Which agency typically sets standards for fire extinguisher maintenance?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is recognized for establishing standards concerning fire safety, including the maintenance and inspection of portable fire extinguishers. NFPA develops and publishes a series of codes and standards, particularly NFPA 10, which specifically addresses the selection, installation, maintenance, and inspection of portable fire extinguishers.

These standards are critical in ensuring that extinguishers function properly in emergencies and are regularly maintained to comply with safety regulations. The NFPA guidelines are widely adopted across various jurisdictions and serve as essential references for professionals involved in fire safety measures.

While other agencies like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) have important roles in workplace safety and standards, respectively, they do not specifically govern fire extinguisher maintenance as comprehensively as NFPA. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) primarily deals with environmental issues and regulations rather than fire safety standards.