Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that employers routinely inspect portable fire extinguishers to maintain the safety and security of employees and patrons.

Noncompliance is not only expensive (OSHA fines often are high), but it can damage an employer’s reputation and put lives at risk.

To keep you in compliance the experts at Getz Fire Equipment Company offer this fire extinguisher inspection checklist.

Monthly:

OSHA requires employers to perform a visual inspection of all fire extinguishers every month. Check for the following:

• Confirm that the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed and in its designated location.
• Verify that the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken. Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.
• Confirm that the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to ensure it is still full.
• Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
• Check the last professional service date on the tag. (A licensed fire inspector from a fire protection equipment company must have inspected the extinguisher within the past 12 months.)
• Initial and date the back of the tag.

Annually:

An annual inspection, carried out by a certified and licensed fire inspector from a fire protection equipment company is legally required. A dated inspection tag, valid for one year, is provided for every passing extinguisher.

Hydrostatic Testing:

Hydrostatic testing of wet chemical extinguishers is done every five years, dry chemical extinguishers every 12 years.

Internal Inspection:

Every six years an internal inspection on stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers must be completed by a fire protection company. The process consists of discharging, examining and recharging each fire extinguisher.

All checks and inspections should be documented. Any fire extinguisher that fails inspection must be repaired or replaced.

To ensure you remain up-to-date with your fire extinguisher inspection requirements, contact our team at Getz Fire Equipment Company today.