Frequently Asked Questions

PASS stands for:
P — Pull the safety pin;
A — Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire;
S — Squeeze the handle firmly;
S — Sweep from side to side. Always start from a safe distance (6–8 feet) and move closer as the fire diminishes. If the fire doesn't go out within 30 seconds, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

As per IS 2190:2010, one 9-litre portable extinguisher is required for every 200 sq. metres of floor area. Extinguishers should be placed so that the travel distance from any point to the nearest extinguisher does not exceed 23 metres. Additionally, high-risk areas (kitchens, electrical rooms, fuel storage) require additional extinguishers specific to those hazards. Our safety audit team can provide an exact assessment for your facility.

Follow the RACE protocol: R — Rescue anyone in immediate danger; A — Activate the fire alarm and alert others; C — Contain the fire if possible (close doors, windows); E — Extinguish using the correct extinguisher if safe to do so, or Evacuate if the fire is uncontrollable. Always call the fire brigade (101) and do not use elevators during evacuation.

As per IS 2190, fire extinguishers should be mounted at a height such that the top of the extinguisher is no more than 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the floor. For heavier extinguishers (above 18 kg), the top should be no more than 1.0 metre (3.3 feet) from the floor. They should be mounted on wall brackets or placed in extinguisher stands in clearly visible, accessible locations.

CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) extinguishers are the best choice for electrical fires because they leave no residue and are non-conductive. DCP (Dry Chemical Powder) extinguishers can also be used, but the powder can damage sensitive equipment. Never use water or foam on electrical fires — it creates a severe electrocution risk. For server rooms and data centers, we recommend clean agent (FM200 or Novec 1230) systems which leave no residue.

CO₂ extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire. They leave no residue, making them ideal for electrical equipment, offices, and server rooms. However, they don't provide lasting cooling effect. DCP (Dry Chemical Powder) extinguishers are the most versatile — they work on Class A, B, and C fires by interrupting the chemical chain reaction of combustion. They're ideal for general use but leave a corrosive powder residue. CO₂ units are more expensive but preferred where equipment protection is important.

For residential use, we recommend: Kitchen — 1 kg or 2 kg ABC powder or a 1-litre wet chemical extinguisher; Living areas/bedrooms — 2 kg ABC DCP extinguisher; Garage/vehicle — 2 kg ABC or CO₂. For a typical 2–3 BHK apartment, a 2 kg ABC extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the main living area provides basic coverage. Always choose BIS marked products.

Most portable fire extinguishers have a service life of 5–10 years for the cylinder, provided they are properly maintained. Internally, dry powder and CO₂ extinguishers need to be refilled/recharged after use or every 5 years through hydrostatic testing. The extinguisher body/cylinder typically has a manufactured-date stamp and should be replaced as per manufacturer's guidelines. Regular annual inspections ensure the extinguisher remains in working condition throughout its service life.

Fire extinguishers require three levels of maintenance: (1) Monthly visual inspection by in-house staff — check pressure gauge, pin, and visible damage; (2) Annual professional inspection by a certified technician — full functional check, weighing, pressure test; (3) Hydrostatic pressure test every 5 years — the cylinder is pressure-tested to verify structural integrity. Our AMC covers all three levels for complete peace of mind.

Our comprehensive AMC includes: 2 preventive maintenance visits per year, emergency service calls (unlimited), free refilling up to agreed limits, pressure testing, safety tag renewal, compliance documentation, NOC assistance, fire extinguisher register maintenance, and a 4-hour priority emergency response guarantee. We offer Basic, Standard, and Premium AMC plans to suit different budgets and requirements. Contact us for a customised quote.

Check these signs: (1) Pressure gauge needle — if it's in the red zone (below operating pressure), refilling is needed; (2) After any use, even partial discharge — always refill immediately; (3) Physical damage — dents, rust, or corrosion; (4) Broken safety pin or seal; (5) Nozzle blockage or damage; (6) Expiry of service tag (if more than 12 months since last service). When in doubt, call us for a free inspection.

Yes, FireShield provides on-site refilling and servicing for most types of fire extinguishers including DCP, CO₂, foam, and water extinguishers at your premises. This is included in our AMC contracts. For non-AMC clients, we offer one-time on-site service at competitive rates. Minimum quantity requirements may apply for on-site visits. Contact our service team to schedule a visit.

Yes, FireShield provides comprehensive fire safety training programs for all types of organisations — from small offices to large industrial plants. Our NFPA-aligned training covers: fire hazard awareness, extinguisher selection and usage, evacuation procedures, fire warden training, first aid, and mock drills. We offer both on-site and online training options. Certificates are issued upon completion. Training can be customised for your specific industry.

Yes, our team assists clients with obtaining Fire No Objection Certificates (NOC) from the State Fire Department. We help you with fire safety system design as per local regulations, installation, inspection, documentation, and the application process. We have experience working with the Gujarat State Fire Safety Department and have helped 500+ clients successfully obtain their Fire NOCs. Contact us for guidance specific to your building type.

FireShield currently has offices and service teams in 18+ cities across India including Surat (HQ), Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Kolkata, and more. We also deliver products to all PIN codes across India through our courier network. For service calls in cities not listed, we work through our partner network to ensure coverage.

Yes, FireShield offers attractive bulk order discounts for orders of 10 or more units. Discounts range from 5% to 20% depending on quantity and product type. Corporate clients, builders, and AMC clients receive special pricing. We also offer volume-based contracts for large ongoing procurement needs. Contact our sales team with your requirements for a customised quote.

Delivery timelines vary by location: Same day delivery — Surat city; 1–2 business days — Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai (major cities); 3–5 business days — other major cities; 5–7 business days — all other PIN codes. For emergency procurement, we offer express delivery options at additional cost. Installation is scheduled separately based on your convenience.

We accept all major payment methods: Online — UPI, Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, EMI; Corporate — NEFT/RTGS, Cheque, Purchase Orders; Cash — for walk-in purchases at our office. For AMC and large projects, we offer flexible payment terms including quarterly and annual payment options.

Yes. Under the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 and various State Fire Prevention and Life Safety Acts, all commercial buildings, factories, hospitals, schools, hotels, and high-rise residential buildings are legally required to have adequate fire protection systems including extinguishers. Failure to comply can result in cancellation of Fire NOC, building closure, and legal liability in case of fire incidents. The exact requirements depend on the type and size of building.

In India, look for the following markings: ISI/BIS Mark — Bureau of Indian Standards certification (mandatory for Indian market); IS 2171 — for portable DCP extinguishers; IS 15683 — for CO₂ extinguishers. For imported products, check for CE marking (European standard) or UL listing (US standard). Avoid uncertified products as they may fail when needed most. All FireShield products carry mandatory BIS certification.

Yes, after every service visit, our certified technicians provide a detailed service report with extinguisher-wise condition, actions taken, and next service due dates. We also provide annual compliance certificates confirming that all equipment has been inspected and maintained as per IS 2190 standards. These documents are accepted by fire departments and insurance companies for compliance purposes.