Title
Discussion of annual fire extinguisher inspections - Guidance
Body
Action Required:
[Enter Action Here]
Description:
The Fire Department makes annual inspections to all business locations in Roswell. One of the main items that the Fire Department checks for is the “tag” on the fire extinguisher that indicates that the fire extinguisher has been inspected. There is primarily one company that covers most of the businesses in Roswell. There is also a company in Alpharetta that does business in Roswell. Currently, these companies charge $45 to inspect one fire extinguisher. The inspection, to update the tag, lasts approximately 2 to 3 minutes for the $45 charge. Every six years maintenance must be performed where the extinguisher is totally discharged, inspected and all parts replaced that show wear. The extinguisher is then recharged, tested for any leaks and placed back in service.
Councilmember Orlans has asked the following questions:
1. Do the inspections have to be done annually? Yes
2. Since the Fire Department inspectors check each business why can’t they also check the fire extinguisher and change the tag since they are already there? If the extinguisher needs to be recharged, the business owner would be responsible for contacting a private company to perform that task. Considerations: In order for the City to inspect the fire extinguishers in businesses, we would have to buy the necessary equipment, additional staff would have to be hired and trained to acquire state certification. Additionally, the City would need to consider the liability issue should a City inspected fire extinguisher malfunction.
Comments:
Added at the request of Councilmember Orlans