Fire extinguishers serve as the first line of defense in a fire emergency. Knowing how many and what kind are vital to the safety of every business. However, just having fire extinguishers is only the beginning – fire extinguisher service needs to be part of your plan.

Fire extinguishers require annual servicing and maintenance to ensure they work when needed. All commercial businesses are required to have fire extinguishers. They should be located where they are easy to see and reach. Many people also have them around their homes and in their personal vehicles, RVs, boats, etc.

Although people might have many around, it’s easy to purchase a fire extinguisher and then forget about it. Unfortunately, without having an annual service performed, the extinguisher may not work during a fire emergency. For fire extinguishers located in workplaces, national and state codes and OSHA have specific requirements for completing fire extinguisher services, inspections, and maintenance. There are three different recommendations and requirements based on the type of inspection. These requirements include:

Monthly Visual Inspections

OSHA guidelines dictate that employers must conduct a visual inspection of all portable fire extinguishers once a month. There are several things that the inspector must look for during this type of fire extinguisher inspection:

• Verify a valid certification tag and that the date punched is still within a year of service.
• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is charged and ready to use. Look at the gauge. Needle in the green!
• Confirm that the extinguisher can be seen clearly and is unobstructed (easy-to-grab).
• Check that the tamper seal/pull-pin is intact and there are no signs of physical damage to any part of the fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that the fire extinguisher is properly hung in its designated location. Fire extinguishers should not be sitting on the ground.

The person who conducts the monthly visual fire extinguisher inspection should record the date they complete it and sign or initial. This process ensures that the employer has a record of OSHA compliance related to the monthly fire extinguisher inspections. While any employee can conduct this check, it is better to have it done by someone who has some basic fire extinguisher training. These monthly checks are a vital component in catching any issues with the company’s fire extinguishers. It ensures that they will function properly during an emergency.

Annual Maintenance Inspections

 OSHA and state fire codes also require that employers have annual fire extinguisher maintenance performed on all portable extinguishers. Annual fire extinguisher maintenance inspections should be conducted by a professional fire protection company familiar with NFPA 10. NFPA 10 is the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for portable fire extinguishers. These companies have professional staff with the right knowledge and tools to perform the annual service, address any issues, and correct any safety concerns.

Fire Extinguisher Service Keeps Everyone Safe

 While this guide outlines the OSHA requirements for workplaces, it’s essential to keep fire extinguishers anywhere there is a fire threat. Even buildings with fire sprinkler systems should have extinguishers. They provide the first line of defense, ensure safety, and can even save lives. Fire extinguisher services, maintenance, and testing should be done annually, but it’s also essential to check them if you have any reason to believe they may not function as they should. When used in conjunction with fire alarms and any other fire suppression strategies, fire extinguishers can put out a fire quickly.

Legacy Fire Services is a full-service fire protection contractor. We can provide fire extinguisher service, maintenance, inspections, hydrostatic testing, and fire safety training. Our professional staff will work with your team to keep your fire extinguishers operational. In the event of a fire, you can trust that all portable fire extinguishers will work to suppress the fire quickly.

Contact Legacy Fire Services today to find out how we can work with your business and handle your fire extinguisher service.