When you own a business, you're responsible for the safety of your employees, as well as the safety of any customers who may come into the building. Part of that responsibility includes maintaining the safety equipment, such as fire alarms and fire extinguishers. In most cases, commercial buildings are inspected at least once a year. Fire extinguishers are included in that inspection. Unfortunately, if your fire extinguishers fail the inspection, it can cause serious problems for your business. That's why you need to make sure your fire extinguishers are ready for inspection. Here are four steps you can take to ensure a passing score for your commercial fire extinguishers.

Check the Pressure Gauges

If you haven't checked the pressure gauges on your fire extinguishers, now's the time to do that. Inaccurate pressure gauge readings can be a sign that your fire extinguishers are leaking. If that's the case, you'll need to have your extinguishers repaired as soon as possible. Without repairs, your fire extinguishers may not be ready for an emergency. This is especially true if the leaks go unattended for too long. Leaks can result in empty tanks. 

Replace Hard-To-Read Labels

If you've had your fire extinguishers for a while, the labels might not be as easy to read as they should be. Unfortunately, hard-to-read labels can pose a serious risk during an emergency situation. This is especially true if you have more than one type of fire extinguisher on the premises. You don't want to grab a fire extinguisher designed for paper fires when you're dealing with an electrical fire. Avoid a failing grade on your inspection. Replace those hard-to-read fire extinguisher labels. 

Look for Signs of Obvious Damage

If you want to make sure that your fire extinguishers pass their annual inspections, take a close look. Fire extinguishers that have signs of obvious damage won't pass inspection. That's why it's important for you to conduct your own pre-inspection. Signs of damage include dents, loose valves, and broken seals. If you see any of those signs during your pre-inspection, have repairs taken care of immediately. 

Schedule a Recharge Prior to Inspection

Finally, if you're due for an inspection, make sure you recharge all your fire extinguishers. This will be a part of the inspection. If your fire extinguishers aren't fully charged, you may fail your inspection. As a matter of safety, it's a good idea to recharge your fire extinguishers at least once a year. They should also be recharged after each use.

If you are ready for a fire extinguisher inspection, contact a fire safety company in your area.