Fire Extinguisher Check: How to Complete This Monthly Safety Inspection

Why fire extinguisher checks matter

Fire extinguishers sit unused for months or years, waiting for the moment they are needed. When that moment comes — a chip pan fire, an electrical fault, a rubbish bin catching light — you need absolute confidence that the extinguisher will work.

A fire extinguisher can fail for many reasons:

• Moved or missing — Someone borrowed it, it fell off its bracket, or it was moved during cleaning and never returned
• Discharged — Partially or fully used and not reported, leaving insufficient agent to tackle a fire
• Pressure loss — Slow leaks through seals or valves reduce the propellant pressure needed to discharge the agent
• Physical damage — Dents, corrosion, or damage to the valve mechanism can prevent operation
• Blocked nozzle — Debris, insect nests, or paint can block the discharge path
• Out of service date — Annual professional servicing has lapsed, meaning the extinguisher may not perform correctly

Monthly visual inspections catch these problems before a fire emergency reveals them. The check takes just a few minutes per extinguisher but could save lives and property.

Legal requirements

Fire safety regulations in most countries require that fire-fighting equipment be maintained in working order. This typically includes both regular visual inspections by staff and periodic professional servicing.

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure that fire-fighting equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. BS 5306-3 provides guidance on commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

In the US, NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers) requires monthly inspections and annual professional maintenance. Similar standards exist in Australia (AS 1851), Canada (NFPA 10), and across Europe (BS EN 3).

Regardless of your specific jurisdiction, the principle is universal: fire extinguishers must be regularly checked to ensure they will work when needed. Insurance policies often specifically require evidence of extinguisher maintenance.

The difference between inspections and servicing

Monthly visual inspections (what this guide covers) are quick checks performed by your own staff. They verify that extinguishers are present, accessible, apparently undamaged, and showing adequate pressure. These do not require specialist knowledge or equipment.

Annual professional servicing is performed by qualified technicians. They conduct detailed examinations, discharge tests (where applicable), weight checks for CO2 extinguishers, and replace components as needed. This is typically done by your fire safety contractor.

Both are necessary. Monthly inspections catch obvious problems between services. Annual servicing catches problems that visual inspection cannot detect.

Frequency and timing

Standard frequency

Fire extinguishers should be visually inspected at least monthly. This is the minimum frequency recommended by fire safety standards worldwide.

Many organisations choose to check more frequently:

• Weekly — High-risk environments or areas where extinguishers are more likely to be disturbed
• After events — Following parties, functions, or unusual activities that might have affected equipment
• After incidents — Any fire, false alarm, or near-miss should trigger an immediate check

Best timing

Choose a consistent day each month for extinguisher checks. Many businesses combine this with other monthly fire safety tasks like emergency lighting tests and fire door inspections.

Mid-week is often better than Mondays (when other priorities dominate) or Fridays (when attention is already on the weekend).

Allow enough time to check all extinguishers thoroughly. Rushing through checks defeats the purpose.

How to complete the check

1. Extinguisher location

Before you begin inspecting the extinguisher itself, record which one you are checking. This creates an audit trail showing that every extinguisher gets regular attention.

Why it matters:

Most premises have multiple fire extinguishers — sometimes dozens. Recording the location ensures you do not accidentally skip any and creates a history for each individual unit. If problems recur with a specific extinguisher, the location record helps identify patterns.

What good answers look like:

• "Kitchen — next to rear exit"
• "Ground floor corridor — opposite Room 3"
• "Reception area — behind desk"
• "FE-01" (if using a numbering system)
• "Bar — left of main entrance (CO2)"

How to answer this for yourself:

Use whatever identification system makes sense for your premises. Options include:

• Location descriptions — Clear enough that anyone could find the extinguisher
• Numbering systems — FE-01, FE-02, etc., corresponding to a site plan
• Room names — Kitchen, Office, Cellar
• Combination — "Kitchen (FE-03)" gives both context and precise identification

If you have a site plan showing extinguisher locations, reference it. New staff should be able to find any extinguisher from your location description.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Main extinguisher" — Not specific enough if you have several
• "The red one" — They are all red (in the UK)
• Inconsistent naming — Using "kitchen" one month and "back of house" the next creates confusion

Best practices to follow:

• Create a numbered list of all extinguishers with their locations
• Walk a logical route through your premises to check them in order
• Update the list if extinguishers are added, removed, or relocated
• Include the extinguisher type in the location record (water, foam, CO2, powder, wet chemical)

2. Visual inspection

This is the core of the check — systematically examining each aspect of the extinguisher to verify it is ready for use.

