The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seals
The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seals
Fire extinguisher tamper seals, also known as tamper ties, are an essential component of a fire extinguisher and must be installed on all rechargeable fire extinguishers to be in compliance with fire safety regulations according to National Fire Protection Association standards (NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-4.2.1).
Their Importance:
First, the tamper seal is a small plastic protective device that slips through the pin and around the fire extinguisher handle, and prevents the pin from falling out or from being pulled accidentally. If the tamper seal is not installed, then when the fire extinguisher is moved or handled in any way, the pin could fall out and the fire extinguisher could be discharged inadvertently.
Second, the tamper seal, which comes in a variety of easy to see colors, when intact serves to indicate that the fire extinguisher has not been discharged. If the tamper seal is not intact, then it is simply a guess as to whether it has been discharged or just was not applied. A fire extinguisher without a tamper seal should trigger the owner to contact a fire safety service for a safety inspection of the fire extinguisher, including the possibility of the need to be fully filled and recharged.
Third, the tamper seal also should have the date of the last inspection so you always know its readiness status. Official fire extinguisher tamper seals come with either the year printed on the flap, or with a blank flap so that you can write the year and month of the last inspection, and therefore these tamper ties can be used as needed, without expiring because the date passed.
In case of a fire, the tamper seal can be easily removed with a simple 5 pounds of pressure applied to snap the plastic, and your fire extinguisher is ready for use.
Onlinesafetydepot.com has 5 different colors of fire extinguisher tamper seals and your other safety and preparedness needs.
