Are used fire extinguishers acceptable to remain in service without replacement?

Are used fire extinguishers acceptable to remain in service without replacement?

• A. No
• B. Yes
• C. Only After Inspection
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (A)

Used extinguishers should not stay in service. When a fire extinguisher has been discharged, it has released its contents and lost pressure, so you can’t rely on it to operate properly in an emergency even if it looks okay. It must be recharged by a qualified technician or replaced, and then inspected and brought back into service per the maintenance schedule and applicable regulations. A simple inspection does not restore readiness after discharge, so the correct practice is to remove it from service and arrange recharge or replacement.

Used extinguishers should not stay in service. When a fire extinguisher has been discharged, it has released its contents and lost pressure, so you can’t rely on it to operate properly in an emergency even if it looks okay. It must be recharged by a qualified technician or replaced, and then inspected and brought back into service per the maintenance schedule and applicable regulations. A simple inspection does not restore readiness after discharge, so the correct practice is to remove it from service and arrange recharge or replacement.