Proper safety and security of your building and its occupants requires installation of fire safety equipment. The first option in terms of fire safety is quality fire extinguishers. Extinguishers are relatively cheap and are easy to install and use which makes them one of the most used fire safety equipment. One key point to be noted, however, is that outdated fire extinguishers need to be disposed of properly.
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Can you use an old fire extinguisher?
According to the Best Fire fighting Equipment Suppliers in Pakistan, Capital Solutions, An ordinary fire extinguisher has a lifespan of about 10-12 years. After every 10 years the cylinder should be hydrostatically tested to verify its quality and whether it can be used in the future or not. If it passes the test then the cylinder can be used again. As long as the cylinder passes the test and can withstand high pressure, it can be refilled and used for the years to come.
Household extinguishers that can be refilled should be replaced after 12 years while commercial extinguishers that can be refilled should be replaced when the extinguishers show the following:
- Loss pressure in the cylinder
- Clogged or damaged nozzle
- Broken handles
- Missing pin
- Failed hydrostatic test
- Absence of inspection tags
- Outer shell damaged
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Replace or repair?
It is advised that the old fire safety cylinder be disposed properly and a new one is bought to replace it. Every fire extinguisher in the building should always be fully charged, and it should be refilled even if a small amount has been used. This ensures the quality of the cylinder and warrants safe use of the extinguishers. Professionals advise replacing the old extinguishers with new ones rather than refueling the old ones.
How do I dispose of an old fire extinguisher?
Old fire extinguishers should be disposed of to ensure safety and security of the people around. Proper disposal of outdated fire extinguishers requires attention because they are filled with hazardous chemicals. They cannot be disposed of with regular household waste since the pressurized chemical contained within the cylinder can be extremely dangerous, so it is required that the cylinder be disposed of with special care.
To dispose of a partially or fully filled cylinder, you should contact your local fire department and enquire whether you can drop off your extinguisher at the fire department or not. Drop it off at the fire department if they allow you to do so otherwise dispose it off at a hazardous waste disposal facility.
If the cylinder is completely or partially empty then release the rest of the pressure by squeezing the lever. After releasing the pressure take the head off of the extinguisher to show that the cylinder is fully empty. Now contact your local recycling facility and ask whether you can drop off the canister at the facility or not.
How long is an unused fire extinguisher good for?
An unused fire extinguisher can last for about 12 years, but it is necessary to make sure that it remains usable within this period by repeated testing and maintenance. Professionals say that the optimum life span of a fire extinguisher is between 10-15 years. If you have a rechargeable fire extinguisher then it should be refilled after 6 years and if you have a disposable one then it should be replaced after 12 years. Make sure that the pressure gauge needle is within the green line otherwise the extinguisher is no good and would have to be recharged or replaced depending on its condition.
Do dry chemical fire extinguishers expire?
Dry fire extinguishers are useful for 6-12 years while those with wet chemicals have a lifespan of about 5 years. Dry extinguishers are tested by hydrostatic testing to verify the quality of the cylinder, if the cylinder passes the test then it be reused by recharging the cylinder and if it does not then the extinguisher needs to be replaced. Once they are recharged, they can last for another 6-12 years and are then tested again. If the extinguishers are non-rechargeable then they are to be replaced after 12 years.
How do you know if a fire extinguisher is out of date or needs a refill?
To determine the whether your extinguisher is outdated or not, you can:
- Test the extinguisher hydrostatically, if it passes the test then you can recharge it. if it does not then you can replace it with a new one.
- Check whether the model and technology of the extinguisher is outdated or not. If it is outdated then it needs to be replaced.
- Check the date, the extinguisher was last serviced and if the necessary time has passed then it should be serviced again.
- See whether the pressure inside the cylinder is appropriate or not using the pressure gauge needle.
Fire extinguishers are made up of steel and their recycling can be beneficial since the recycling of steel costs much less then its actual extraction from raw materials. A 9 kg fire extinguisher has about 3 kg steel so it can be really useful. If your extinguisher has passed the stipulated time limit, then replace it now and dispose your old extinguisher properly to ensure your safety and security and of the people around you.
