Fire Extinguisher Inspections
A fire extinguisher that’s empty, blocked or missing is no help when a fire starts. OSHA requires monthly visual checks and yearly maintenance. The monthly check takes less than a minute per extinguisher.
- All workers
- Supervisors
- Facility staff
Photo: worker checking an extinguisher’s pressure gauge and initialing the inspection tag
Inspection schedule
| Inspection | How often | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Visual check | At least monthly | Employer’s designated person |
| Maintenance check | At least yearly, with a record | Trained person, often a fire equipment company |
| Hydrostatic test (pressure test of the cylinder) | Every 5 or 12 years, depending on the type | Qualified service company |
The monthly check
- In its assigned place, mounted or in a cabinet
- Visible and not blocked; sign or marking shows where it is
- Pressure gauge needle in the green
- Safety pin in place and tamper seal unbroken
- No dents, rust, leaks or damaged hose or nozzle
- Label and operating instructions readable
- Tag initialed and dated
If any item fails, take the extinguisher out of service and replace it right away.
After any use
Even a short discharge empties pressure over time. Recharge or replace an extinguisher after any use, no matter how little.
Placement
- In general industry, Class A extinguishers should be within 75 feet of travel distance for workers; Class B within 50 feet in most areas.
- On construction sites, at least one extinguisher rated 2A for each 3,000 square feet of building area, within 100 feet of travel on each floor, and a 10-B extinguisher within 50 feet of where more than 5 gallons of flammable liquids are used.
- On every truck and piece of equipment that needs one, and at every hot work location.
Know how to use it: PASS: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. See Fire Extinguishers.
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.157: Portable fire extinguishers
- 29 CFR 1926.150: Fire protection (construction)
- See also: Fire Prevention
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