Why it matters:

Each item in this checklist addresses a specific way an extinguisher could fail. Missing any item could mean missing a critical problem.

What good answers look like:

Every item should be checked and ticked. If you cannot tick an item because there is a problem, that is when the check has done its job — you have caught an issue before it caused harm.

How to answer this for yourself:

Work through each item methodically:

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Extinguisher is in designated location

The extinguisher should be exactly where it is supposed to be — on its bracket, on its stand, or in its cabinet. Check against your site plan or location list.

Why this matters: In an emergency, people go to where extinguishers are supposed to be. If it has been moved, precious seconds are lost. Someone fighting a fire should not have to search.

What to look for: Is the extinguisher physically present? Is it in the correct position? Has it been moved even slightly (suggesting someone has handled it)?

Common issues: Extinguisher borrowed for an event and not returned. Moved during cleaning. Knocked off bracket. Taken to another location after a minor incident.

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Access is clear and unobstructed

Nothing should block the path to the extinguisher or prevent someone from grabbing it quickly.

Why this matters: Fire situations develop rapidly. Every second spent moving furniture or boxes to reach an extinguisher is a second the fire grows.

What to look for: Can you walk directly to the extinguisher? Can you lift it off its bracket without obstruction? Is there at least 1 metre of clear space in front?

Common issues: Boxes stacked in front. Furniture moved during rearrangement. Deliveries left blocking access. Coat stands or plants placed nearby. Rubbish bins positioned too close.

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Safety pin and tamper seal intact

Most extinguishers have a metal pin through the handle mechanism, secured with a plastic tamper seal or tag. These prevent accidental discharge and show if the extinguisher has been interfered with.

Why this matters: A broken seal suggests the extinguisher may have been partially discharged, tampered with, or used. Even a brief discharge significantly reduces the available agent.

What to look for: Is the pin in place? Is the plastic seal unbroken? If there is a tag, is it still attached and the wire intact?

Common issues: Seals broken by curious people. Pin removed and replaced (seal will be broken). Seal degraded and fallen off over time.

Important: If the seal is broken but the extinguisher appears full and undamaged, it may have been legitimately serviced and resealed by a technician. Check the service label date. If recently serviced, the broken seal might indicate the new seal was not properly attached.

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Pressure gauge in green zone (if applicable)

Stored pressure extinguishers (water, foam, most powder, and some CO2) have a pressure gauge on the head. The needle should point to the green zone.

Why this matters: The pressure propels the extinguishing agent. Without adequate pressure, the extinguisher will not discharge properly — or at all.

What to look for: Look at the gauge. The dial typically has three zones:

• Red (low) — Undercharged, needs professional attention
• Green (normal) — Correct operating pressure
• Red (high) — Overcharged, needs professional attention (rare)

Common issues: Slow pressure loss through seals. Temperature fluctuations affecting pressure. Gauge mechanism failure (stuck needle). Previous partial discharge.

Note: CO2 extinguishers often do not have pressure gauges — they are checked by weight during professional servicing. Some cartridge-operated extinguishers also lack gauges.

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No visible damage, dents, or corrosion

Examine the cylinder, handle, and valve assembly for physical damage.

Why this matters: Damage can compromise the structural integrity of the pressurised cylinder or prevent the valve mechanism from operating correctly. A corroded or dented extinguisher might not discharge — or worse, could fail catastrophically.

