FIRE ALARM INSPECTION SERVICES
Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense against fire for every home or business. According to Fire Equipment Manufacturers’ Association, 94% of the time a portable fire extinguisher is used, it puts out the fire – typically within the first two minutes. They are also required by OSHA, and most states, in the workplace.
Locally owned and operated in Virginia, Priority Fire Protection has been a trusted provider of commercial fire extinguisher sales, installation, maintenance, and inspection for decades. Our fire safety experts can recommend the appropriate size and type of extinguisher to provide adequate protection where needed, as well as come up with a service plan that keeps your equipment safe and compliant in case an emergency does arise.
It is not widely known that there are a variety of extinguishers to fight different types of fires. Fires are classified depending on what is fueling the fire, for example, wood, paper, gasoline, cooking oils, etc. The most common type of fire extinguisher is the “ABC” fire extinguisher – a multi-purpose dry chemical extinguisher used to fight the following types of fires:
A – Common combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, etc.
B – Flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, propane, and chemical solvents.
C – Electrical equipment such as computers, servers, and fax machines.
Another common class of portable fire extinguishers is a Class K extinguisher used on fires that occur in or around restaurant appliances and caused by flammable cooking substances such as cooking oils or fats. This type of fire is one of the biggest dangers to a commercial kitchen, which is why having an appropriate number of functional, unexpired Class K fire extinguishers is critical for every restaurant or industrial kitchen.
While it is imperative that you have the appropriate type of fire extinguisher on site and visible at your business, if it is expired, partially empty, or malfunctioning, it will be rendered useless. Here at Priority, our licensed technicians are trained in servicing all types of portable fire extinguishers and will make sure they are in perfect working order should you ever need them. Plus, you will have the additional peace of mind knowing you are staying compliant with OSHA and local laws.
OSHA Fire Extinguisher Service, Maintenance, and Inspection in Virginia
To ensure your fire extinguishing system will perform as expected in the event of a fire, you are required to:
- Inspect each system annually, and operate and maintain them in a working condition, making sure they are always turned on, except during repairs or maintenance [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(6)].
- Notify employees and establish measures to guarantee their safety if a fixed extinguishing system becomes inoperable. Fix any defects or impairments by trained personnel. [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(2)].
- Check the weight and pressure of refillable containers at least semiannually. If the container shows a loss in net content, weight, or pressure, it must be subjected to maintenance [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(7)].
- Assure that factory charged non-refillable containers that have no means of pressure indication are weighed at least semiannually. Replace the container if it shows a loss in net weight [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(8)].
- Assure that inspection and maintenance dates are recorded and kept until the container is checked again or for the life of the container, whichever is less [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(9)].
- Train employees designated to inspect, maintain, operate, or repair fixed extinguishing systems. Review their training annually to keep them up to date [29 CFR 1910.160(b)(10)].
We understand the responsibilities of a commercial company owner or restaurant manager can be overwhelming, that is why our clients depend on us to serve as the fire safety branch of their businesses. Whether you need new fire extinguishers, service, maintenance, inspection, or even employee fire protection training, contact us today!
Priority Fire Protection services hospitals, schools, hotels, healthcare centers, daycares, retirement homes, restaurants, churches, wedding venue kitchens, food trucks, and various other facilities with a commercial kitchen. We serve Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, Seaford, Grafton, Gloucester, York County, Poquoson, Mathews, Williamsburg, James City County, New Kent, and Richmond areas.
