blocking it.
- The pressure gauge needle is in the green area.
- The safety pin and seal are in place.
- There is no rust, dent, crack or damage to the hose.
- The label and instructions can be read.
Write the date on the tag or in a register. Fire Service and buyer auditors like to see this record.
Every year: a full service
Once a year, a trained person should open up and check each unit, as the NFPA 10 standard asks. They check the weight, the valve, the hose and the inside of the cylinder. For dry powder units, they also check that the powder has not gone hard.
Pressure test after some years
The cylinder itself needs a pressure test (called a hydrostatic test) from time to time. Under NFPA 10, CO2, water and foam units are tested every 5 years, and most dry powder units every 12 years. A unit that fails the test must be replaced.
When to refill right away
- After any use, even for a few seconds. A partly used unit loses pressure.
- When the gauge needle is out of the green area.
- When a CO2 unit weighs less than it should.
- After the yearly service, if the service person says so.
ABC Dry Powder Fire ExtinguisherPrice on requestGet a price
When to replace instead of refill
Replace the extinguisher if the cylinder is rusted, dented or cracked, if it fails the pressure test, or if spare parts are no longer available. A new unit often costs little more than repairing an old one. See our fire extinguishers.
Common questions
How often should a fire extinguisher be refilled in Bangladesh?
Refill after any use, and whenever the yearly service finds low pressure or hard powder. Many buildings refill powder units once a year during the service.
How long does a fire extinguisher last?
With proper service, the cylinder can last many years. It stays in use as long as it passes the checks and the pressure test.
Who should refill a fire extinguisher?
A service company with the refilling equipment and the right agent for that extinguisher type. Keep its dated record with the extinguisher.
Need replacement extinguishers? Call our hotline +8801670 468794 or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Recommended products from our stock
These are the products this guide talks about, delivered all over Bangladesh. For items without a price, send us the quantity and we will reply on the same working day.
