Portable fire extinguisher inspection, maintenance Published Jan. 10, 2011 By Moody AFB Fire Prevention Office MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Throughout your Air Force career, you have most likely seen many models of portable fire extinguishers. They are in vehicles, residences and almost assuredly in your workplace. The Moody Fire Prevention Office would like to provide a working knowledge of fire extinguishers. Hopefully, through training, you know how to use and operate them, as they could save lives and property. Not only is it important to know how to use your extinguishers, it is as important to understand your role in the inspection and maintenance process for them as well. Units are responsible for portable fire extinguishers in their facilities and mounted on their vehicles. Users are also responsible for conducting what is referred to as "user inspections." This inspection is a check to give a reasonable assurance that a fire extinguisher is available, fully charged and operable. The value of the inspection depends on frequency, regularity and thoroughness. Inspections should always be performed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, when extinguishers are initially placed in service and subsequently at approximately 30-day intervals. The inspection must be documented and results should be readily assessable. These records can be maintained electronically or in the facility manager's building folder. Units are also responsible for extinguisher maintenance as well. Fire extinguishers must be maintained at regular intervals- annually and every six and 12 years, or when indicated by a user inspection. Unlike user inspections, maintenance inspections must be performed by a certified technician. A maintenance inspection 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 complete examination and any necessary repair, recharging or replacement. The extinguisher must also be tagged by the technician, indicating the month and year the maintenance was performed. This tag lets users and fire inspectors know the extinguisher is in compliance with required standards. Since extinguisher maintenance is required to be performed by a certified technician, the Fire Prevention Office staff has worked with the 23rd Contracting Squadron to set up a blanket purchase agreement (BPA) with a local fire equipment maintenance company for your convenience. The code for this is FA4830-10-A-0016. For maintenance and inspection, follow your unit's government purchase card procedures and then contact the Security Fire Equipment Company in Valdosta, Ga., at 229-242-1816. For more detailed information, or to schedule unit or shop specific fire extinguisher training, contact the Fire Prevention Office staff at 229-257-4410. For further information regarding the current fire extinguisher BPA, please contact the 23rd CONS at 229-257-3453.