A fire extinguisher hanging on the wall does not automatically mean your workplace is prepared for a fire.
If the extinguisher is damaged, inaccessible, incorrectly maintained or no longer serviceable, you might only find out when someone needs it.
So, how often should fire extinguishers be inspected in South Africa?
The answer depends on the type of inspection. Routine workplace checks and formal servicing serve different purposes.
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
Your workplace should have a system for routinely checking fire extinguishers.
For construction sites, South Africa’s Construction Regulations guidance states that fire-extinguishing equipment must remain in good working order and must be inspected by a competent person appointed in writing, according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
A basic check should look at:
- Whether the extinguisher is in its designated position
- Whether access is clear
- The pressure gauge, where fitted
- The safety pin and tamper seal
- The hose and nozzle
- Signs of corrosion, leaks or physical damage
- The inspection and service information
These checks help identify obvious problems before an emergency.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠?
A visual workplace check is not the same as formal servicing.
South African requirements place controls on who performs formal inspection, testing, recharging, repair and reconditioning of fire extinguishers. The Pressure Equipment Regulations guidance states that this work must follow the relevant incorporated safety standards and must be performed by an authorised person employed by a permit holder.
South African maintenance specifications commonly require annual servicing and inspection in accordance with relevant SANS requirements, including SANS 1475-1.
Your specific extinguisher, workplace and applicable requirements should determine the maintenance schedule.
𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞
An extinguisher should receive attention immediately if you notice:
- Low or abnormal pressure
- A missing or damaged safety pin or seal
- Corrosion or physical damage
- A damaged hose or nozzle
- Leakage
- Evidence that the extinguisher has been discharged
- An expired or questionable service record
- Poor accessibility
Do not wait for the next scheduled service when something appears wrong.
𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬
Fire extinguishers form one part of workplace fire safety.
Businesses also need to consider emergency procedures, evacuation routes, signage, employee training and whether suitable fire-fighting equipment is available for the risks present.
Construction safety guidance specifically requires suitable fire-extinguishing equipment at strategic locations, clear escape routes where appropriate and workers trained to use fire-fighting equipment.
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐊𝐎 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
ISIVIKO Health and Safety helps businesses identify workplace risks, strengthen health and safety systems and maintain compliance.
Do not wait for an emergency or inspection to expose a gap in your fire safety procedures.
Contact ISIVIKO Health and Safety to review your workplace health and safety requirements.