How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?

OSHA requires a visual inspection of portable extinguishers every month and a maintenance check every year, under 29 CFR 1910.157(e). Stored-pressure dry chemical units also need a six-year internal check where applicable and hydrostatic tests on a set schedule, often 5 or 12 years depending on the type.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements: Monthly, Annual, 6 and 12 Year

The Schedule

Monthly: visual check. In place, accessible, charged and undamaged.
Annual: maintenance check, usually by a service company, with the date recorded.
Six-year: stored-pressure dry chemical units that need a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied and serviced every six years.
Hydrostatic test: commonly every 5 years for water, foam, wetting agent, CO2 and stainless-steel dry chemical types and every 12 years for many other dry chemical types. See the table in 1910.157(f).

Records

Keep the annual maintenance record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. Most companies use a tag on each unit.

Training

If workers are expected to use extinguishers, train them when hired and at least once a year, under 1910.157(g).

Cost

As a planning range, annual service runs about $15–$30 per unit, plus any recharge, parts and a trip fee. This is our assumption, so get a quote. Find extinguisher services near you. Local fire codes, usually based on NFPA 10, may add requirements.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change and State Plan states may differ, so confirm with the current standard or your state agency.

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Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements