Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Tracking

Client: Large University with 1,000+ fire extinguishers

Project

Our client, a large university, had over 1,000 fire extinguishers throughout the campus. Every fire extinguisher on campus had to be inspected at least once a year. The facilities department was responsible for these inspections and strict records had to be kept detailing when the last inspection was performed on each individual fire extinguisher.

Solution

First each fire extinguisher had to have its own unique identifier. In such a large university the exact location of each specific fire extinguisher must also be tracked.  Barcodes were used to solve this problem. Each extinguisher and each location was given a unique barcode ID.  Our analysts designed and implemented a tracking system which used a rechargeable hand held bar code reader.

When an extinguisher is removed from service, its bar code is scanned as well as its location. The location is noted as missing an extinguisher and the extinguisher is placed on the “To Be Serviced” list. If a replacement is hung in its place, that extinguisher is scanned and placed “In Service” and the appropriate records updated in the database. Several reports were written for the system. The most important being the “Upcoming Maintenance” report which shows which extinguishers have inspections due in the next month.

Results

The fire extinguisher system ensures the proper upkeep and record keeping of all campus fire extinguishers.  It proactively alerts staff before inspections are due so that no extinguisher has exceeded its expiration date.