How to Perform a Fire Extinguisher Inspection

As a business, you’re legally and ethically obligated to protect your employees, customers, and assets from the danger of workplace fire. One of the most vital elements of fire safety is having accessible fire extinguishers at all times.

However, simply keeping fire extinguishers on hand isn’t enough. Performing a fire extinguisher inspection on a regular basis is the only way to ensure your fire extinguishers will be fully functional in the event of an emergency.

Let's see what a fire extinguisher inspection entails, why they matter, and how to complete them the right way.

Why Do Fire Extinguisher Inspections Matter?

When all your prevention efforts have failed and you’re facing fire in the workplace, your fire extinguishers become your first line of defense. Without regular maintenance, they could malfunction during the critical moments that decide whether or not your team can safely make it out of the facility.

The consequences of not properly maintaining your fire extinguishers go beyond risking the safety of your employees. Local fire codes and OSHA require businesses to keep properly inspected, functional fire extinguishers available to employees at all times. Failure to remain compliant with these regulations can result in hefty fines and increased liability when a fire occurs.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected?

How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected? To answer this question, you only need to look as far as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and OSHA guidelines. These regulatory bodies dictate that businesses are required to perform:

• Monthly visible inspections that check for visual signs of damage and tampering
• Annual maintenance checks by a certified professional to confirm all internal mechanisms are in working order
• Hydrostatic testing every 5 to 12 years to maintain the cylinder’s integrity. The exact interval varies based on the type of fire extinguisher.

Adhere to these guidelines, and you can ensure your commercial fire extinguisher is always ready to go.

Monthly Inspection Checklist for Fire Extinguisher 

Since performing a monthly fire extinguisher inspection doesn’t necessitate special certifications, this duty can be handed off to a designated employee of your choice. Here is a fire extinguisher inspection list you can use to make sure whoever performs your monthly visual fire extinguisher inspections covers all critical bases:

Location and Accessibility

Confirm the extinguisher is in its designated location and make sure there aren’t any obstacles like furniture or boxes obstructing its access. It should be easily visible and mounted at the correct height per NFPA standards.

External Condition

Inspect the extinguisher for dents, corrosion, and leaks. Make sure the hose and nozzle don’t have any cracks or obstructions. Additionally, check that the pull pin is securely in place with the tamper seal intact.

Pressure Gauge

Verify that the needle on the pressure gauge is in the green zone. If the gauge ever indicates the extinguisher is under or over the proper pressurization, it should be serviced immediately. 

Label and Instructions

Check that the label and all operating instructions are clearly legible. Always replace missing or damaged labels to avoid confusion during an emergency situation.

Inspection Tags

Find the date of the last inspection on the inspection tag, then update it with your initials and the date of inspection completion. Make sure to use legible handwriting.

Weight Check

Lift the fire extinguisher to check its weight. If it feels significantly lighter than it should, there could have been leakage at some point. 

Expiration Date

Check the extinguisher’s expiration date and schedule any professional maintenance that will soon be required.