Ways to Care For and Maintain Fire Safety Equipment

Most business owners are aware of the devastating consequences that a fire outbreak may bring to their businesses. Because of this, they strive to protect their company and employees by installing high quality fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers. However, it is important to remember that fire protection does not end here. Proper care and maintenance is necessary to ensure that the safety of your employees and business will not be compromised by faulty or defective fire fighting devices. This procedure involves professional services but aside from this, the business owner should also do his part is making sure that the fire fighting devices in his business are well maintained. Here are the ways on how to do just that.

Professional Annual Servicing

Business owners should follow the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In this provision, it is stated that fire fighting equipment should be maintained according to the recognised British Standard. One of the requirements of which is to have fire extinguishers serviced at least annually. A professional servicing technician from a company approved by the BAFE (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) should do the maintenance of your fire extinguishers. Aside from the fire extinguisher, annual servicing should also be done in your other fire safety devices such as fire hose and sprinkler systems.

Professional Regular Maintenance

Apart from the annual servicing, it is also important to maintain fire extinguisher regularly. Enlist a technician to frequently check the fire fighting devices for dents, cracks, rusts, pressure gauge operation, anti-tamper seals, weights, head-cap degradation, discharge test dates, and so on. Once the regular checking is done, the technician should give you a detailed written report about the inspection as well as fill in your fire log book. This way, you will have an overview of the status of your fire fighting devices.

Own Monthly Inspection Responsibilities

Professional maintenance is not the only thing important here. You, as the business owner, are also responsible for carrying out regular inspections of your fire safety devices. For example, you should test smoke detectors at least once a month so you know if the batteries need replacement. Go around the business vicinity to see if the fire safety devices are in the correct locations and if signs point to the right direction. Examine the fire extinguisher to determine if there are any damages or dents. Make sure that the safety pin is straight. Record your inspections in the fire log book. If you prefer not to do the work, assign someone reliable and trustworthy to do all of these for you and see to it that he does the job correctly.