NFPA 10 ยท Chapter 7
Annual fire extinguisher inspection
Once a year every portable extinguisher gets a full maintenance check by a certified person. Here's what that visit covers, step by step.
NFPA 10 calls this "maintenance" to separate it from the monthly inspection. Most people still call it the annual inspection. It's a thorough examination of three things: the mechanical parts, the extinguishing agent and the expelling means (the pressure or cartridge that pushes the agent out).
The 8 steps of annual maintenance
A typical visit for a stored-pressure dry chemical unit. Other types add steps from the manufacturer's service manual.
Check the shell and nameplate
No dents, corrosion, leaks or repairs; nameplate and instructions legible.
Check the hose, nozzle and horn
No cracks, cuts or blockages; couplings tight.
Check the gauge and pressure
Gauge in the operable range and not damaged; on cartridge units, weigh the cartridge.
Check the agent
Stored-pressure units by weight and gauge. Cartridge-operated units are opened to check that the dry chemical is free-flowing.
Check the pin, seal and handle
Pin moves freely, new tamper seal fitted, handle and lever undamaged.
Check 6-year and hydro dates
Confirm whether 6-year maintenance or a hydrostatic test is due, using the manufacture date and last test label.
Check mounting and location
Bracket secure, correct height, and the unit is where the floor plan says.
Attach the new tag
Record month, year, technician and company on the tag or label.
Who can do the annual inspection
NFPA 10 requires a certified person: someone with manufacturer training, or a certification acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. Many states, including California, Florida and Texas, also require a license for extinguisher service companies and their technicians.
OSHA 1910.157(e)(3) only requires that the employer make sure annual maintenance happens and keep the record. Your state or local rules usually decide who is allowed to do the work.
Mounting and placement checks
- Extinguishers up to 40 lb: top no more than 5 ft above the floor.
- Over 40 lb: top no more than 3.5 ft above the floor.
- At least 4 in of clearance between the bottom of the unit and the floor.
- Class A hazards: no more than 75 ft of travel to an extinguisher.
What gets recorded
After the work, NFPA 10 requires a tag or label securely attached to the extinguisher showing the month and year, the person who did it, and the company. NFPA 10 also requires maintenance records showing the date, the person and the company. OSHA requires keeping the annual record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less; check your state for longer retention rules.
When annual maintenance turns into more work
If the visit finds the unit is due for 6-year maintenance or a hydrostatic test, or something fails, the technician will quote that work. Use our due-date calculator to check what each unit needs this year.
Questions
What is an annual fire extinguisher inspection?
It's the yearly maintenance NFPA 10 calls for: a certified person examines the mechanical parts, the extinguishing agent and the expelling means, then attaches a tag showing the month, year, person and company.
Can I do my own annual fire extinguisher inspection?
OSHA lets employers use trained staff for annual maintenance, but NFPA 10 requires a certified person, and many states license extinguisher service companies. In most places, hire a licensed fire-protection company.
How much does an annual fire extinguisher inspection cost?
Usually about $5 to $25 per extinguisher plus a service-call fee, depending on volume and location. See our fire extinguisher inspection cost guide.
How high should a fire extinguisher be mounted?
Under NFPA 10, units up to 40 lb are mounted with the top no more than 5 ft above the floor; heavier units no more than 3.5 ft. Keep at least 4 in between the bottom of the unit and the floor.
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