Fire Extinguisher Suppression System: Inspection, Maintenance, Service
What to Know About Our NFPA Inspection
It isn't easy owning your own business. Between the ever changing demands of the public and the laws you have to follow to stay in business, it's usually a challenge no one can quite prepare for!
One of those challenges is keeping the public safe from fire in your establishment.
That's why portable fire extinguisher inspections are critical. No matter what commercial business you own, the fire marshal and your insurance company want to assure that fire extinguishers work when, and if, you need them. That annual inspection can literally save lives.
No one disputes that fire extinguisher maintenance is critical. The problem is many business owners are overwhelmed with the every day running of their businesses. Remembering an annual maintenance check of fire extinguishers is not top of mind. Who can blame you?
Well, actually, your insurance company and the fire marshal take a dim view of business owners who don't keep their portable extinguishers up to code. Insurance companies will cancel your policy, making it impossible to continue conducting business, and a fire marshal will close you down.
Fire Suppression Specialists: Our Credentials
To remove the risk of poorly working fire suppression systems, Valley Fire Safety, LLC, is a certified fire protection specialist right here in the Shenandoah Valley. We take your protection so seriously that we received our training and certification through Getz Fire Equipment Company. Getz has been in the fire protection industry since 1957 and is a recognized leader.
Valley Fire, LLC, a family owned and operated business, also strictly follows the NFPA codes, 10, 17A, and 96 (for kitchen hood inspection). But anyone can get trained to do this work. What's important is the responsiveness and the integrity of the company.
When you partner with Valley Fire Safety, LLC, you can be sure that our internal examination will assure that portable fire extinguishers on your property are in top working order.
Make Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections Hassle-Free
We know you have a business to run. That's why we take the burden of remembering annual fire extinguisher inspections off your to-do list. Once you work with us, we keep track of your inspection dates for you. When you're due for an extinguisher inspection, we call you and schedule a time.
To reduce disruption to your business, we schedule a time that's convenient for you. We realize that may not be between the hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. That's why we schedule an inspection when it works best for you.
What's more, if, at any time, you misplace your inspection report, we can send you a digital copy. Additionally, we stay current on any changes to codes with NFPA, and keep you informed as well.
And, of course, we guarantee your portable extinguishers will pass inspection when you use our service!
Quick Response Fire Extinguisher Inspection Service
Another thing. When you call us, we answer the phone. You'll never get a recording or asked to be put on hold. People are our business, and we respect your time as well as ours.
Should you need service, we'll get to your business either the day you called or the next day.
Our Fire Extinguisher Inspection Service is Fully Mobile
That means if a portable fire extinguisher is removed from service for replacement, you're not left hanging. Our van is equipped to replace or refill the extinguisher right on the spot. The running of your business will not be disrupted.
As much as humanly possible, Valley Fire takes the burden of inspection, maintenance, refills, and replacement of extinguishers off your shoulders.
Our Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Valley Fire, LLC tests every aspect of your fire suppression system according to NFPA guidelines. We install new fire extinguishers and perform maintenance on existing units.
We refill or service portable fire extinguishers on-site, and we teach your staff how to properly use a fire extinguisher. If your fire suppression system is activated and the contents expelled, we wash, reload, test, and service it.
Fire Extinguisher Repair vs Replacement
Sometimes during the course of an inspection, we find a fire extinguisher in disrepair. Pressure gauges, hoses, nozzles, handles, and pins are frequent offenders, and can become defective or missing. The question we hear is, "Can't you just repair it?"
No, we can't; the unit must be replaced to make sure that the unit is in perfect working condition. If, in between annual inspections, you see any of the following the fire extinguisher must be replaced immediately.
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Broken or missing pin on the handle
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Slow pressure loss
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Handle becomes unstable
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The fire extinguisher is older than 12 years. NFPA requires replacement every 12 years.
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Inspection tag is missing
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The nozzle or hose is cracked, ripped, or clogged
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Corrosion or rust is visible
Business owners often ask why they must replace a fire extinguisher with a missing inspection tag. The answer is simple. The tag is a record of the maintenance history of every inspection performed on it. It's also a record of the unit's condition.
