How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Inspected?

Fire extinguishers are crucial safety equipment that can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major fire. But how often should these life-saving tools be inspected to ensure they're ready when you need them most?

In this article, we'll explore the critical aspects of fire extinguisher maintenance, including inspection schedules, legal requirements, industry standards, and tips to conduct thorough inspections to maximize safety and compliance.

Whether you're a business owner or facility manager, understanding the proper fire extinguisher inspection intervals for your fire extinguishers is vital. Let's learn how to keep these indispensable safety tools in top condition.

How To Inspect a Fire Extinguisher 

Like any other safety equipment, fire extinguishers must be tested regularly to ensure they function appropriately. 

But not all fire extinguishers are created equal. There are many ways to inspect a fire extinguisher. 

Types of Fire Extinguishers

If you want to know how to inspect a fire extinguisher, you first need to know the type of extinguisher you’re working with. 

There are five types of fire extinguishers, each most effective at putting out a specific type of fire:

• Water Fire Extinguishers: These are best suited for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and textiles. They cool the fire and soak the burning material. These should not be used on electrical fires or flammable liquid fires. 
• Foam Fire Extinguishers: Effective for both Class A and B fires, foam extinguishers create a blanket that cools and smothers the fire by blocking oxygen. They are versatile and often used in offices, warehouses, and factories, but they are not suitable for electrical fires unless specifically certified. 
• Powder Fire Extinguishers: Also known as ABC extinguishers, these are versatile and can be used on Class A, B, and C fires. They work by coating the fuel with a fine powder, separating it from oxygen, and interrupting the chemical reaction. 
• Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers: Primarily used for Class B and C fires, CO2 extinguishers work by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire. They are ideal for electrical fires and leave no residue, making them suitable for use around sensitive equipment.
• Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers: Wet chemical extinguishers are designed for Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats. They work by forming a soapy foam blanket over the burning oil, cooling it, and preventing re-ignition.

Some fire extinguishers are multipurpose and can put out several types of fires. When selecting the most suitable fire extinguisher for your needs, consider your building, industry, regulations, and specific ignition vulnerabilities. 

Each type of extinguisher has its own mechanism—nozzle, gauge, applicator—and, therefore, inspection criteria. 

Let’s take a closer look at how to inspect a fire extinguisher. 

Water and Foam Extinguishers

Both water and foam-based fire extinguishers have pressure gauges that indicate whether or not the vessel has enough force to effectively suppress a fire. This pressure gauge must be part of a monthly fire extinguisher check to ensure that it’s in good working condition. 
It’s important to keep in mind that these types of extinguishers can be susceptible to freezing if left in cold environments like warehouses. 

Dry Powder Extinguishers

Instead of water or foam putting out the fire, dry powder fire extinguishers coat the flames with a powder that halts the reaction causing the blaze. They often require occasional agitation to prevent powder from settling. This can be as simple as turning the device upside down to loosen any settled powder or as complex as pressurizing the tank with nitrogen. 
Most of these extinguishers require a 6-year internal inspection and recharge. 

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers

CO2 extinguishers work a bit differently. Unlike the others, they don’t have pressure gauges, so they must be weighed to check fullness. Specifically calibrated scales are often used for accuracy. 

Most CO2 extinguishers last longer than other types, usually only requiring thorough servicing every decade or so, though it’s important to undergo an annual inspection to ensure everything is working properly. 

Wet Chemical Extinguishers

These extinguishers are designed for Class K fires (cooking oils and fats). Given their prevalence in commercial kitchens, they may require more frequent inspections and ongoing maintenance to keep them at peak performance. 

Fire Extinguisher Inspection: How Often is Enough?

So how often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

It depends. 

No matter what type of fire extinguisher you have, it must be thoroughly inspected and tested regularly. 

All fire extinguishers generally require:

• Monthly visual inspections to check for damage, proper pressure, and accessibility
• Annual professional inspections
• Periodic hydrostatic testing (typically every 5-12 years, depending on the type)

Here are three ways fire extinguishers must be tested, as well as the schedule for each type of test. 

1. Monthly: Visual Inspection

According to OSHA [29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2), employers must perform a visual inspection on portable fire extinguishers at least once per month. 

Visually inspecting your fire extinguishers helps ensure several important points:

• The extinguisher is still present in its designated location
• No damage has occurred to the equipment
• No obstructions are blocking the equipment from view or from easy access
• The extinguisher is fully charged and operational

What should you look for during your visual monthly fire extinguisher inspections?

• Look for obvious signs of physical damage, such as corrosion, leakage, or dents
• Check the pressure gauge to make sure the indicator is in the operating range
• Make sure the pull-pin is not missing and the seal is intact
• Verify the date of the last professional inspection
• Date and initial the back of the tag to log the monthly visual inspection

If you need support, a local fire prevention professional can help ensure you know how to perform this monthly fire extinguisher inspection, what to look for, and how to document progress. 

