Fire Extinguisher Service Guide

GPR’s Fire Extinguisher Service Process

Fire extinguishers are an essential and mandatory part of your motorsport safety equipment, and it is imperative that you maintain them regularly and properly. Grand Prix Racewear offer a step-by-step servicing package to ensure that your extinguishers are always ready in case of an emergency.

Safety first:

Before starting, we make sure that the fire extinguisher is fully discharged, and the pressure has been released. This will prevent any accidental discharge or injury during the service.

Visual inspection:

We inspect the fire extinguisher for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. This includes checking the pressure gauge to make sure it’s in the green zone and inspecting the hose and nozzle for any signs of cracks or damage. If we notice any damage, we recommended replacing the parts before servicing the extinguisher.

Service intervals:

All extinguishers must be serviced at least once every two years to comply with motorsport regulations. The bottle has a maximum lifespan of ten years, providing it has been serviced at the correct intervals by an approved technician. We will always consult the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the recommended service interval for your fire extinguisher. If you don’t have the instructions, we recommend servicing the extinguisher at least once a year or after any significant use.

Disassembly:

We disassemble the fire extinguisher according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This may involve removing the valve, the dip tube, or any other parts that need to be serviced.

Cleaning:

All parts are thoroughly cleaned with a soft cloth or brush, and we make sure we remove any debris or residue that may have accumulated inside the extinguisher.

Replacing parts:

Our technician will replace any damaged or worn parts with new parts that are approved by the manufacturer. This may include hoses, nozzles, seals, or pressure gauges.

Recharging:

If the pressure gauge indicates that the extinguisher has been discharged or the extinguisher has been used, it will need to be recharged. This involves removing any remaining agent, refilling the extinguisher, and repressurizing it to the correct level. We will follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that the extinguisher is recharged properly.

Reassembly:

We carefully reassemble the fire extinguisher according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure that all parts are properly tightened and secured.

Label and date:

Once the fire extinguisher has been serviced, we label it with the service date. This will help you keep track of when the extinguisher was last serviced.

Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Extinguishers

The type of fire extinguisher you should use depends on the regulations of the specific type of motorsport you are participating in. However, most motorsports require a minimum of a handheld ABC dry powder extinguisher.

What is the difference between the distinct types of fire extinguishers?

Distinct types of fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish diverse types of fires. For example, ABC dry powder extinguishers are effective against fires involving solids, liquids, and gases, while CO2 extinguishers are effective against electrical fires.

How often should I have my fire extinguisher serviced?

The British Motorsport regulations require that all fire extinguishers be serviced every 2 years. However, some motorsports may require more frequent servicing.

Can I service my own fire extinguisher?

No, fire extinguishers must be serviced by a qualified technician who is trained to service fire extinguishers for motorsport use.

What should I do if my fire extinguisher has been discharged?

If your fire extinguisher has been discharged, it must be immediately serviced by a qualified technician before it can be used again.

Can I use my fire extinguisher more than once?

Yes, fire extinguishers can be refilled and used again, provided they have not been damaged or discharged.

What should I do if I see a fire during a race?

If you see a fire during a race, immediately alert race officials and use your fire extinguisher to try to put out the fire if it is safe to do so.

Can I use a fire blanket instead of a fire extinguisher?

No, fire blankets are not an appropriate substitute for fire extinguishers in motorsport vehicles. Fire blankets are designed to smother fires involving solid materials and are not effective against liquid or gas fires.

Can GPR service my extinguisher while I wait?

Unfortunately, not. Fire extinguisher services must be booked in advance, and you should allow 5-10 days for the service to be completed. Once serviced, your extinguisher can be sent back to you or can be collected from our Silverstone showroom.