- How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?
- NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers) requires a monthly visual inspection by a responsible person on-site, and a more thorough annual maintenance inspection by a certified technician. Some jurisdictions and insurance policies also require annual or biennial hydrostatic testing depending on the extinguisher type. Keeping a written log — like this one — is required evidence that inspections occurred.
- What should I check during a monthly fire extinguisher inspection?
- A typical monthly visual check covers: (1) the extinguisher is in its designated location and unobstructed, (2) the pressure gauge is in the green/operable range, (3) the tamper seal and safety pin are intact, (4) there is no visible damage, corrosion, or leakage, (5) operating instructions on the label are legible. If any issue is found, mark the verdict as "Needs Service" and notify a qualified technician immediately.
- What do Pass, Fail, and Needs Service mean?
- Pass — the extinguisher is fully charged, undamaged, accessible, and ready for use. Fail — a critical deficiency was found (e.g., discharged, missing pin, broken hose) and the unit is not serviceable; remove from service immediately. Needs Service — a non-critical issue was identified (e.g., low pressure, dirty nozzle, worn label) that requires attention from a qualified technician but does not render the unit immediately non-functional.
- How long should inspection records be kept?
- NFPA 10 requires maintenance records to be retained for the life of the extinguisher. Many fire marshals and insurance auditors ask to see a minimum of 12 months of monthly inspection records during inspections. Storing records in a centralized log (physical or digital) makes audit compliance straightforward.
- Is the PDF legally compliant?
- This tool generates a formatted record document suitable for internal compliance documentation, insurance audits, and filing. It mirrors the standard information fields required by NFPA 10. However, requirements vary by jurisdiction, facility type, and insurer. Always confirm specific record-keeping requirements with your local fire authority or compliance officer. The PDF can be supplemented with a certified technician's signature for annual inspections.