2. Annually: Ongoing Maintenance Inspection 

Annual fire extinguisher inspections are critical, especially according to OSHA standards. 
Employers need to perform a full maintenance check on their workplace's portable fire extinguishers once per year, according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3). "Maintenance" means a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of all your facility's portable fire extinguishers, as covered in NFPA 10(98), Sec. 4-4.

A professional fire protection company should perform annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspections. These companies have the proper tools and training to ensure optimal compliance while recognizing and correcting potentially hazardous situations. 

Once a fire extinguisher passes its inspection, it is verified with a dated annual inspection tag. That tag is good for one year from the date indicated. The unit must be repaired or replaced if it fails to pass the inspection.

3. As Needed: Internal Equipment Maintenance Inspection 

Internal equipment maintenance varies considerably depending on the type of equipment you have—think 5, 6, or even 12 years. 

Internal maintenance testing involves discharging the fire extinguisher, completing an internal examination, and recharging to ensure that all its components are working correctly. Extinguishers, such as a dry chemical type, require a 12-year hydrostatic test and a 6-year internal examination.

In addition to or as part of the internal maintenance examination, fire extinguisher cylinders must periodically be hydrostatically tested to ensure their integrity and ability to safely contain the pressure used to expel the agent.

Typically, pressurized water, carbon dioxide, and wet chemical extinguishers need to be hydrostatically tested every 5 years. Dry chemical extinguishers need to be tested every 12 years. A complete chart of test intervals for various types of equipment can be found here.

Given the complexity of the task, a fire protection company is best suited to tackle the internal inspections to ensure everything is working as it should.  

Why Are Fire Extinguisher Inspections Important? 

Fire extinguishers are vital equipment for fire suppression and safety. 

Regular inspections allow for early detection of any damage, deterioration, or malfunctioning parts in fire extinguishers. This proactive approach enables prompt repairs or replacements, ensuring the extinguishers are in optimal working condition when needed.

The frequency of fire extinguisher inspections is not just a matter of best practice—it's often mandated by law. 

This practice is extremely important for protecting businesses, especially since OSHA and Fire Codes require specific procedures for fire extinguishers in the workplace.

Additionally, regular inspections help extend the lifespan of fire extinguishers by addressing problems promptly and preventing further damage or deterioration. This can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for early replacements.

Just knowing that your fire extinguishers have been inspected contributes to a sense of safety and security in the workplace, providing employers, employees, and customers with peace of mind. 

What To Expect From A Professional Inspection 

When you schedule a professional fire extinguisher inspection, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your equipment to ensure it meets all safety standards and regulatory requirements. Here's what a typical inspection entails:

Visual Inspections

Licensed technicians will conduct a detailed visual examination of each fire extinguisher, looking for physical damage, corrosion, or obstructions. They will also verify that the gauge is in the operable range and that all safety seals and tamper indicators are intact.

Hydrostatic Testing

For certain types of fire extinguishers, hydrostatic testing is required at specific intervals. This crucial test involves pressurizing the extinguisher to check for leaks or structural weaknesses. 

The frequency of these tests varies depending on the extinguisher type:

• Pressurized Water and Foam Extinguishers: Every 5 years
• Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers: Every 5 or 10 years
• Dry Powder Extinguishers: Every 12 years
• Wet Chemical Extinguishers: Every 5 years

NFPA 10 Compliant Inspection Services

Professional inspections are designed to meet or exceed the standards set by NFPA 10, which outlines the minimum requirements for portable fire extinguishers. This ensures that your fire extinguishers are functional and compliant with local, state, and national regulations.

Comprehensive Reporting

After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed report documenting the condition of each fire extinguisher and any maintenance or repairs performed. This documentation is essential for compliance and helps you track the status of your fire safety equipment.

You'll also receive a fire extinguisher inspection tag, signaling that the work has been completed.

By engaging licensed technicians for your fire extinguisher inspections, you can maintain a safe environment and ensure your fire safety equipment is ready when you need it most.

Partner With a Local Fire Prevention Company for Fire Extinguisher Inspections 

Regular fire extinguisher inspections are essential for ensuring safety in any environment. 
By understanding the specific inspection requirements for each type of extinguisher and adhering to mandated schedules, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents. 

Professional inspections guarantee compliance with safety regulations and provide peace of mind, knowing that your fire safety equipment is functioning correctly. Don’t wait for an emergency to realize the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance—take proactive steps today to protect yourself, your employees, and your property.

Is your business fully protected from all potential fire hazards? Get in touch with a fire prevention expert today to start creating a safer workplace.