Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

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Use this fire extinguisher inspection template when conducting monthly checks of fire extinguishers in the workplace. Comply with regulations and proactively catch issues concerning fire extinguishers before an actual incident happens. Use this fire extinguisher inspection checklist to check the following details:

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Fire Extinguisher Checklist

Published 20 Aug 2024 Article by Jona Tarlengco | 5 min read

What is a Fire Extinguisher Checklist?

A fire extinguisher checklist is an essential tool for safety officers and facility managers, used during scheduled inspections to ensure all fire extinguishers are in proper working condition. This fire extinguisher inspection checklist enables inspectors to record details about the fire extinguishers, such as labels, maintenance tags, exact location, and current condition. Employers are required to provide fire extinguishers in the workplace and have it inspected every month. This lowers risks and prevents potential issues in the event that a fire extinguisher is needed. Follow all steps in the checklist for a thorough inspection and proper documentation.

Why Use a Fire Extinguisher Checklist?

These checklists enable inspectors to proactively identify any issues that could compromise the effectiveness of fire extinguishers during emergencies. Employers must adhere to legal requirements that mandate monthly visual inspections of portable fire extinguishers. Non-compliance with these regulations not only exposes businesses to penalties but may also jeopardize the safety of employees and the workplace in the event of a fire incident.

To meet the obligations for annual or monthly fire extinguisher inspections, individuals have the option to employ a fire extinguisher self-inspection checklist or a comprehensive fire self-inspection checklist that encompasses an evaluation of fire extinguishers. These self-inspection checklists, such as the Gates Fire District Self-Inspection Form Checklist, cover various aspects, including the following:

By utilizing these checklists, businesses and individuals can proactively contribute to a safer work environment and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.

What to Do During Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections?

The following parts are checked and tasks are completed during monthly fire extinguisher inspections. These are done not only for compliance with the law but also because employers need to ensure that the extinguishers are going to work in case of a fire. Using a comprehensive fire extinguisher checklist, check the following:

  1. Make sure that the maintenance tag is valid.
  2. Confirm that the fire extinguisher is mounted in an easily accessible place with no debris or material stacked in front of it.
  3. Ensure that the safety pin is intact and in place, and nothing else is used in place of the pin.
  4. Verify that the label, extinguisher type, and instructions are clear and easy to read.
  5. Check that the handle is intact, not bent or broken.
  6. Inspect the pressure gauge to ensure it is in the green zone and not damaged or indicating “”recharge.””
  7. Examine the discharge hose/nozzle to ensure it is in good condition, not clogged, cracked, or broken.
  8. Confirm that it is full by turning it upside down at least three times.
  9. Identify the location of the extinguisher by checking that signs clearly mark its position.
  10. Dust and wipe down the extinguisher to keep it clean.
  11. Indicate the overall condition of the extinguisher as either pass or fail.
  12. Sign and enter the date of the monthly inspection on the annual maintenance tag.

These 12 steps are found in this fire extinguisher checklist format that can be downloaded for free.

What Should be Recorded on a Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist?

Fire extinguisher inspection checklists help inspectors conduct and record their monthly and yearly checks with due diligence, preventing them from missing crucial points in checking if fire extinguishers are in good working condition. Here are what a checklist typically contains based on a monthly fire extinguisher inspection form:

Information about the fire extinguisher

Inspectors need to know and record the exact location of the extinguisher as well as the following—serial number, manufacture and expiry date, type, size, and rating of the fire extinguisher.

Details of the visual inspection

Does the extinguisher have a valid maintenance tag that is signed and dated? Is the extinguisher accessible and its safety pin is intact with the handle not bent or broken? Other information to note are—label should be clear, pressure gauge as at green, hoses in good condition, and if the extinguisher is full.

Confirmation of inspection

The inspector should sign and include the date on the fire extinguisher inspection checklist to confirm the completion of the inspection. Also, if applicable, sign the inspection tag of the fire extinguisher.

How to Conduct Regular Fire Extinguisher Inspections Efficiently?

1. Check the accessibility

Do a visual check and assess the visibility and accessibility of the fire extinguisher:

2. Check the physical state of the fire extinguisher

Pick up the fire extinguisher and check for physical defects or anything that your checklists instructs to look for such as:

3. Check the pressure gauge

The needle of the pressure gauge should be within the green zone. A needle in the left red zone means the fire extinguisher is undercharged while a needle in the right red zone means the cylinder is overcharged. Take care when handling pressure vessels such as fire extinguishers.

4. Check the inspection tag

The inspection tag should be available and shows the signature and date/s when the fire extinguisher is inspected.

5. Corrective action taken for issues found should be included in the inspection report

Summarize observations, record corrective actions, and sign the fire extinguisher inspection tag (if available) with your name/signature and date of inspection.

