Need to know if your building is compliant? According to OSHA and NFPA 10 standards, every business must perform a monthly fire extinguisher inspection to ensure their equipment is ready for an emergency.
The good news? You don’t need to hire a professional for this monthly check—you can do it yourself in about 5 minutes.
Here is your step-by-step guide on how to perform a monthly fire extinguisher inspection, along with a free printable checklist to keep you organized.
⚠️ Important: Portable Extinguishers Only Please Note: This checklist is for Portable Fire Extinguishers (NFPA 10). We specialize in extinguisher tagging and certification.
Free Download: Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Don’t rely on memory. Download our free compliance log to track your inspections and satisfy the Fire Marshal.
👉 [Click Here to Download the Printable Checklist]
The 5 Steps of a Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Per NFPA 10 (Section 7.2.1.2), fire extinguishers must be inspected at least once every 30 days. Here is exactly what you need to check:
1. Check Accessibility and Visibility
Is the extinguisher exactly where it is supposed to be?
- The Rule: The extinguisher must be in its designated spot, visible, and easy to access.
- What to look for: Ensure no boxes, furniture, or equipment are blocking it. If it is inside a cabinet, make sure the cabinet opens easily and is not locked.
2. Inspect the Pressure Gauge
Is the unit charged and ready to fire?
- The Rule: The needle on the gauge must be in the Green Zone.
- What to look for:
- Green: Good. The unit is pressurized.
- Red (Left): Undercharged. It has lost pressure and needs a recharge immediately.
- Red (Right): Overcharged. This can be dangerous; call a professional.
3. Verify the Pin and Tamper Seal
Has the extinguisher been used or tampered with?
- The Rule: The safety pin must be present, and the plastic tamper seal must be unbroken.
- What to look for: If the plastic seal is missing or broken, you must assume the extinguisher has been used. Even a short burst can cause the pressure to leak out over time. Call us to have it serviced.
4. Check Physical Condition
Does the unit look safe?
- The Rule: The cylinder, hose, and nozzle must be free of damage.
- What to look for:
- Check for rust or corrosion on the bottom of the tank.
- Ensure the hose is not cracked or dry-rotted.
- Look into the nozzle to make sure it is not clogged with bugs or debris.
5. “Heft” and Sign the Tag
- The Rule: Documentation is required.
- What to do:
- Heft: Pick up the extinguisher. It should feel heavy and full. If it feels light or hollow, it may be empty even if the gauge says green.
- Sign: Sign and date the back of the inspection tag. This is your proof to the Fire Inspector that you are keeping up with monthly checks.
Important: Monthly vs. Annual Inspections
It is important to know the difference between the inspection you do and the inspection we do.
- Monthly Inspection: A quick “spot check” performed by the business owner or employee to ensure the unit is present and visibly okay.
- Annual Maintenance: A thorough examination required by NFPA 10 that must be performed by a certified fire protection technician. We open the unit, check internal mechanics, weigh the gas, and certify the device for another year.
Is your annual tag expiring soon? A monthly check keeps you safe, but an annual tag keeps you legal.
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