What to look for: Walk around the extinguisher examining all surfaces. Look for:

• Dents or deformation of the cylinder
• Rust or corrosion, especially at the base (where water collects)
• Paint damage exposing bare metal
• Damage to the handle or operating lever
• Cracks or damage to the valve assembly

Common issues: Base corrosion from sitting in water or damp areas. Dents from being knocked over or hit by trolleys. Handle damage from improper attempts to use.

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Operating instructions legible

Every extinguisher has operating instructions printed or attached to it. These must be readable.

Why this matters: In an emergency, someone who has never used an extinguisher before might be the first on scene. Clear instructions could make the difference between effective use and dangerous misuse.

What to look for: Can you read all the text? Are pictograms visible and clear? Has the label faded, been painted over, or been damaged?

Common issues: Fading from sunlight exposure. Paint overspray during decoration. Stickers or other labels placed over instructions. Water damage making text illegible.

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Hose and nozzle in good condition

Examine the discharge hose (if fitted) and nozzle/horn for damage or blockage.

Why this matters: A damaged hose might split under pressure, spraying agent unpredictably. A blocked nozzle prevents discharge entirely.

What to look for:

• Hose connected at both ends
• No cracks, splits, or perishing of hose material
• Nozzle or horn securely attached
• No visible blockages in the nozzle opening
• Hose not kinked or twisted

Common issues: Perished rubber from age. Insect nests or debris in nozzle. Nozzle knocked off and lost. Hose pulled and detached from connector.

Note: Some extinguishers (particularly smaller ones) do not have hoses — just a built-in nozzle. Check this is clear and undamaged.

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Service date label present and in date

Professional servicing creates a label or tag showing when the extinguisher was last serviced and when the next service is due.

Why this matters: Visual inspections do not replace professional servicing. An extinguisher that has not been professionally serviced may have internal problems you cannot see.

What to look for: Find the service label (usually on the back or attached as a tag). Check:

• The most recent service date
• The next service due date
• Whether the next service date has passed

Common issues: Service label removed during cleaning or painting. Service overdue because contractor visit was missed. Multiple labels causing confusion about current status.

Standard service intervals: Most extinguishers require annual basic service. Extended service (more detailed examination) is typically required at 5 years, with refurbishment or replacement at 10 years. CO2 extinguishers require hydraulic testing at 10 years.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Checking from a distance — You need to get close, touch the extinguisher, and examine all sides
• Assuming previous check means current check is fine — Conditions change; check everything every time
• Ignoring gauges slightly below green — If the needle is close to the red zone, report it
• Not checking behind/underneath — Corrosion often starts where you cannot see easily

Best practices to follow:

• Touch the extinguisher — lift it slightly to confirm it has weight (contents)
• Check the base for corrosion (lift it if possible)
• Spin it to see all sides if it is on a rotating bracket
• Look up at the ceiling above — water damage could indicate a leak affecting the extinguisher
• Compare to photos from previous checks if you have them

3. Inspection result

Based on your visual inspection, record whether the extinguisher passes or fails.

Why it matters:

This creates a clear record of the extinguisher's status. A pass confirms it is ready for use. A fail triggers immediate action.

What good answers look like:

• Pass — Every checklist item was satisfactory. The extinguisher is ready for use.
• Fail - issue found — One or more problems were identified that need attention.

How to answer this for yourself:

Be honest and consistent. If you have any doubt about the extinguisher's readiness, record it as a fail. It is far better to over-report than to pass an extinguisher that then fails in an emergency.

What triggers a fail:

• Any checklist item that could not be ticked
• Anything that makes you uncertain about the extinguisher's readiness
• Pressure gauge not in green zone
• Any visible damage or corrosion
• Service date overdue
• Tamper seal broken without explanation

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Passing when unsure — If you are not certain, fail it and get a professional opinion
• Failing without recording details — Always explain what the problem is in the Notes section
• Thinking a fail reflects badly on you — A fail means the check worked; you caught a problem

Best practices to follow:

• A fail is not a black mark — it is evidence your checking system works
• Always record the specific reason for failure in the notes
• Ensure failed extinguishers are clearly marked or tagged so they are not mistakenly relied upon
• Follow up promptly to get failed extinguishers serviced or replaced

4. Photo evidence

Photograph the extinguisher to create visual evidence of its condition.

