Inspecting a Home Fire Extinguisher

Today, and January 19th annually, is Home Fire Extinguisher Inspection Day 家庭用消火器点検の日 (kateiyou shougaki tenken no hi). The choice of the date was to make it easy to remember by associating it with the emergency phone number for the fire department which is '119'. Today, written in short 1/19, has the digits of that emergency number. As does, November 9th, but November 9th is the date for "119 Day".

"Fire extinguishers" are the easiest initial fire extinguishing equipment in ordinary houses. The purpose of "Home Fire Extinguisher Inspection Day" is to make more people familiar with household fire extinguishers and as a reminder that fire extinguishers need to be checked periodically. They recommend once a year for a professional servicing. However, apart from an annual professional servicing, you should be checking home fire extinguishers more frequently. Most fire safety organizations and manufacturers recommend once a month. 

If you are checking your home fire extinguisher there are a few key things to ensure. One, that the extinguisher is still easily accessible and hasn't been buried under or behind clutter. Two, that the pressure gauge is in the green zone. Three, that the pin and tamper seal are intact. Four, that there are no dents, rust, leaks or damage. Five, that the nozzle isn't blocked. If there is damage it will need to be replaced. Furthermore, it is generally recommended to replace an extinguisher that is more than ten years old.

Have you checked your fire extinguisher lately?