If a Class K extinguisher is found damaged during inspection, what should you do?

• A. Use it immediately.
• B. Tag it and continue using if there is no immediate fire.
• C. Ignore it.
• D. Do not use it; tag out of service and replace or repair by a qualified technician.

Answer: (D)

Damaged extinguishers must be taken out of service and handled by a qualified technician. Damage can compromise the cylinder, valve, hose, or nozzle, which could lead to a failure to discharge or an unsafe release of pressure in an emergency. For Class K extinguishers used on cooking oil fires, reliable operation is crucial, since grease fires can flare quickly and require precise delivery of the extinguishing agent. Tagging the unit as out of service communicates that it is not safe to use until it has been repaired or replaced by someone trained to inspect and restore fire protection equipment. Using it immediately, continuing to use it without addressing the damage, or ignoring the issue could result in a dangerous failure when you need it most. The right course is to tag it out of service and have it repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.