"Inspecting Portable Fire Extinguishers" online video course

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Attached is a photo of a fire extinguisher. I noted that it is full, free of damage to the canister and has the appropriate plastic pin holder. The hose is free of any cracks or damage. It has the right paper tag stating it was serviced in Oct 2017. The extinguisher has not been examined monthly.

Research & Writing Assignment:

I read the article “Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection”. The review on what type of fire extinguishers are to be used on specific types of fire was good. I may include a pamphlet on suggested fire extinguishers in certain locations of the home to help minimize loss should a fire occur.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Learned about what is looked at on an extinguisher. Making sure the discharge hose is not cracked or broken. Making sure to feel the fullness by lifting extinguisher. Checking to make sure pressure gauge reading/indicator is in the right position. Making sure extinguisher is not overdue for inspection/maintenance program.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Learned about the different classes for extinguishers. Class A for Paper related combustibles. Class B for Gas/Oil/Paint. Class C for live Electrical equipment fires. Class D for Combustible Metals and Metal Alloys. Class K for cooking media elements such as vegetable and animal oils/fats.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

I found this fire extinguisher under the kitchen sink of a house I inspected. it was fun to be more knowledgeable about this subject and to be aware of the different fire extinguishers that are available. This Fire extinguisher happens to be an ABC canister so it is good for the kitchen since it can put out water, grease, oil, and electrical fires which could all happen in a kitchen.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The article that I read was about fire extinguisher maintenance and inspection. Something I don’t do is shake up the cannister which I should do. My nine-year-old son sprayed an ABC extinguisher because there was not a pin in place. The kitchen was filled with a cloud of dust. He only made on short squirt so there is a lot of more chemical still left in the extinguisher. However, the air is depleted so the extinguisher is now a defect.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

The portable fire extinguisher is in good serviceable condition. All labeling is clearly visible and legible. The inspection tag is in place and the safety pin is held in place by the proper tamper seal. The pressure within the tank is proper and it is fastened to a wall properly.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Having the certification to conduct a 30 day inspection of a portable fire extinguisher can bring you extra income but it can provide your clients some piece of mind knowing that you aren’t just looking at the structure but ensuring all safety that you are certified to check will be inspected.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Observed that proper Labels and Tags were on my shops Fire Extinguisher. Red Seal were Present with yellow Signage Tagged. Also 6 year Maintenance & 12 year Hydrostatic Test Label was Punch in Proper Location. Indicator Needle in Green Area.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Swimming Pool Terminology was Extremely Informative With Its Visual Break Down of The Pool Structure And various Pool components As well as In door Spa. Being a License Journeyman Electrician I Fell That That Clearance Above The Pool Was Important.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This is 5 pound dry chemical extinguisher. It can be used on class A, B and C fires. This particular extinguisher was last hydrostatically tested in 2017. The hose, handle and safety pin are all in good condition. This extinguisher has been checked monthly for defects and abnormalities and has been found to be in good working order. The pressure gauge displays green and is ready for service. Also to be noted is the location of the extinguisher. It is located in a kitchen near an exit door with no obstructions.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The article titled, Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection, is a helpful article as it describes types of extinguishers and their applications. The article also details best practices for the maintenance and inspection of portable fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers may be used on various types of fires; some are specific for the application and some are combination use. For example, a water extinguisher is great for class A fires but not helpful at all for class B fires. Conversely dry chemical fire extinguishers are great for both class A and class B fires.
Knowing the type and usage for fire extinguishers will user should the need ever arise. Fires are scary situations and using the wrong extinguisher can make the situation much scarier. Using a class A fire extinguisher on a class B fire will only make the situation worse and possibly injure someone. It is imperative that fire extinguishers are maintained properly and that everyone understands their functions and limitations.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

Today at work, one of the work orders happened to be checking the fire extinguishers for this month!

Checked all fire extinguisher locations marked on the inspection sheet. Most had been switched over within the last 6 months, all in place and in compliance. Mounting brackets in high traffic areas were starting to get loose, check and tighten as needed. Replace screws when necessary. Document inspection in inspection log .

Research & Writing Assignment:

I learned of the different types of fires (a,b,c,d, or k), how to identify and properly handle the hazard with which type (if any) of extinguisher, because not one style can fight all types of fires that can be encountered.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

As a home inspector but more importantly as a firefighter I am used to inspecting fire extinguishers. In the picture you can see that this particular fire extinguisher has its 6 year plan maintenance record completed and is due for its next six year maintenance in May of this year. This particular fire extinguisher is missing its monthly tag but does have the pin and approved fastening device

Research & Writing Assignment:

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspection
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
And this article it keeps a very simple description of the types of extinguishers and how they are used one of the key sentences that I believe that this article says is that those people that may use it need to know how and when the particular fire extinguisher is to be used for. Proper education of and maintenance of fire extinguishers is critical to ensure that these life-saving devices do what they are supposed to do.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

I learned to check the pressure gauge, plastic ring holing the pull pin, lift it up to check the fullness and to check and make sure the hose is kink and crack free. Well placed fire extinguishers can help save lives and loss of property.

Research & Writing Assignment:

Fire safety. Some fires happen that cannot be prevented, but most can. Making sure your electrical system is in good shape, not overloading circuits or extension chords. Use space heaters on a solid surface in the open, keeping combustables away from cooking areas and keeping fire starting devices away from small children is just a short list of ways to prevent fires.

Research & Writing Assignment:

The need for extinguisher in the home is very important and we should have a minimum of 2 in the home that are single levels and one extra one located upstairs in a two-story home. With the increase of electronic device in the home, the need for a fire extinguisher in the home should be noted. As with electric blanket issues that can occur if not checked on regular bases. The transformers we use today can overheat and potentially start a fire. So be sure to keep them clear of obstructions.

Inspection & Writing Assignment:

This extinguisher was located in the hallway of a commercial building. It was store is a locked cabinet with breakable glass entry. The cabinet was clean and not blocked. It was current on it inspection of Sept 24, 2018. It was listed as an ABC extinguisher with the gauge, pen and seal all in place.