 JFS
Fire Extinguisher Service
A
portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by
putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire
department arrives; but portable
extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads
so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out
safely.
Portable fire extinguishers are
effective against small fires -- but only if equipment is
properly placed, efficiently maintained, and used by trained
individuals.
Our professionally trained
and certified technicians will work
hard to assist you with
your fire protection needs!
Jefferson
Fire & Safety employs only factory-trained technicians
to service and maintain your fire extinguishers. Our service center is located in Middleton, WI, and
you can be assured any work done to your equipment is done in a
proper and skilled manner. We use only genuine manufacturers'
parts and chemical fill in all of work, ensuring compliance and
'piece of mind'.
 The owner or occupant of a property in which fire
extinguishers are located is responsible for their maintenance.
The following terms are things you should know about your
extinguishers.
RECHARGE
All extinguishers need to be recharged after use or as indicated
by an inspection from one of our technicians. Recharging is the
replacement or replenishment of the extinguishing agent and/or
the expellant for certain extinguishers.
INSPECTION 
“Inspection” is a “quick check” that an extinguisher is
available and will operate. It is designed to give reasonable
assurance that an extinguisher is fully charged and operable.
This is done by seeing that it is in its designated place, that
it has not been actuated or tampered with, that the visual
inspection seal is intact, and that there is no obvious physical
damage or condition to prevent operation. Inspections should
always be conducted when extinguishers are initially placed in
service and thereafter at approximately 30 day intervals.
MAINTENANCE
Extinguishers need to be maintained at regular intervals, not
more than one year apart, or when specifically indicated by an
inspection. Maintenance is a “thorough check” of the
extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an
extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a
thorough examination and any necessary repair, recharging or
replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic
testing of an extinguisher.
HYDROTEST
Extinguishers need to be tested hydrostatically (a pressurized
test conducted in water) at regular intervals as required in the
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA-10) or more
frequently when inspection or maintenance indicates a specific
need. Such tests are usually required on extinguisher shells,
cylinders, some cartridges and some hose assemblies.
RECORD KEEPING
Each extinguisher must have a tag or label securely attached
that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed
and shall identify the person performing the service. The same
record tag or label shall indicate if recharging was also
performed. Fire department inspections will check these tags
during routine building inspections.
At least monthly, the date the inspection was performed and the
initials of the person performing the inspection shall be
recorded. In addition to the required tag or label, a permanent
file record should be kept for each extinguisher. This file
record should include the maintenance date and the name of
person or agency performing the maintenance; the date when last
recharged and the name of person or agency performing the
hydrostatic test; and description of dents remaining after a
hydrostatic test.
Parts of the above were taken from NFPA Pamphlet 10.
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