How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Visual checks are commonly done monthly, and a trained person does a deeper service on a longer schedule. The current fire code, your insurer and the maker's manual set the details, so check them.

Who can do the monthly check?

Often someone on site who's been shown what to look for. Servicing and testing are done by a qualified service company. Your company and the current rule decide the specifics.

What if the gauge is outside the operating range?

Treat it as failed. Tag it, take it out of service and get it serviced or replaced. Don't try to fix it yourself.

Free template

A monthly fire extinguisher checklist you can walk with.

Look at each extinguisher. Mark the ones that fail and pull them for service. Print the sheet or save it as a PDF.

Also calledFire extinguisher inspection form, Monthly fire extinguisher check, Fire extinguisher inspection log, Extinguisher tag check

See the sheet All free tools

Free to print, copy and change. It’s a starting point. Add the lines your equipment and your rules need.

Edit it in the builder

Fire extinguisher monthly inspection

Date

Site or building

Inspector

Number of extinguishers checked

Extinguisher locations or IDs

Next check due

Location and access

PassFailN/A

Extinguisher is in its marked place
Nothing blocks the way to it
Sign or marking is visible
It's mounted or stored as the maker says
Type fits the hazard in this area

The extinguisher

PassFailN/A

Pin is in place
Tamper seal is intact
Gauge reads in the operating range
Body shows no dents, corrosion or leaks
Hose and nozzle are clear and undamaged
Handle and lever are undamaged
Label is legible and faces out
Instructions on the label can be read

Records and follow-up

PassFailN/A

Service tag is attached and current
Last service is within your required interval
Monthly check is initialed and dated on the tag or log
Failed extinguishers are tagged and pulled for service
A replacement is in place while one is out

Defects found and action taken

Taken out of service? Yes NoReported to

Inspector signature

Date

Supervisor review

Date

A starting point. Adapt it to your equipment, your procedures and the rules that apply to you.Free template from portalbaseai.com

How to use it

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Step 1
Walk them all
Go to each extinguisher. A check from across the room misses a missing pin or a blocked path.
Step 2
Follow the maker's manual
The label and the manual say what the gauge should read and how it should be stored. Check them for the type you have.
Step 3
Pull anything that fails
Tag it, take it out of service and put a replacement in its spot. Write down who took it for service.

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Run this check on a phone, with a photo on any failed step, no signal needed. A failed step opens a repair and the record is kept for you.

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Common questions

How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?: Visual checks are commonly done monthly, and a trained person does a deeper service on a longer schedule. The current fire code, your insurer and the maker's manual set the details, so check them.
Who can do the monthly check?: Often someone on site who's been shown what to look for. Servicing and testing are done by a qualified service company. Your company and the current rule decide the specifics.
What if the gauge is outside the operating range?: Treat it as failed. Tag it, take it out of service and get it serviced or replaced. Don't try to fix it yourself.

Related and more free tools

Free tool

A monthly fire extinguisher checklist you can walk with.

Fire extinguisher monthly inspection

Location and access

The extinguisher

Records and follow-up

Three habits that make it worth filling out.

Walk them all

Follow the maker's manual

Pull anything that fails

Do this on a phone instead of paper.

Get new free tools by email.

Common questions

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