Why it matters:

Photos provide proof of condition at the time of inspection. They help with:

• Demonstrating compliance to inspectors
• Tracking degradation over time
• Supporting insurance claims if needed
• Training new staff on what to look for

What good answers look like:

A clear photo showing:

• The whole extinguisher in its location
• The pressure gauge reading (close enough to see the needle position)
• Any issues or damage found
• The service label if relevant

How to answer this for yourself:

Consider what you would want to see if reviewing this check later. For a passing extinguisher, one clear photo showing the unit and its gauge is usually sufficient.

For a failing extinguisher, photograph:

• The specific problem (damage, corrosion, broken seal)
• The location context (blocked access, for example)
• Any labels or markers that help identify the issue

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• Blurry photos — Take a moment to focus; a blurry photo is useless
• Wrong angle — Make sure the gauge is visible if you are photographing condition
• Too far away — Close enough to see details, especially the gauge reading
• Missing the problem — If reporting an issue, make sure the photo shows it clearly

Best practices to follow:

• Good lighting makes a big difference — use your phone's flash if needed
• For pressure gauges, photograph straight-on to avoid parallax
• Include something for scale if photographing damage
• For recurring checks, try to photograph from the same angle for comparison

5. Notes

Record any issues found, actions taken, or observations that do not fit elsewhere.

Why it matters:

Notes capture the detail that checkboxes cannot. They explain why something failed, what action was taken, and what follow-up is needed. They also provide continuity — the next person doing the check can see what was found previously.

What good answers look like:

For a passing check with no issues:

• "All satisfactory, no issues" (brief is fine when there is nothing to report)
• Can be left blank if everything passed and the photo shows good condition

For issues found:

• "Pressure gauge showing needle at bottom of green zone — monitor next month, may need regassing"
• "Tamper seal broken but service label shows serviced last week — seal may not have been replaced properly, contacted contractor"
• "Access blocked by new shelving unit — spoke with manager, will be relocated by end of week"
• "Base showing early corrosion spots — extinguisher in damp location, recommended relocating or raising off floor"

How to answer this for yourself:

Think about what the next person needs to know:

• What exactly was the problem?
• What did you do about it?
• What still needs to happen?
• Is there anything to watch for next time?

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them):

• "Problem found" — Too vague. What problem?
• Not recording follow-up actions — Note what you did, not just what you saw
• Forgetting to update when resolved — If you reported an issue, record when it was fixed

Best practices to follow:

• Be specific about problems — location of damage, exact gauge reading, specific obstruction
• Record actions taken — who you told, what they said they would do, when
• Include dates when relevant — "Contractor visit scheduled for 15th"
• Reference previous notes if following up — "Corrosion noted in January check now worse — escalating"

What to do when issues are found

Immediate actions by severity

Critical issues (extinguisher unusable):

• Extinguisher missing
• Pressure gauge in red zone
• Visible discharge or empty
• Severe damage to valve or cylinder

Action: Remove from service immediately if damaged. Report to fire safety manager. Arrange emergency replacement or repair. Do not leave a gap in coverage — consider temporary relocation of another extinguisher if safe to do so.

Significant issues (needs professional attention):

• Pressure gauge at low end of green zone
• Service date overdue
• Tamper seal broken with no explanation
• Moderate corrosion or damage

Action: Mark extinguisher as requiring attention. Contact your fire safety contractor. Monitor more frequently until resolved. Consider whether a temporary replacement is needed.

Minor issues (can be resolved internally):

• Access obstructed
• Location signage obscured
• Operating instructions faded
• Minor surface marks

Action: Resolve immediately where possible. Clear obstructions, clean signage, report cosmetic issues for next service visit.

Documentation

Every issue should be:

1. Recorded in the check notes
2. Photographed if visual
3. Reported to the responsible person
4. Tracked until resolved
5. Verified as fixed at the next check

Escalation

If the same issue recurs repeatedly, escalate:

• Extinguisher being repeatedly blocked → review the location or add barriers
• Persistent pressure loss → may need replacement rather than regassing
• Recurring vandalism or tampering → consider cabinet enclosure

Understanding fire extinguisher types

Different types of extinguishers are designed for different types of fires. Your visual inspection should verify you have appropriate types for your premises.

Water extinguishers (red)

Use for: Paper, wood, textiles, general solid combustibles (Class A) Never use on: Electrical fires, cooking oil, flammable liquids Check points: Pressure gauge, hose condition, nozzle clear

Foam extinguishers (cream band)

Use for: Flammable liquids, paper, wood (Class A and B) Never use on: Electrical fires, cooking oil Check points: Pressure gauge, hose condition, foam concentrate in date

CO2 extinguishers (black band)

Use for: Electrical fires, flammable liquids (Class B and electrical) Never use on: Cooking oil, enclosed spaces (asphyxiation risk) Check points: Weight (no pressure gauge), horn condition, horn frost-free

Powder extinguishers (blue band)

Use for: Multiple fire types including electrical (Class A, B, C and electrical) Limitations: Creates visibility issues, messy, can damage electronics Check points: Pressure gauge, check for powder compaction (invert and shake if allowed by manufacturer)

Wet chemical extinguishers (yellow band)

Use for: Cooking oil and fat fires (Class F), also effective on Class A Never use on: Electrical fires Check points: Pressure gauge, lance/nozzle condition, chemical in date Typical location: Commercial kitchens — often mandatory for deep fat fryers

Matching extinguishers to risks

Verify during your check that extinguisher types match the risks in each area:

• Kitchen → Wet chemical for fryers, CO2 or powder for general electrical
• Office → Water or foam for paper/general, CO2 for electrical equipment
• Workshop → Powder or foam depending on materials present
• Server room → CO2 only (no residue)

Common mistakes to avoid

Rushing the check

A fire extinguisher check that takes ten seconds per unit is not a real check. Take the time to examine each extinguisher properly. A few minutes now could prevent tragedy later.

Checking from a distance

You cannot see gauge readings, corrosion, or damage from across the room. Walk up to each extinguisher, touch it, and look at it closely.

Ignoring 'borderline' readings

If the pressure gauge is at the low end of the green zone, do not just tick it as passed. Note it, monitor it, and report it if it does not improve.

Not following up on issues

Finding a problem is only useful if you fix it. Every issue reported must be tracked to resolution.

Treating annual service as sufficient

Professional annual servicing does not replace monthly visual checks. Problems can develop at any time.

Assuming 'it was fine last time'

Conditions change. Check everything every time. The fire that happens will not care that the extinguisher was fine last month.

Building a checking habit

Make it routine

Same day each month. Same route through your premises. Same person responsible. Routine builds reliability.

Create a logical route

Walk your premises in a consistent order that covers every extinguisher. Map it if helpful. A logical route ensures nothing gets missed.

Allow adequate time

If you have fifteen extinguishers and allow five minutes total, you are not doing proper checks. Allow at least one to two minutes per extinguisher for a thorough inspection.

Review patterns

Look at your check records over time:

• Are certain extinguishers repeatedly problematic?
• Are certain locations prone to access obstruction?
• Is pressure dropping between services?

Patterns reveal systemic issues that need addressing.

Summary

Fire extinguisher checks are simple but essential. They verify that your fire-fighting equipment is present, accessible, and apparently ready for use. Monthly visual inspections complement annual professional servicing to ensure continuous protection.

Remember:

• Check every extinguisher, every month
• Record the location of each unit checked
• Work through the visual inspection systematically
• Photograph condition as evidence
• Report and follow up on every issue
• A failed check is a success — it caught a problem before an emergency

Your fire extinguishers exist to protect lives and property. Regular checking ensures they can do that job when it matters.