How often should extinguishers be visually inspected?

Visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers are crucial for ensuring they are in proper working condition and ready for use in the event of a fire. The expectation for these inspections is set by standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines, which recommend that extinguishers be visually inspected on a monthly basis.

Monthly inspections involve checking that the extinguishers are properly located, easily accessible, visible, and free from any obstructions. It’s also essential to examine the gauge to ensure it is in the operable range, check for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or obstruction, and ensure that the tamper seal is intact. Conducting these inspections on a monthly basis helps identify any issues that could impair the extinguisher’s effectiveness, thus maintaining safety in the environment.

In contrast, other inspection frequency options do not align with these industry standards. Weekly checks may be unnecessarily frequent and could lead to complacency in maintenance quality, while quarterly and annual inspections can allow too much time to pass between checks, potentially leading to the extinguishers becoming ineffective if they go unnoticed due to damage or other issues. Therefore, the monthly inspection frequency is considered the best practice for maintaining the reliability and readiness of portable fire extinguish