Fire Extinguisher Test and Compliance Software

In this article, we’ll discuss what you should look for in fire extinguisher test and compliance software.

As we explore the expectations of various aspects of fire extinguisher care, we’ll be using NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, as our main reference point. Please consult the code for yourself if you have any follow-up questions after reading this article.

Fire extinguishers must undergo regular professional hydrostatic testing in order to verify that they are still effective and operable.

Different types of extinguishers require hydrostatic testing at different intervals. See the chart below to determine how frequently testing is required for your extinguishers.

Tests should be conducted as follows:

1. Completely discharge extinguisher.
2. Perform an internal and external examination. (Both of these will be further described below in the “Compliance” section.) If you see anything that indicates that the extinguisher cannot be safely tested, remove it from service immediately.
3. Remove unnecessary components until just the shell and hose remain.
4. Fill the cylinder with water, following the time and pressure requirements for the specific type of extinguisher currently being tested.
5. If the extinguisher passes the test…
   1. Allow cylinder to drain completely.
   2. Clean cylinder.
   3. Allow cylinder to dry completely.
   4. Reassemble and recharge extinguisher.
6. If the extinguisher fails the test, condemn it.

Staying on top of hydrostatic testing schedules is not enough to ensure that extinguishers are compliant with NFPA 10. After all, tests are just one aspect of asset ITM (inspections, testing, maintenance). In addition to regular inspections and maintenance, consistent recordkeeping is required as well.

In this section, we’ll focus on what to look for during monthly inspections, which can be conducted by building staff. As noted earlier in this article, internal and external inspections during hydrostatic testing must be conducted by professionals. This is also the case for annual inspections.

Monthly inspections include verifying that extinguishers are in their designated locations. This is important because there are placement requirements for installation and inspections confirm that extinguishers still meet those requirements. Aspects of placement include availability, maximum travel distance, height, and visibility.

When inspecting an extinguisher, also verify that it is…

• Accessible
• Full
• Operational
• Undamaged

The last things to verify are that…

• The pin is intact
• The pressure gauge is in its recommended range or position
• The tamper seal is unbroken

Extinguishers need maintenance performed annually and before each instance of hydrostatic testing.

During maintenance, the basic elements of an extinguisher’s exterior should be thoroughly examined for anything that could impair the extinguisher’s performance ability—such as corrosion and dents.

An internal examination may also be required, where in the testing technician will look for flaws, such as pitting, that indicate that the extinguisher cannot maintain its expected pressure.

The date of inspection and the name of the inspector must be included on each inspection form.

The same is required on maintenance service records, as well as the name of the agency that performed said services. If an extinguisher underwent an internal examination during maintenance, it must have a verification-of-service collar detailing the date of the examination and the name of the examining agency wrapped around it.

Finally, it is required that certain information pertaining to tests be recorded on labels attached to the extinguishers themselves. For low pressure extinguishers, labels must include the name of the person who conducted the test, the test date, and the test pressure. For high pressure extinguishers, just the date and tester’s identification number are required.

Fire extinguisher test and compliance software is a must for not only staying compliant, but for being able to prove compliance when your AHJ, fire protection system inspectors, or internal safety professionals come a-knocking. But what exactly should you be looking for when browsing the market for such software?

To get the most out of your fire extinguisher test and compliance software, make sure it can do each of the following:

• Track ITM schedules
• Allow for notes and photos to be added to inspections
• Remind users of monthly inspections, annual maintenance, and replacements
• Store data collected from ITM tasks
• Manage recurring ITM tasks
• Pair service records with the extinguisher that was serviced
• Allow for mass updating of records
• Provide insights for the future based off of past data collected
• Provide easy access to records for ITM reviews and compliance checks
• Show the status of each ITM task in real-time
• Allow for documentation of follow-up items for failed inspections to be connected to the extinguisher that underwent corrective action

If you are looking for a software that doesn’t just meet the criteria outlined above, but exceeds them, InspectNTrack is the fire extinguisher test and compliance software for you.

Some—but far from all!—of the additional perks of choosing InspectNTrack as your fire extinguisher test and compliance software include:

• Wireless operation (no WiFi or data connection required)
• Compatibility with Android, iOS, and Windows devices
• Secure storage of data in the cloud
• Automatic triggering of follow-up actions when necessary
• Use of dual-scan system to either confirm that extinguishers are in their designated locations or to relocate them (codes on both an extinguisher and its housing cabinet are linked to each other)
• Compatibility with any type of equipment and any type of code (barcodes, QR codes, NFC/RFID)
• Automatic updating of records whenever units are relocated, replaced, or removed or returned to service
• Grouping of units into the most efficient routes and tracking of route progress via completion icons

To learn more about how InspectNTrack works and see for yourself why it is industry-leading, check out this page detailing how our fire extinguisher test and compliance software works, as well as each of its features, and request a demo today!