Who is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and recharging of fire extinguishers?

The owner, operator, or agent is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and recharging of fire extinguishers. This responsibility is essential to ensure that fire extinguishers are always in proper working order and readily available for use in case of a fire emergency. Regular inspections and maintenance checks enable the identification of any issues that may render the extinquisher ineffective, such as physical damage, pressure problems, or expired servicing dates.

While certified technicians are crucial for conducting thorough maintenance and recharging tasks, the ultimate responsibility typically falls on the property owner or operator to ensure these tasks are performed as required by fire safety regulations. They must also ensure adherence to local fire codes, which may mandate regular inspections and maintenance schedules. Emergency services personnel are not typically involved in the routine inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers, as their primary focus is responding to emergencies rather than ensuring that extinguishers are maintained. Building inspectors may check fire extinguisher compliance during safety inspections, but they do not handle the actual maintenance or recharging themselves.