Although every organisation is different and may have its unique fire hazards, every organisation is legally required to provide the correct firefighting equipment on the business premises. Some businesses may need additional and more extensive fire fighting equipment especially businesses dealing with highly flammable substances such as chemicals and oils. There is, however, essential fire fighting equipment that is mandatory with every organisation be it a factory, warehouse, office environment etc. It is crucial that organizations ensure that their on-site fire fighting equipment is always in the best condition and ready to use. This ensures that fires can be dealt with accordingly as and when they occur. 

Fire equipment inspection checklists are important as they assist with fire safety checks and are used to identify potential hazards and risks that need to be mitigated to prevent serious injuries, workplace deaths, and property damages. Before we delve into what a fire equipment inspection entails, we will briefly unpack two of the most essential fire equipment that all organizations need to have at their organization. 

Fire extinguishers- Fire extinguishers are used in the early stages of a fire. In large parts of the world people refer to fire extinguishers as first aid fire appliances, meaning it is used as first aid for fires. It is often more effective and quicker to use a fire extinguisher than to deploy a water line. Fire extinguishers are required by SANS 10400-part T. The number and type of fire extinguishers will depend on the size of premises as well as the potential risks at an organization. Annual servicing of Fire extinguishers is done because it is a requirement of SANS 10400: T as well as the municipal bylaws. Service must be conducted by a service technician who is registered with the South African Qualification & Certification Committee (SAQCC). A monthly inspection of Fire Equipment must be conducted by a responsible person (fire team member) to ensure all faults are detected and rectified timeously, ensuring all equipment operate effectively. 

Fire Hose Reel – Hose reels are used by non-professionals to fight fires in Class A (wood, paper, cloth etc) combustibles and their function is to supply a continuous and controllable supply of water to a fire.  

Below are the items to inspect for fire extinguishers and hose reels: 

Fire extinguishers 

1. Extinguishers should be clearly visible, or its position indicated by symbolic signs
2. The instruction label should be clear and legible and face outwards 
3. The service label- date of service should be within 12 months  
4. The extinguisher body should be free from defects like dents and rust 
5. The pressure gauge needle should be in the green 9. CO2 fire extinguishers don’t have gauges 
6. The extinguisher should have an anti-tamper seal intact, the unit should be serviced if the seal is broken, even if the gauge shows pressure 
7. The hose should be free from damage like kinks 
8. The nozzle should be unobstructed 
9. Check the pressure test record (CO2 fire extinguishers should be pressure tested every 10 years and all other units should be pressure tested every 5 years 
10. The container should not be rusted or damaged 
11. Make sure that the extinguisher is in its assigned position 
12. Make sure that nothing is stored under the Fire Equipment and that it is not obstructed 

Important to note: Should any unit show signs of damage or interference, it must be reported and withdrawn immediately and replaced with an operable one (stand-by) of the same kind and size.

Hose Reels 

1. Hose reels should be clearly visible, or its position indicated by symbolic signs
2. Check the hose guide- It should “run” freely
3. Frame should not be rusted or damaged
4. Service label- Service should be within 12 months
5. Hose should not be kinked or perished
6. Nozzle should not be damaged or seized
7. Valve should be closed and not leaking

Inspecting fire equipment in an organisation or of a building is imperative. It assists in keeping fire equipment in working conditions and always ready to use. It is also important to mention that each piece equipment must be inspected according to manufacturer’s guide as well as OHSA (Occupational Health and Safety Act) guidelines. A fire equipment inspection therefore includes checks of all fire equipment on site, how they work, where they are situated, their conditions, etc.

Following a fire equipment inspection checklist regularly can mean the difference between life and death. This will ensure the utmost safety of building occupants as well as employees’ livelihoods. 

Life is precious, assets and property matter too. That is why at Altra Medical Productions we provide quality, approved fire protection and firefighting equipment. We also specialize in the inspection and servicing of fire equipment. If you have any questions related to fire equipment inspections, please contact us.