Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection Checklist
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Why this inspection matters#
NFPA 10 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2) require every portable fire extinguisher to be visually inspected at least monthly. A non-working extinguisher in a fire is worse than no extinguisher at all — it delays evacuation while people fight a fire that won't go out.
The monthly check is a quick visual confirmation that the extinguisher is where it belongs, accessible (1910.157(c)(1)), fully charged, sealed, and undamaged; any trained employee can perform it, and it takes under a minute. It does not replace the deeper service tiers, which OSHA defers to NFPA 10 for: annual maintenance by a qualified technician, a 6-year internal examination for stored-pressure dry-chemical units, and hydrostatic testing at 5- or 12-year intervals depending on type (1910.157(e)(3) requires maintenance per the manufacturer and NFPA 10). Records of the monthly check are kept on the tag; annual-maintenance records are retained at least a year.
Any FAIL means the unit is tagged out of service and a charged replacement is put in its place immediately.
How to use this checklist#
Fill in the date, inspector, location, and equipment ID. Check each item Pass, Fail, or N/A, recording specifics in the notes column. Item 18 (wheeled units) is N/A for handheld extinguishers. When the check passes, initial and date the tag; any defect tags the unit out and triggers a replacement. The inspection is signed by the inspector and countersigned by the supervisor.
Fire extinguisher monthly inspection items#
| # | Inspection item | Pass | Fail | N/A | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extinguisher is in its designated location and clearly visible. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 2 | Path to the extinguisher is unobstructed and at least 36 inches wide. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 3 | Mounting bracket or cabinet is intact and secure on the wall. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 4 | Mounting height is correct: top no higher than 5 feet above the floor (60 inches). | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 5 | Signage above or near the extinguisher is visible from a distance. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 6 | Pressure gauge needle is in the green operable zone (not low or overcharged). | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 7 | Tamper seal on the pull pin is intact and unbroken. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 8 | Pull pin is in place and not bent or damaged. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 9 | Hose or nozzle is unobstructed, free of cracks, and not blocked. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 10 | Body of the extinguisher shows no dents, rust, corrosion, or damage. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 11 | Discharge nozzle has no powder, foam residue, or debris in the opening. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 12 | Inspection tag is attached, current, and shows last service and inspection dates. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 13 | 6-year internal maintenance and 12-year hydrostatic test dates are current (per NFPA 10). | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 14 | Operating instructions on the label are legible and face outward. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 15 | Class rating (A, B, C, D, K) matches the hazards in the area where it is mounted. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 16 | Extinguisher type and size match the protected occupancy and travel-distance rule. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 17 | Extinguisher feels properly weighted (not significantly lighter than expected). | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 18 | For wheeled units: wheels turn freely; chassis and handles are intact. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 19 | Inspector has signed and dated the tag for this monthly inspection. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | |
| 20 | Any defect found has been reported, the unit tagged out, and a replacement provided. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Corrective actions taken#
Describe any issues found and the steps taken to correct them. A defective or discharged extinguisher is tagged out of service and replaced with a charged unit immediately — never left in place "until it can be serviced."
Inspection sign-off#
- Inspector signature: __________________________
- Supervisor signature: __________________________
- Inspection result: ☐ All items passed ☐ Issues require follow-up
Related toolbox talks#
Disclaimer#
This checklist is a general guide based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 and NFPA 10. Always follow your site-specific procedures, the manufacturer's instructions, and the service intervals NFPA 10 sets for your extinguisher type.