Fire Extinguisher Inspections: Here's What You Need to Know

Location, Access, Condition & Readiness

NFPA 10, National Fire Code of Canada, Ontario Fire Code O. Reg. 213/07, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 and other regional fire codes, mandate that fire extinguishers are to be inspected during installation, on a monthly basis thereafter (every 31 days at minimum), and once annually by a certified fire protection contractor.

Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections: Location, Access, Condition & Readiness

For monthly, visual fire extinguisher inspections, the goal is to confirm that the extinguisher is present, accessible, charged, intact, and ready for use. Here's some things your team should look for:

• The fire extinguisher is located in its designated spot, hung on a bracket or in a cabinet
• There is no obstruction to access and the extinguisher is clearly visible and identifiable
• There's no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or a clogged nozzle
• The pull pin is in place and there are no broken or missing tamper seals
• The pressure gauge reading is in the operable range
• The extinguisher has adequate fullness (determined by weighing or hefting)
• The operating instructions are legible and facing outwards
• The hose is in proper position and operable condition, connected to the valve and nozzle. The nozzle is free and clear of debris

In our experience, it is unfortunately common for fire extinguishers to become blocked by obstructions and for the nozzle to become obstructed with garbage or gum.

Annual maintenance inspections of your fire extinguishers will be much more extensive and must be performed by a certified professional.

🔥 Extinguish Inspection Misses Before They Spark a Problem

Digital inspection tools can help prevent fire extinguisher inspections, testing, and maintenance (ITM) from getting missed. For example, they can be leveraged to create an automated ITM schedule. They can also provide inspectors with maps, remaining equipment lists, and service dates, so that an extinguisher is not forgotten and can be easily located. Any deficiencies found during an inspection, can automatically be routed to the right personnel for remedy.

Contact us at customerservice@tapreport.io to learn more about fire extinguisher inspections and how to digitize your inspection process.

Resources

• Guide to Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance - NFPA
• O. Reg. 213/07: FIRE CODE - Ontario Fire Code

About Tap Report

Tap Report is a Canadian software company that provides a digital solution for managing workplace inspections, safety compliance, and operational reporting. It replaces manual processes, such as paper checklists and spreadsheets, with a mobile and web-based system that allows teams to complete inspections, capture data, and generate compliant reports.

Through an easy-to-use interface and automated workflows, Tap Report helps ensure that inspections are completed, deficiencies are categorized and tracked, and issues are escalated efficiently to the right people. It also offers analytics, customizable reporting, and integrations that helps organizations improve safety, compliance, and operational performance.

For more information, visit www.tapreport.io or contact us at customerservice@tapreport.io.