What is a Fire Tag?

Wherever there are fire extinguishers, there are fire tags. Fire extinguishers are found in most public places and many homes all over the world. If the fire extinguisher is in good working order, it can prevent a major disaster and possibly save lives.

So, how do you ensure that a fire extinguisher is in working order? If you own one, you should follow the inspection schedule mandated by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). These inspections help ensure fire extinguishers are correctly stored and work effectively, ensuring no one goes without one in an emergency. Once an assessment is complete, a certified inspector will give a fire extinguisher a fire tag that records the inspection results.

What Information is Displayed on a Fire Tag?

Fire tags contain a lot of vital information about the safety and efficacy of a fire extinguisher. They list each inspection, including the date performed, the make and model number of the extinguisher, the inspector's name and contact information, and the extinguisher's chemical type.

What are Fire Extinguisher Classes?

A fire extinguisher tag includes information about the extinguisher class and what kind of fire it's meant to put out. Fire extinguisher classifications include:

• A: Extinguishers meant for use on common combustible materials, including cloth, wood, rubber, paper, and some plastics.
• B: Extinguishers meant for use on flammable liquids, such as alcohol and gas.
• C: Extinguishers meant for use on electrical equipment.
• D: Extinguishers meant for use on combustible metals.
• K: Extinguishers meant for use in commercial kitchens.
• Combination: Extinguishers that combine two or more of the above classifications.

Fire Tag Inspections

Fire extinguishers are inspected frequently by both general maintenance personnel, homeowners, and certified professionals. Each inspection covers a different aspect of fire extinguisher maintenance, which is documented on the tag. Inspections are done monthly, annually, and every six years.

Monthly Inspections

Monthly inspections are performed by either homeowners or a company's maintenance personnel. They will visually inspect the extinguisher to ensure the extinguisher is not damaged, does not have a broken safety seal, and has a hose that is not blocked. Inspectors should also check the pressure gauge to see if it's charged. The date of the inspection and the inspector's name is then recorded on the fire tags.

Annual Inspections

Annual inspections must be done by a certified professional, as they are more thorough and include some maintenance. These inspections include checking the extinguisher's mechanical components, fire-suppression chemical, and delivery system for damage. The inspector will record the inspection date and their initials on the fire tag once the inspection is complete.

6-Year Inspections

6-year inspections must also be performed by a certified professional. These inspections include emptying the extinguisher of its suppressing agents, examining the interior and mechanical parts for damage, filling it back up, and repressurizing its contents. This inspection is recorded on the fire tag and a metallic label affixed to the extinguisher's side.

Choosing Bay Tech Label

Fire tags are incredibly crucial for the safety and efficacy of a fire extinguisher. Using a high-quality fire tag ensures that it lasts through all of the inspections it will undergo and survives any uses of the fire extinguisher.

Bay Tech Label has over 25 years of experience manufacturing fire tags, labels, and more for companies all over the United States. They use durable 12pt paper tags with a reinforced mylar hole for extra stability. Bay Tech Label pays meticulous attention to detail and has excellent customer service, so your fire tags are durable and meet all required NFPA specifications.