Introduction
Monthly fire extinguisher inspections are a critical component of any comprehensive fire safety program and are required by NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers). These regular inspections help ensure that fire extinguishers are accessible, properly pressurized, undamaged, and ready for use in the event of a fire emergency. This detailed checklist provides facility managers, safety officers, and maintenance personnel with a structured approach to conducting thorough monthly inspections in compliance with national fire safety standards.
Implementing systematic fire extinguisher inspections using this checklist helps identify potential issues before they compromise fire safety, maintains compliance with fire codes and insurance requirements, extends the service life of fire extinguishing equipment, and most importantly, helps ensure that life-saving equipment will function properly when needed in an emergency situation. By following these detailed inspection points, facilities can demonstrate due diligence in fire safety and fulfill their duty of care obligations to building occupants.
Extinguisher & Location Information
Pro Tips for Effective Fire Extinguisher Inspection
- Establish a Consistent Schedule: Conduct inspections on the same day each month to ensure consistent intervals between inspections as required by NFPA 10.
- Use Color-Coded Inspection Tags: Implement a color rotation system for monthly inspection tags to easily identify when the last inspection was performed at a glance.
- Photograph Deficiencies: Take photos of any issues discovered during inspection to document conditions and assist maintenance personnel with repairs.
- Maintain Digital Records: Keep electronic inspection records in addition to physical inspection tags to facilitate trend analysis and demonstrate compliance history.
- Follow a Route Map: Create a facility map with numbered extinguisher locations to ensure all units are inspected systematically and none are missed.
Physical Condition
Pressure & Contents
Access & Visibility
Mounting & Bracket
Compliance Documentation
Location Suitability
Additional Safety Checks
Detailed Inspection Procedures
Follow these structured procedures to ensure thorough inspection of fire extinguishers. Adapt these steps to your specific extinguisher types and facility requirements.
Monthly Inspection Method
- Locate extinguisher using facility map/inventory list
- Verify extinguisher is in designated location
- Check for physical damage to exterior components
- Confirm pressure gauge reading in acceptable range
- Verify safety seals and tamper indicators intact
- Check that access and visibility are unobstructed
- Ensure operating instructions are legible
- Initial and date inspection tag
- Record any deficiencies requiring maintenance
- Report units requiring service immediately
CO2 Extinguisher Inspection
- Verify extinguisher weight against specification
- Check horn/discharge nozzle for cracks/damage
- Inspect hose for cuts, cracks, or abrasions
- Check welds on cylinder for integrity
- Verify pin and tamper seal are intact
- Inspect carry handle and discharge lever
- Look for evidence of corrosion or damage
- Check inspection tag and certification date
- Inspect mounting bracket for security
Dry Chemical Extinguisher Inspection
- Check pressure gauge for proper reading
- Gently rock extinguisher to prevent powder packing
- Inspect nozzle for blockage or damage
- Check hose for cracks, blockage, or deterioration
- Verify pin and tamper seal are intact
- Inspect shell for dents, corrosion, or damage
- Check nameplate and operating instructions legibility
- Verify service dates are current
- Ensure bracket mounting is secure
Record Keeping Process
- Use standardized inspection forms/tags
- Record date of inspection on tag
- Initial or sign tag to verify inspection
- Note any deficiencies on inspection form
- Create maintenance work orders for issues found
- Update electronic record system (if applicable)
- File inspection records for minimum of one year
- Provide inspection summary to safety manager
- Schedule follow-up for any units requiring service
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
These guidelines outline key compliance considerations for fire extinguisher inspections. Requirements may vary by jurisdiction, so always verify current local regulations.
NFPA 10 Requirements
- Monthly visual inspections required
- Annual maintenance by trained professional
- 6-year internal examination for stored pressure types
- 12-year hydrostatic testing for most extinguishers
- 5-year hydrostatic testing for CO2 and pressurized water
- Documentation of all inspections and maintenance
- Inspection tag must indicate month and year
- Proper extinguisher placement and distribution
OSHA Requirements
- Inspections required monthly (29 CFR 1910.157)
- Annual maintenance by trained person
- Proper mounting height (top not over 5 feet)
- Clear access and visibility required
- Employee training on extinguisher use
- Proper extinguisher selection for hazard class
- Recordkeeping of all inspections
- Immediate replacement of defective units
Documentation Requirements
- Monthly inspection records (minimum 1 year retention)
- Annual maintenance records (life of extinguisher)
- 6-year maintenance records
- Hydrostatic test records
- Employee training documentation
- Inventory list with locations and types
- Records of replacement or repairs
- Deficiency reports and corrective actions
Inspector Qualifications
- Monthly inspections: designated/trained employees
- Annual maintenance: certified technicians
- 6-year maintenance: qualified service company
- Hydrostatic testing: certified test facility
- Understanding of NFPA 10 requirements
- Knowledge of extinguisher components and operation
- Familiarity with documentation requirements
- Training on inspection procedures
Inspection Progress
0% complete
Electronic Signature
Apply Signature
Defects & Maintenance Notes
Maintenance Schedule Guide
Follow this recommended maintenance schedule to ensure ongoing fire extinguisher compliance and readiness. Frequency requirements are based on NFPA 10 standards.
Monthly Inspections
- Visual inspection of all extinguishers
- Check pressure gauge readings
- Verify proper mounting and access
- Check for physical damage
- Verify safety seals and tamper indicators
- Ensure proper signage and visibility
- Initial inspection tag with date
- Document any issues requiring service
Annual Maintenance
- Complete inspection by certified technician
- Examination of mechanical parts
- Inspection of extinguishing agent
- Check expellant gas pressure
- Clean all components as needed
- Replace parts as required
- Check discharge nozzle and hose
- Update service tag with date and technician
6-Year Maintenance
- Empty and examine stored pressure extinguishers
- Check internal cylinder condition
- Replace o-rings, seals, and gaskets
- Examine internal discharge mechanism
- Recharge with appropriate agent
- Perform applicable pressure tests
- Reassemble with new tamper seal
- Record service on internal maintenance collar
Hydrostatic Testing
- 12-year testing for most extinguisher types
- 5-year testing for CO2 extinguishers
- Pressure testing of cylinder
- Internal and external examination
- Replacement of all internal components
- Recharging with appropriate agent
- Apply test stamp/label to cylinder
- Record test date on service tag
Conclusion
Implementing this comprehensive Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist is essential for ensuring fire safety equipment readiness, regulatory compliance, and building occupant protection. Regular monthly inspections of fire extinguishers help identify potential issues before they compromise safety, maintain compliance with NFPA 10 and OSHA requirements, and provide documentation for regulatory authorities and insurance requirements.
For optimal fire extinguisher inspection management, consider implementing the Oxmaint APP to streamline your inspection processes. The Oxmaint platform provides digital documentation of all inspection activities, automated scheduling reminders for monthly inspections, comprehensive historical records for each extinguisher, and real-time access to critical information for maintenance personnel. With the Oxmaint software, facility managers can easily demonstrate compliance with NFPA 10 requirements and other relevant codes while ensuring all fire extinguishers receive proper care on the required schedule.
Make fire extinguisher inspections an integral part of your facility safety management strategy with the Oxmaint software's comprehensive maintenance management solution. By digitizing your inspection processes, you can improve documentation quality for fire marshal inspections, ensure consistent follow-through on critical safety checks, identify trends through historical data analysis, and ultimately enhance life safety protection through systematic, documented maintenance.
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