Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection
by Jim Echard
Princeton Insurance Healthcare Risk Consultant
Printable Version of this Article
Why inspect your fire extinguisher monthly? The primary reason is to ensure that it is visible and ready to use in case of a small fire. Many times during loss prevention surveys, we will find that the fire extinguisher is not in its designated area, it could be missing altogether, vandalized, the pressure gauge is not in the proper operating range or the tamper seal has been broken. Should your office experience a fire, any of these conditions could affect the use of the fire extinguisher and the ultimate outcome. The time between monthly inspections is obviously far less than relying on just the normal annual fire extinguisher maintenance. Without the monthly inspection, a fire extinguisher could be inoperable and this could jeopardize you, your staff and your business.
Here are some things to look for when conducting a monthly fire extinguisher inspection:
1. Is the portable fire extinguisher in its proper position? It should be located on a wall bracket or in a cabinet underneath signage or a symbol that identifies its purpose.
2. Is the portable fire extinguisher accessible and visible, not obstructed? Items should not be stored in front of or adjacent to the portable fire extinguisher.
3. Are the operating instructions on the portable fire extinguisher legible and facing outwards towards you?
4. Is the tamper seal and locking pin on the portable fire extinguisher in place, not missing and not broken? The yellow tamper seal in the photograph provides visual proof that the portable fire extinguisher has not been altered or otherwise disabled.
5. Most portable fire extinguishers have the weight of the unit written on the inspection tag. Pick up the portable fire extinguisher and check the weight. You don’t have to be exact, but a 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguisher is going to weigh approximately 20 pounds.
6. Does the outside shell of the portable fire extinguisher show any physical damage (dents or creases), any discoloration of the paint, leakage or corrosion evidence?
7. Is the discharge hose and nozzle connected to the portable fire extinguisher open not plugged and free of defects (cracks or cuts)?
8. Is the arrow on the pressure gauge of the portable fire extinguisher in the operable range (usually colored green)?
The photograph below shows the annual inspection tag with the places for documenting each monthly inspection. In this case, the year has not been written in the appropriate space. But check with your local fire marshal or municipality because they may mandate what information is required for a monthly inspection.
Completing a monthly fire extinguisher inspection is rather simple. Follow the steps listed above, and your portable fire extinguishers will be ready should a small fire occur at your office. If the fire extinguisher does not meet the monthly requirements for any reason, remove it from service and immediately contact your local fire extinguisher contractor for servicing.
Remember, if you discover a small fire, immediately contact the fire department. If you have been trained to use your fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS (Pull the pin/tamper seal, Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the base of the fire).
Finally, annual maintenance of your fire extinguisher is mandatory and has to be completed by a certified fire extinguisher contractor. Check with your local fire department or the yellow pages for certified fire extinguisher contractors.