Fire extinguisher inspection requirements

Monthly checks

The University of Central Florida EHS guide, citing NFPA 10 section 7.2.4.1, says the monthly extinguisher check can be done by anyone and is meant to confirm the unit will work when needed.

UCF Environmental Health and Safety tells staff to confirm the tamper seal is holding the pin and the gauge reads full charge (in the green).

Carnegie Mellon EHS's monthly checklist says every extinguisher must be visible and accessible with 3 feet of clearance in all directions.

University of Tennessee policy says extinguishers are inspected monthly and the record is made by punching the inspection tag and logging it on a record sheet.

Sources: Extinguishers get a visual check every month; Anyone can do the monthly spot check; Keep 3 feet of clearance; Record the monthly check by punching the tag

Yearly maintenance

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 requires every portable fire extinguisher to get an annual maintenance check.

OSHA requires the employer to record the annual maintenance date and keep that record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less.

University of Tennessee safety policy SAFS001-K requires every portable extinguisher to receive an annual certification no more than one year apart.

University of Tennessee policy notes the extinguisher's seal, by its color or year, indicates the annual certification was completed.

Sources: Annual maintenance check is required; Annual certification no more than a year apart

Six-year maintenance and hydrostatic tests

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 requires stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers on a 12-year hydrostatic test cycle to be emptied and maintained every 6 years; disposable units are exempt.

OSHA's Table L-1 sets a 5-year hydrostatic test interval for carbon dioxide extinguishers and a 12-year interval for stored pressure dry chemical units with mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum shells.

OSHA requires hydrostatic testing to be done by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities.

Source: Six-year emptying for stored pressure dry chemical units

What OSHA requires at work

Under 29 CFR 1910.157, portable extinguishers (or hose used instead) must be visually inspected every month.

Employers must have extinguishers maintained annually and keep the maintenance date record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell.

Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that need a 12 year hydrostatic test must be emptied and maintained every 6 years.

Hydrostatic testing must be done by trained people with proper equipment, at the intervals in OSHA Table L-1.

Under 29 CFR 1910.159, each automatic sprinkler system needs an annual main drain flow test.

The sprinkler inspector's test valve must be opened at least every two years.

Under 29 CFR 1910.164, fire detection system servicing, maintenance and testing must be done by a trained, knowledgeable person.

Under 29 CFR 1910.165, supervised employee alarm systems must be tested at least once a year; non-supervised systems every two months.

Sources: Monthly visual inspection; Sprinkler main drain test annually; Detection systems serviced by trained person; Supervised alarms tested annually

Who is responsible

Under OSHA's portable fire extinguisher rule (29 CFR 1910.157), the employer is responsible for inspecting, maintaining and testing every portable extinguisher in the workplace.

OSHA requires the employer to provide equivalent protection while extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance or recharging.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.164 makes the employer responsible for keeping fire detection systems operable except during repairs or maintenance.

OSHA requires the employer to properly maintain any automatic sprinkler system installed to comply with its rules.

Sources: The employer is responsible for extinguisher upkeep; Keep detection systems operable; The employer maintains the sprinkler system