How often should you inspect fire extinguishers?

A fire extinguisher should be inspected monthly. The person inspecting the fire extinguisher should ensure that the operating instructions, the hose and the safety seal are intact. Additionally, the pressure gauge should be tested to ensure the extinguisher is fully charged.

A non-professional can perform the monthly inspections. However, a person certified to perform fire extinguisher inspections has to do the annual inspections. Annual inspections are more technical in nature and include testing the mechanical functionality of the equipment. Six-year inspections must also be performed by a certified professional. During the six-year inspections, the fire extinguisher is emptied and refilled.