Frequently Asked Questions
Fire extinguishers require a monthly visual inspection and an annual maintenance check by a certified technician. NFPA 10 also mandates internal maintenance every 6 years (for stored-pressure units) and hydrostatic testing every 5 or 12 years, depending on extinguisher type.
Only trained and certified professionals can perform annual maintenance, internal examinations, and hydrostatic testing. This ensures compliance with NFPA 10 and requirements of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Use the PASS technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. All staff should be familiar with this method before an emergency occurs.
Yes. OSHA and DOT require fire extinguishers in many commercial vehicles, particularly those transporting flammable materials or passengers. Extinguishers must be secured, accessible, and maintained on the same inspection schedule as stationary units.
Yes, most fire extinguishers can be recharged even after partial discharge. A used or partially discharged extinguisher should never be returned to service until it has been inspected and refilled by a certified professional.
FSS Technologies handles fire extinguisher placement, inspections, recharges, hydrostatic testing, and staff training as a single provider, keeping your equipment compliant with NFPA 10 and ready when it matters.
Inspections verify that your fire safety and life safety systems will function as designed during an emergency. They are required by NFPA codes and local AHJs, and failing to maintain a documented inspection history can result in fines, insurance issues, or failed compliance reviews.
Backflow preventers require an annual backflow prevention test (per local water authority requirements) and an annual forward flow test (per NFPA 25) to confirm the check valves open properly and deliver adequate water to the sprinkler system. Some jurisdictions require more frequent testing.
Inspections cover valves, sprinkler heads, gauges, water flow, fire department connections, and system pressures to confirm all components are in good working order and compliant with NFPA 25.
A standard inspection includes checking the device’s pressure gauge, pin, tamper seal, labeling, hose condition, mounting, and accessibility. Annual maintenance by a certified technician includes a more thorough internal and external examination.