What is required as part of the annual servicing of portable fire extinguishers?

The requirement for annual servicing of portable fire extinguishers includes a thorough examination and any necessary repairs. This process is essential to ensure that the extinguisher is in proper working condition and can function effectively during an emergency. A thorough examination involves inspecting the physical condition of the extinguisher, checking the pressure gauge, ensuring that it is fully charged, and verifying that all components are present and functioning, such as the nozzle and safety pin.

This comprehensive service check is crucial because it helps to identify any potential issues that could prevent the extinguisher from operating correctly. If repairs are necessary, they must be carried out to guarantee the reliability of the extinguisher when it is needed. While a quick visual check is helpful for assessing an extinguisher's basic condition routinely, it does not replace the need for the more detailed annual servicing required by safety standards and regulations.

Replacement of the extinguisher is not a requirement during annual servicing unless it is deemed unserviceable after inspection. Additionally, regular training for staff is important for overall fire safety but is not a specific requirement of the annual servicing process for the extinguishers themselves.