Light Fire Extinguishers or APAR are very important to protect ourselves and our assets from the dangers of fire, especially since fires can occur anywhere and anytime. However, what if the fire extinguisher we have has expired? This caused affects the performance of APAR to extinguish the fire.
A fire extinguisher's lifespan is determined by the extinguishing media it contains, such as powder, foam, clean agent, and CO2, but mostly between 10 until 12 years. According to the Minister of Manpower and Immigration's Order No. PER.04/MEN/1980 on Requirements for Installation and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers and Order No. PER.04/MEN/1980 regarding Terms of Installation and Maintenance of light fire extinguisher :
The lightweight fire extinguisher must be emptied right away and refilled with fresh media even when it hasn't been used and the media hasn't diminished at all if the expiration period has passed. Fire extinguishers must also be inspected twice a year, within the inspection intervals of six and twelve months, in addition to the media.
Now you know why it's important to pay notice to the expiration date of every piece of safety gear you own because if it passes, lightweight fire extinguisher won't function properly when it's needed. Check your safety gear frequently because "Safety its Not an Option, its A Priority"