How Often Should Your Fire Extinguisher Be Inspected?

Fire extinguishers play an important role in the safety of your business operations. They allow you to respond quickly and effectively to small fires before they escalate into more serious threats. Proper maintenance of these devices is essential to ensure they operate properly.

To keep up with safety regulations and industry standards, City Fire & Safety will break down what you need to know about fire extinguisher inspections to ensure they’re always ready for use.

What You Need To Know About Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are portable devices designed to combat small fires. While all fire extinguishers work to put out fires, not all are made the same.

The extinguishing agent used inside your extinguisher will vary depending on the type and class of fire extinguisher. These agents are specifically formulated to be effective against certain types of fires, such as ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment.

However, they all require inspection. Fire extinguishers are often the first line of defense against fires in your business, so having them regularly inspected and maintained ensures the safety and preparedness of your workplace.

How Often Should Your Fire Extinguisher Be Inspected?

It’s important to follow a regular inspection schedule to ensure your fire extinguishers are always in working condition.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:

• Monthly inspections: Conduct a visual check each month to ensure there are no signs of damage, the pressure gauge is within the operable range, and the extinguisher is easily accessible.
• Annual maintenance checks: Have a certified professional perform a thorough inspection every year to verify the mechanical parts, extinguishing agent, and overall condition. Your inspector will also verify that extinguishers are placed in strategic locations — 75 feet apart on every building floor and within 30 feet of cooking areas — to ensure fire readiness and compliance with safety regulations.
• Extended maintenance: Rechargeable fire extinguishers require more extensive inspections every six years, which involve discharging, internal examination, refilling, and recharging to maintain full functionality.

Safety Tips for Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Maintaining the safety of your workplace begins with preparedness. By following these simple steps, you can prevent panic and the spread of fires, ultimately minimizing property damage and injury to individuals during an emergency.

Safety tips for fire extinguisher maintenance include:

• Training: Ensure all employees know how to use fire extinguishers correctly. Training should cover fire types and which extinguisher to use.
• Inspections: Check extinguishers monthly for pressure, condition, and accessibility.
• Annual maintenance: Have a professional inspect extinguishers yearly.
• Record keeping: Keep accurate records of inspections, maintenance, and employee training.
• Replacement: Regularly replace damaged or expired extinguishers.
• Emergency procedures: Establish clear protocols for using extinguishers and evacuating safely.

Choose City Fire & Safety for Your Fire Extinguisher Inspection

You must protect the safety and well-being of employees, visitors, and customers. Entrust City Fire & Safety with your commercial fire protection needs, including maintenance, inspections, and installation.

Our family-operated business provides personalized service and economical prices, ensuring your property is equipped with quality products you can trust.

We service a wide range of industries and offer fire inspection services in Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and McLean.

Stay ahead of fires. Schedule a fire extinguisher inspection in Northern Virginia with City Fire & Safety today.