Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Monthly visual checks and annual maintenance examinations of portable fire extinguishers per NFPA 10.
In Detail
Fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance is governed by NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers). Requirements include monthly visual inspections (accessible, visible, charged, undamaged), annual maintenance examinations (by a trained person, including pull pin, tamper seal, physical damage, weight/pressure, and condition), 6-year internal examination (for stored-pressure extinguishers), and 12-year hydrostatic testing. Fire extinguishers are the most common fire protection device — virtually every commercial building has them — making this the highest-volume inspection service. Despite being straightforward, documentation requirements are specific: each extinguisher must have a tag showing inspection date and technician initials. Fire extinguisher service is often the entry point for new fire protection contractors and a recurring revenue foundation.
Related Terms
Inspection Frequency
The required intervals at which fire protection systems must be inspected and tested per applicable NFPA standards.
Deficiency Tracking
The process of documenting, prioritizing, and resolving deficiencies found during fire protection inspections.
AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire codes and approving fire protection systems in a given jurisdiction.