Fire extinguishers are the first line of defense during the early stages of a fire. When properly inspected and maintained, they can stop a small incident from escalating into a life-threatening emergency. For commercial and residential properties alike, monthly fire extinguisher inspections play a critical role in fire safety compliance.
This guide explains how to inspect and maintain your fire extinguisher using an NFPA 10–compliant checklist, what to look for during monthly checks, and when professional service is required.
A monthly fire extinguisher inspection is a visual check performed to confirm that the extinguisher is:
Present
Accessible
Properly pressurized
Free from visible damage
According to NFPA 10, these inspections help identify problems early before an extinguisher fails during an emergency.
NFPA 10 requires that all fire extinguishers receive an annual inspection by a certified fire protection company. This inspection ensures:
Compliance with fire codes
Proper operation
Accurate documentation
Annual inspections must be completed by trained professionals.
In many Metro Vancouver municipalities, monthly on-site inspections are required for multi-unit residential and commercial buildings. Even when not mandated, monthly checks are strongly recommended to ensure extinguishers remain ready for use.
During each monthly inspection, the following items should be checked:
Needle should be in the green zone
Low pressure = ineffective discharge
Overcharged units may malfunction
If pressure is incorrect, the extinguisher must be serviced by a certified provider.
Look for:
Corrosion or rust
Dents or cracks
Leaks
Damaged or clogged nozzles
Any physical damage can compromise performance.
Fire extinguishers must be:
Clearly visible
Mounted correctly
Free from obstructions
Easy to reach in an emergency
Blocked or hidden extinguishers delay response time.
Safety pin should be fully inserted
Tamper seal must be intact
A missing pin or broken seal may indicate prior use or tampering.
Dry chemical extinguishers should be gently shaken or inverted to prevent powder from compacting, which can stop proper discharge during use.
If your building also needs documented safety planning, review Fire Safety Plan Services.
Before inspecting or using an extinguisher, it’s important to understand fire classifications:
Class A: Ordinary combustibles
Class B: Flammable liquids
Class C: Electrical fires
Class D: Combustible metals
Class K: Cooking oils
Using the wrong extinguisher can increase danger rather than control the fire.
Fire extinguishers cannot be disposed of in regular waste. Property owners are responsible for proper disposal.
Otis Fire Protection offers extinguisher recycling for existing customers, including:
Safe chemical removal
Cylinder cleaning
Responsible recycling
In addition to extinguisher inspections, Otis Fire Protection provides:
Fire alarm inspections
Emergency lighting inspections
Sprinkler system testing
Fire pump inspections
Restaurant & special suppression systems
Fire extinguisher readiness is one part of a full safety program. Depending on your building type, you may also need services like Fire Alarm Inspection, Fire Sprinkler Inspection, and Emergency Lighting Inspection to stay compliant and inspection-ready year-round.
Regular fire extinguisher inspections are essential to protecting lives and property. By completing monthly visual checks, scheduling annual professional inspections, and addressing issues promptly, you ensure your fire extinguishers will function when they’re needed most.
For expert assistance, contact Otis Fire Protection to schedule professional inspection or maintenance services.
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