NFPA 10 ยท 2022 edition
Fire extinguisher inspection checklist
The 10 items to check on every portable extinguisher during the monthly inspection. The whole check takes about a minute per unit.
NFPA 10, the standard most US fire marshals enforce, requires a visual inspection about every 30 days. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2) sets the same monthly requirement for workplaces. Fill in the checklist on this page and download it as a completed PDF, or print a blank copy.
This checklist covers the monthly inspection. Annual maintenance, 6-year maintenance and hydrostatic tests are done by a certified person. See the annual inspection guide and NFPA 10 inspection requirements.
Monthly checklist
Fill it in on your phone, then download a completed PDF for your records.
- In its designated placeThe extinguisher is mounted or set where it belongs on the floor plan.
- Visible and unobstructedNothing blocks the view or the path to it: no boxes, carts or furniture.
- Operating instructions face outThe nameplate instructions are legible and facing outward.
- Safety pin and tamper seal intactThe pin is in place and the tamper seal is not broken or missing.
- FullFullness confirmed by weighing or hefting the unit.
- Gauge in the operable rangeThe pressure gauge needle sits in the green, or the push-to-test indicator works on non-rechargeable units.
- No physical damageNo dents, corrosion, leakage or a clogged nozzle.
- Hose and nozzle in good conditionThe hose isn't cracked or loose, and the nozzle is clear.
- Wheeled units only: carriage OKTires, wheels, carriage, hose and nozzle are in working order.
- Tag or record updatedRecord the date and your initials on the tag or in the inspection record.
What to do when an item fails
Any failed item means the extinguisher may not work in a fire. NFPA 10 requires corrective action right away.
- Blocked, missing or in the wrong place: fix it on the spot and note it.
- Low gauge, broken seal, missing pin, damage or a clogged nozzle: take the unit out of service, put a spare in its place, and call your fire-protection company for maintenance or recharge.
- Any discharge, even partial: the unit must be recharged before it goes back in service.
Write down what failed, the date and who found it. A photo helps the service company quote the repair without a second trip. If you're budgeting for repairs, see typical fire extinguisher inspection and recharge costs.
Monthly inspection vs annual maintenance
People mix these up. They're different jobs done by different people.
| Check | Monthly inspection | Annual maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Who does it | Trained building staff | Certified person (NFPA 10); many states also require a license |
| What it is | Quick visual check of the 10 items above | Thorough exam of mechanical parts, agent and expelling means |
| How it's recorded | Date and initials on the tag, a checklist on file, or an electronic record | Tag or label on the unit showing month, year, person and company |
| Keep records for | At least 12 months (NFPA 10) | 1 year after last entry or life of the shell, whichever is less (OSHA) |
Monthly fire extinguisher inspection log template (Excel)
Use one sheet per building per month, one row per extinguisher. The Excel log has a Pass/Fail dropdown and the checklist on a second tab.
| Unit # | Location | Type / size | Date | Pass / fail | Initials | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0141 | East stair, floor 1 | ABC 10 lb | MM/DD/YYYY | |||
| 0142 | East stair, floor 2 | ABC 10 lb | MM/DD/YYYY | |||
| 0143 | Kitchen, near exit | Class K 6 L | MM/DD/YYYY | |||
| 0144 | Server room | CO2 10 lb | MM/DD/YYYY |
Example rows. Replace with your own units.
Questions about monthly inspections
How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?
Every month. NFPA 10 requires a visual inspection at intervals of about 30 days, and OSHA 1910.157 requires a monthly visual inspection in workplaces. A certified person must also do annual maintenance, and some units need 6-year maintenance and a hydrostatic test every 5 or 12 years.
Who can do the monthly fire extinguisher inspection?
The monthly check is a quick visual inspection that trained building staff can usually do. Annual maintenance is a different job: NFPA 10 requires a certified person, and many states also require a state license.
How long do I need to keep monthly inspection records?
NFPA 10 requires monthly inspection records to be kept for at least 12 months. OSHA requires annual maintenance records to be kept for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less.
Can monthly inspections be recorded electronically?
NFPA 10 permits a tag or label on the extinguisher, a paper checklist kept on file, or an electronic record. Confirm your local fire marshal accepts electronic records before dropping paper.
What does OSHA require for fire extinguisher inspections?
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e) requires employers to visually inspect portable extinguishers monthly, make sure annual maintenance is done, and keep the annual maintenance record.
Is there a free fire extinguisher inspection checklist PDF?
Yes. Download our free monthly checklist PDF and Excel inspection log from this page. Both follow the NFPA 10 monthly inspection items.
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