Fire extinguishers save lives in emergency situations where every second counts. But fire extinguishers only work when they’re properly cared for and frequently inspected. When should fire extinguishers be inspected?
In this post, we’ll discuss fire extinguisher inspection intervals, required inspections by law, recommended inspections by industry standards, and tips to keep your business safe and compliant.
Still wondering how often should you inspect fire extinguishers? Keep reading to learn the inspection schedule you need to know.
How To Perform a Fire Extinguisher Inspection
You shouldn’t neglect your safety equipment until it lets you down when you need it most. Fire extinguishers should be tested frequently to ensure they will operate when needed.
Of course, there are different types of fire extinguishers that work in various ways. Different extinguishers require unique inspections based on their individual operation.
Different Types of Fire Extinguishers
Identifying the kind of extinguisher you have is the first step to knowing how to inspect it.
Currently, there are 5 different types of fire extinguishers. Each class of fire extinguishers is best suited for putting out specific types of fires.
Water Fire Extinguishers
Water extinguishers are ideal for Class A fires. They extinguish these types of fires by cooling the flame and dousing the combustible material with water from the inside out. For this reason, water extinguishers should not be used on electrical fires or fires started by flammable liquids.
Foam Fire Extinguishers
Foam fire extinguishers work well on both Class A and Class B fires. They extinguish the flame by coating the fuel with cooling foam. This separates the flame from oxygen Supply. You can commonly find these in offices, warehouses, and factories. Make sure the foam extinguisher is rated for electrical fires before attempting to put out an electrical fire with it.
Powder Fire Extinguishers
Powder fire extinguishers, also known as ABC extinguishers, can put out Class A, Class B, and Class C fires. By coating the fuel with a fine powder, they remove oxygen from the equation. The powder prevents the fuel from reacting with oxygen, stopping the chemical reaction that is fire.
Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers are more suited for Class B and C fires. When discharged, the vapor displaces oxygen feeding the fire and coats the fuel with dry chemicals that cool the fire. It is safe to use CO2 extinguishers on electrical fires.
Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed to put out Class K fires. Fires classified as Class K involve cooking oils and fats. Wet chemical extinguishers work by releasing a soapy substance that cools the fire and prevents it from reigniting.
Remember, some extinguishers can put out multiple types of fire. Choose fire extinguishers that are best suited for your business’s needs by considering your building, local regulations, and potential fire hazards.
Due to their difference in operation, each type of fire extinguisher has different areas that need inspection. This can include the nozzle, pressure gauge, applicator, etc.
Inspecting Water & Foam Extinguishers
Water fire extinguishers use pressure gauges to show if there is enough pressure to extinguish a fire. You should include the pressure gauge in your monthly fire extinguisher inspection.
Water based extinguishers can explode if they become frozen. For spaces that can become freezing, such as warehouses, ensure your team checks for this during each scheduled inspection.
Inspecting Dry Powder Extinguishers
Dry powder extinguishers extinguish fires by coating the flame in a fine powder. Instead of water or foam, the powder stops the chemical reaction. Because of this, dry powder extinguishers should be shaken once a month to prevent the powder from settling.
Dry chemical extinguishers require a 6-year internal inspection and recharge.
Inspecting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
CO2 extinguishers do not use foam or water to extinguish fires. You must weigh the extinguisher to ensure it is fully charged. Special scales are provided to make this process easier.
CO2 extinguishers have a longer lifespan than most extinguishers. Be sure to inspect and maintain your CO2 fire extinguishers every 10 years. An annual inspection will help you catch problems before they become serious.
Inspecting Wet Chemical Extinguishers
Because wet chemical fire extinguishers are commonly found in kitchens, it’s best to inspect and maintain them more frequently.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Interval Guidelines
Alright, let’s simplify how often you should be inspecting your fire extinguishers. Below you will find a table with each fire extinguisher type and the recommended inspection frequency.
There are 3 different types of fire extinguisher inspections that should be performed at the intervals below.
Monthly Visual Inspections
Annual Inspection by a Professional Fire Safety Engineer
Hydrostatic Testing Every 5-12 Years, depending on extinguisher type
1. Visual Inspection of Fire Extinguishers – Monthly
According to OSHA’s standards found in 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2), employers must visually inspect portable fire extinguishers monthly.
Monthly visual inspections should include verification that your fire extinguishers:
- Are still in their designated place of storage
- Have not suffered any damage or broken parts
- Are visibly accessible, and not blocked by other objects
- Have been maintained and are fully charged
Learn more about what to do during monthly fire extinguisher inspections below.
What to Include in your Monthly Visual Inspection:
- Damage to the body of the extinguisher (rust, leakages, denting)
- Pressure gauge shows green, indicating it is still within its optimal range
- Pull-pin has not been removed, and tamper seal is not broken
- Verification that the last Professional inspection date is still current
- Date and sign your name on the back of the tag
If you have questions or need help determining what to look for during your monthly inspection, reach out to your local fire prevention technician. They will walk you through the process.
2. Annual Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Inspection
Annual fire extinguisher maintenance is just as important as monthly visual inspections. In fact, employers are required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3) to “maintain” all workplace fire extinguishers annually.
“Maintain” means to thoroughly examine your fire extinguishers and repair them if needed. NFPA 10 (98) defines maintenance as:
A complete examination and servicing of all fire extinguishers at your facility
Fire extinguisher maintenance should be performed by a certified fire protection company. Professional fire companies have the knowledge and equipment most businesses don’t have. Ensuring your extinguishers are up to date is just one benefit of having a professional company perform maintenance. Professional fire companies can identify hazards and offer advice.
During a fire extinguisher maintenance inspection, the inspector will place a dated tag on your extinguisher. That fire extinguisher is good for 1 year from the date of that documentation. If your inspector does not pass your fire extinguisher, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Internal Maintenance Inspection – As Needed
Internal maintenance is dependent on what type of fire extinguisher you have. Water or foam fire extinguishers may require internal maintenance every 5 years. However, dry chemical extinguishers may go 12 years without an internal maintenance inspection. This depends on the different internals and build of each fire extinguisher type.
During any internal maintenance inspection, the fire extinguisher is discharged, inspected internally, and recharged with extinguishing agent.
Fire extinguishers are considered pressure containers and by law must have their bottles pressure tested every 12 years.
Water fire extinguishers, CO2 fire extinguishers, and wet chemical fire extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested every 5 years.
Dry-chemical extinguishers must be hydrostatically tested every 12 years to ensure they will work when needed.
Having your local fire prevention company, like Brazas Fire, handle internal inspections is best. They have tools and knowledge to perform internal maintenance.