Why reload a fire extinguisher? Basic rules and regulations of the procedure

Any specialist who is responsible for the safety of the facility entrusted to him knows that he can do his job properly only when all the means necessary for this will be in full readiness. One of the conditions for this is the timely reloading of the fire extinguisher.

The need for a mandatory procedure

Any object, whether it be a large enterprise or a small store, must be provided with mandatory means of protection against possible fire. The simplest device, which is usually used for these purposes, is a fire extinguisher.

They differ among themselves according to the type of OM (extinguishing agent) contained inside . In this regard, there are devices:

1. Powder (OD).
2. Gas. Among them, devices are distinguished: carbon dioxide (OA) and chladonic (OX).
3. Foamy. There are mixtures with air (ORP) and a chemical substance (OHP).
4. Air-emulsion (OBM).
5. Water (OV).
6. Combined.

Over time, any of the listed devices loses its original properties and requires their restoration. Therefore, the fire extinguisher must be recharged periodically. What causes the need for such an action? There are only three of them:

1. Lack of OM after direct operation.
2. Leakage of substance inside.
3. Results of a routine inspection.

In any of these cases, recharging of the fire extinguisher may be urgently required. If you do not do it on time, then at the right time you can be one on one with the elements. And in this situation, nature rather than man wins. Timely reloading of a fire extinguisher is especially needed where there is an increased danger. Do not make jokes with such a serious enemy.

Compliance

The performance of a fire extinguisher is restored as a result of the sequential conduct of certain actions. But before undertaking such work, it is necessary to thoroughly study the basic rules for recharging a fire extinguisher.

There are very few of them, but this does not exclude the need for compliance. Firstly, in no case can you charge cylinders in which:

• there are visible or hidden damage to the case;
• no brand;
• the deadline for the survey has expired;
• the main substance supply mechanism is faulty;
• missing required inscriptions and painting.

Secondly, you should not charge more substance into the body than is normal. During operation, this can lead to its destruction. In addition, moisture is not allowed in the enclosures. Thirdly, it is impossible to save the remains of OTV inside before starting work. With each new charge, the contents of the cylinder must be completely changed. Fourthly, it is forbidden to use compositions which do not comply with the technical documentation and the standards provided for this type of fire extinguisher as the main reagent. After all, it is impossible to foresee behavior in a critical situation of an unfamiliar environment, which means that there is doubt about the fact of protection itself.

Time frame

Maintenance of any fire extinguishers consists of two main procedures:

• checking the level and condition of the OTV parameters;
• recharge.

These procedures are carried out for devices of all types. This operating condition is mandatory.

Each enterprise (or facility) should have a special journal, which usually records the date and time of such operations. Typically, these actions are planned in advance. This should be monitored by the employee on whom management is entrusted with such responsibility. As practice shows, quite often powder type devices are used in life. They are designed to extinguish small foci and are very convenient to operate. With their help, you can eliminate the ignition of electrical installations, flammable liquids, various gases, as well as metals and alloys from them. In this case, you need to clearly know how long the recharge of a powder fire extinguisher is. Typically, balloons are inspected selectively once a year, and a full recharge is performed every five years.

Work sequence

The maintenance of fire extinguishers must be handled by the appropriate organizations. To do this, they have the necessary equipment and workers who have undergone special training. They must clearly know how to recharge a fire extinguisher. The device is checked annually, and the refueling time is determined based on their type of OTV. If the cylinder was actively used for its intended purpose, then work on its charging is carried out unscheduled. Usually during this process you need to:

1. Conduct a full survey of the device. It includes external inspection, verification and practical testing.
2. Charge the bottle with new substance.
3. If necessary, paint.
4. Put a check on.
5. Give the owner a passport, which indicates the operation.

Only after carrying out such a complex of measures can one be sure that the device, which is currently nearby, will be able to protect those present from the fire on occasion.