Fire extinguisher annual inspection in BC is a legal requirement that applies to buildings across the entire province not just major cities. Whether you manage a commercial property, strata building, or multi-unit residence, annual inspections are mandatory and regularly enforced by fire authorities.
Yet many failed inspections happen for avoidable reasons. Understanding the legal requirements and common violations can save you from orders, fines, and unnecessary re-inspections.
A fire extinguisher annual inspection in BC is a comprehensive, hands-on inspection performed by a certified technician to confirm that portable fire extinguishers are safe, functional, and compliant with code.
Unlike monthly visual checks, an annual fire extinguisher inspection involves mechanical examination, pressure verification, maintenance review, and proper documentation. These inspections must be completed every 12 months and recorded correctly to remain compliant.
Fire extinguisher annual inspection requirements are enforced consistently across British Columbia. Whether your property is located in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, or Coquitlam, the same inspection standards apply.
The same rules are enforced in Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Abbotsford, and surrounding communities throughout BC.
Local fire marshals may conduct inspections differently, but compliance expectations remain the same province-wide.
Under the British Columbia Fire Code, building owners and property managers are legally responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers receive annual inspection and are properly maintained.
If inspection records are missing or extinguishers are non-compliant, enforcement action can be taken even if no fire incident has occurred.
Inspection procedures in BC follow NFPA Standard 10. NFPA 10 outlines:
Annual inspection frequency
Inspection and testing procedures
Documentation requirements
Triggers for 6-year maintenance and hydrostatic testing
Only certified technicians are legally permitted to perform a compliant fire extinguisher annual inspection in BC. In-house inspections or uncertified contractors do not meet BC Fire Code or NFPA 10 requirements.
Using uncertified inspection services is one of the most common compliance failures found during fire marshal audits.
Inspectors verify that extinguishers:
Show no corrosion, dents, or damage
Maintain correct internal pressure
Have functioning hoses, handles, and nozzles
Each extinguisher must have:
A valid annual inspection tag
A legible instruction label
Traceable inspection documentation
Missing or expired tags are immediate inspection failures.
Annual inspections also determine whether:
Internal 6-year maintenance is required
Hydrostatic testing timelines have been exceeded
An extinguisher without a current tag is considered non-compliant even if unused.
Blocked access due to storage, furniture, or locked cabinets is a frequent violation.
Incorrect extinguisher classes for kitchens, electrical rooms, or industrial hazards are often flagged.
Missed 6-year maintenance or hydrostatic testing commonly leads to inspection failure.
If inspection records can’t be produced, inspectors treat the inspection as incomplete.
Failing a fire extinguisher annual inspection in BC may result in:
Written fire marshal orders
Mandatory re-inspections
Compliance deadlines
Fines or enforcement actions
Insurance and liability exposure
Repeat violations can increase inspection frequency and enforcement severity.
Before your inspection:
Ensure extinguishers are visible and accessible
Replace missing or damaged tags
Gather past inspection records
Confirm extinguisher types match site hazards
Combine inspections with Fire Alarm Inspection
Don’t overlook Emergency Lighting Inspection during annual reviews.
Fire extinguisher annual inspection in BC is a province-wide legal requirement that applies equally in large cities and smaller communities. By understanding BC Fire Code obligations, following NFPA 10 standards, and avoiding common violations, building owners can stay compliant and inspection-ready year after year.
If you need expert support to reduce revisions and move confidently through the approval process, Otis Fire is here to help. Contact our team to have your fire safety plan reviewed, updated, or prepared correctly so you can open your building safely and on time.
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