Without the tag, that history is lost. A new tag cannot give any kind of information about who last inspected it or what was recorded by the inspector.
No one knows if the extinguisher had a history of pressure loss or any other problem. That's why the fire extinguisher must be taken out of service and replaced. You simply cannot risk an ineffective extinguisher, even if it's just a small fire.
With a poorly operating extinguisher, that small fire could turn into a big one. The risk is too great.
Recharge vs Replace: Which is More Economical?
There are times when replacing the whole unit is more economical than having it recharged. This is true especially for small canisters. We can help you make that determination, comparing pricing options and what's best for your budget.
But do remember that you have to think beyond just the canister cost. What you decide can determine how well a fire is suppressed in your business. Certainly, having an extinguisher recharged is cheaper than having it replaced, but what are the potential losses if the fire extinguisher didn't work.
The good news is if the extinguisher has a dent-free exterior, the hoses are intact, the exterior is dent-free or crack-free, and the inspection tag is in place, recharging may be the way to go.
But if there is any uncertainty in your mind about your portable fire extinguisher, it's best to be safe than sorry. You can always have Valley Fire to inspect the unit to determine the fate of your extinguisher to put your mind at ease.
How to Get Your Fire Extinguisher Recharged
Sometimes people say "repair" when they mean "recharge." If there is no damage to a portable fire extinguisher, it can be recharged. Because Valley Fire, LLC is a fully mobile business, we can recharge your extinguisher at your business. No waiting.
When Should You Replace Your Fire Extinguisher
As stated above, NFPA requires portable fire extinguishers to be replaced every 12 years. That said, like any other equipment, they have a limited lifespan. Sometimes they show signs of wear and tear, or signs of corrosion that has caused pitting before their expiration date and need to be replaced.
What's more, if the extinguisher has been used, even partially, it should be replaced immediately as it may not be fully effective during an emergency. Regular inspections should also be conducted to ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and the extinguisher is free from corrosion or damage.
If you see any of these conditions, the extinguisher should be replaced promptly. Remember, having a functioning fire extinguisher can make all the difference in protecting lives and property during a fire emergency. So it is crucial to be vigilant and replace them when necessary.
We Sell Quality Fire Extinguishers
Should you need a new extinguisher, you won't have your business interrupted waiting on a new one to arrive. We carry four brands of extinguishers: Standard Badger, Amarex, Buckeye, and Ansul.
Valley Fire, LLC carries all four types of extinguishers:
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Type A-Utilizes pressurized water for use on a Class A fire.
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Type ABC-Dry chemical which is effective on all classes of fire.
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Type BC-Carbon dioxide extinguishers to be used on chemical or electrical fires.
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Type K-Used for grease fires in commercial kitchens.
We are happy to offer our professional advice on which fire extinguisher is best for your business.
The Most Common Causes of Fires in Commercial Buildings
In restaurants, grease fires are common in the work area. But outside of commercial kitchens, there are five types of fire we see most:
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Arson
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Electrical problems
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Negligence, e.g., misplacing keys that allow access to safety cabinets with extinguishers
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Not having a working fire alarm
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Not having enough extinguishers or fire hoses to put out the fire
We urge all businesses to train staff on how to handle flammable materials. Install a fire alarm system and test it regularly.
Make sure all equipment and machinery are properly maintained. And lastly, create a fire escape plan and practice it. Make sure employees are educated on proper fire safety procedures.
Not Just a Fire Extinguisher Service
Our service isn't just limited to inspection, installation, and replacement. We're also committed to preparing your staff in case there is a fire. We offer training to show you and your employees how to properly use an extinguisher.
It is our firm desire to keep you and your employees safe from the devastating effects of a fire. Please have your fire suppression systems inspected regularly by a certified technician.
If you choose not to have a certified technician do the inspection and there's a fire, your insurance company will not cover the damages. Protect yourself and your business.
Go to our home page to learn more about us. Or, get in touch to schedule your service!