Want to learn more about fire extinguisher inspections such as the most common issues identified? Click here. We also prepared a PDF guide to show you what a completed monthly fire extinguisher inspection looks like.

FAQs about Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklists

What are the items that you should check monthly in terms of fire extinguishers?

When conducting the monthly inspection checks, account for the following items and make sure that they are functioning as they should be:

How often should fire extinguishers be inspected using a checklist?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected when they are initially installed, and once every month after that. This is according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

What should I do if I find issues during an inspection?

Depending on the severity of the issue found, inspectors have the option to either repair the broken part, remove obstructions if there are, or replace the fire extinguisher altogether if it’s too damaged.

Conduct Regular and Efficient Fire Extinguisher Inspections Using SafetyCulture

Why Use SafetyCulture?

It is crucial to maintain the safety of the workplace and stay compliant with regulations to be consistent and diligent when conducting scheduled fire extinguisher inspections. SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor) can help safety officers and inspectors ensure that all important points to be checked are looked into and that fire extinguisher inspections are done regularly. With the SafetyCulture app, you can:

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklists

Inspection template Powered by

Quick Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

This quick fire extinguisher inspection checklist is used to sufficiently do a fire extinguisher inspection in less than 3 minutes. Use this checklist to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations by checking that fire extinguishers are in good working order and up to code. You can download and, if you wish, customize this checklist according to your inspection needs.

Use this fire extinguisher inspection checklist to check the following about the fire extinguisher:

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Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form (Annual)

This annual fire extinguisher template can be used to determine if the equipment has undergone proper maintenance. It can be used by approved extinguisher servicing professionals to identify defects and whether remedial action is required. It records the date the inspection was performed by an authorized person and documents the last inspections conducted and conditions needed to be checked e.g. mechanical parts, agent and expelling means.

SafetyCulture can help you track the progress of equipment meeting the right maintenance standards by using our Online Analytics tool.

Inspection template Powered by

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Checklist

This fire extinguisher maintenance checklist is used to document two important processes after fire extinguisher maintenance: 1) Recharging and 2) Hydrostatic Testing. The interval of these procedures vary depending on what type of extinguisher is inspected (e.g. CO2 Fire Extinguishers are recharged every 5 years, while Water Extinguishers are recharged annually). This is conducted by a safety official from an authorized extinguisher company.

Fire extinguisher inspection checklists can be customized to fit your needs.

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Fire Door Inspection Form

This fire door inspection template can be used to check the fire-rating and compliance of all fire doors in a building. Take photo evidence of non-compliant doors and use SafetyCulture’s annotation feature to reveal damages and regulation breaches. Complete the report by providing a digital signature.

Jona Tarlengco

Article by SafetyCulture Content Specialist

Jona Tarlengco is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture since 2018. She usually writes about safety and quality topics, contributing to the creation of well-researched articles. Her years of experience in one of the world’s leading business news organisations helps enrich the quality of the information in her work.

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Quick Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

This quick fire extinguisher inspection checklist is used to sufficiently do a fire extinguisher inspection in less than 3 minutes. Use this checklist to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations by checking that fire extinguishers are in good working order and up to code. You can download and, if you wish, customize this checklist according to your inspection needs. Use this fire extinguisher inspection checklist to check the following about the fire extinguisher: Easy to locate with a signage above Elevated from the ground and free from obstruction Tank and external parts are free of corrosion and damage Nozzle shows no sign of leakage Locking pin is intact Seal is present and not broken Pressure gauge is within the green range

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Form (Annual)

This annual fire extinguisher template can be used to determine if the equipment has undergone proper maintenance. It can be used by approved extinguisher servicing professionals to identify defects and whether remedial action is required. It records the date the inspection was performed by an authorized person and documents the last inspections conducted and conditions needed to be checked e.g. mechanical parts, agent and expelling means. SafetyCulture can help you track the progress of equipment meeting the right maintenance standards by using our Online Analytics tool.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Checklist

This fire extinguisher maintenance checklist is used to document two important processes after fire extinguisher maintenance: 1) Recharging and 2) Hydrostatic Testing. The interval of these procedures vary depending on what type of extinguisher is inspected (e.g. CO2 Fire Extinguishers are recharged every 5 years, while Water Extinguishers are recharged annually). This is conducted by a safety official from an authorized extinguisher company. Fire extinguisher inspection checklists can be customized to fit your needs.

Fire Door Inspection Form

This fire door inspection template can be used to check the fire-rating and compliance of all fire doors in a building. Take photo evidence of non-compliant doors and use SafetyCulture’s annotation feature to reveal damages and regulation breaches. Complete the report by providing a digital signature.