Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense during the early stages of a fire. When used correctly and maintained regularly, they can prevent a small fire from escalating into a major emergency that threatens lives and causes significant property damage. For this reason, ensuring your fire extinguishers are in proper working condition is essential for any home or business.
A fire extinguisher is only effective if it is operational when needed. Over time, extinguishers can lose pressure, sustain damage, or become obstructed—all of which compromise performance. Routine inspection and maintenance ensure that extinguishers remain reliable and ready for immediate use.
For professional inspection services, you may refer to: Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services
According to NFPA 10, all fire extinguishers must undergo an annual inspection performed by a certified fire protection company. This ensures the unit meets operational standards and complies with local fire codes.
In some Metro Vancouver municipalities, residential apartment buildings are required to conduct monthly on-site inspections. Even where not mandated, checking extinguishers at least once a month is strongly recommended—conditions can change quickly, and early issues are easier to correct.
For guidance on preparing a complete fire safety plan that includes extinguisher maintenance, you may visit: Fire Safety Plan Services
Before conducting any inspection or attempting to use a fire extinguisher, it is important to understand fire classes (A, B, C, D, K) and the appropriate extinguishers for each. Using the wrong extinguisher can increase danger instead of controlling the fire.
If you need more information on fire classes, refer to your extinguisher’s manual or your fire protection provider’s educational resources.
During your monthly inspection, the following actions should be completed:
Ensure the gauge needle is in the green zone, indicating proper pressure.
Low pressure: Extinguisher will not discharge effectively.
Overcharged pressure: Potential risk of damage or malfunction.
If the needle is not in the green, bring the extinguisher to a certified fire safety company to be recharged.
Examine the extinguisher for:
Corrosion
Dents
Leaks
Clogged or damaged nozzles
Foreign material buildup
Any physical impairments can render the extinguisher unsafe or ineffective.
A fire extinguisher must always be:
Visible
Mounted correctly
Free of obstructions
Easily accessible to anyone during an emergency
Improper placement such as storing extinguishers behind doors or inside cupboards—can delay response time.
Verify that:
The tamper seal is intact
The safety pin is securely in place
A missing pin may indicate accidental discharge or tampering.
Dry chemical extinguishers should be gently shaken or inverted to keep the powder inside from compacting over time. Compacted powder can prevent proper discharge during an emergency.
Fire extinguishers cannot be discarded in regular household or commercial waste. In Vancouver, disposal is the owner’s responsibility, and municipal facilities do not typically accept extinguishers due to safety concerns.
Steel recycling facilities in Vancouver require that extinguishers be:
Fully discharged
Cleaned internally
Free of chemical powder
This makes proper disposal a specialized task that not all fire safety companies offer.
Otis Fire Protection provides a recycling service for existing customers for a small fee. The service includes:
Picking up the extinguisher
Removing chemicals safely
Cleaning the cylinder
Recycling or disposing of the unit responsibly
In addition to fire extinguisher service, Otis Fire Protection can inspect, maintain, and repair a wide range of fire and life safety systems, including:
Smoke alarms
Fire pumps
Restaurant & special suppression systems
Fire hoses and hydrants
These combined services ensure full compliance and comprehensive safety for your property.
A well-maintained fire extinguisher is a critical component of your overall fire protection strategy. By performing regular inspections, addressing issues promptly, and relying on certified professionals for annual servicing, you ensure the extinguisher will function properly when needed most.
For more information or to schedule service, contact Otis Fire Protection.
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