NFPA 10 ยท OSHA 1910.157
Fire extinguisher inspection requirements
Every portable extinguisher runs on four clocks: monthly, annual, 6-year and hydrostatic. Here's what each one requires, and a calculator for the next due dates.
| Requirement | How often | Who | Applies to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly inspection | About every 30 days | Trained building staff | All portable extinguishers |
| Annual maintenance | Every 12 months | Certified person (NFPA 10); many states require a license | All portable extinguishers |
| 6-year maintenance | Every 6 years | Certified person | Stored-pressure units with a 12-year hydro test (dry chemical, halon, clean agent) |
| Hydrostatic test | Every 5 or 12 years | Certified person; DOT-authorized retester for DOT cylinders such as CO2 | All rechargeable units, on the interval for their type |
Free tool
Fire extinguisher due-date calculator
Pick the extinguisher type and enter what you know. Dates update as you type. Example values are filled in so you can see how it works.
Next due
Simplified from NFPA 10 (2022). We use 30 days for the monthly check to stay on the safe side. Exceptions exist, and your fire marshal's adopted edition governs.
Monthly inspection
A visual check that the extinguisher is in place, visible, accessible, full, charged and undamaged, about every 30 days. Record the date and initials on the tag, on a checklist kept on file, or electronically where your fire marshal accepts it. Use our monthly checklist (PDF and Excel).
Annual maintenance
A certified person examines the mechanical parts, the agent and the expelling means, then attaches a tag or label with the month, year, person and company. The annual inspection guide walks through each step.
6-year maintenance
Stored-pressure extinguishers that need a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied and given an internal exam every 6 years. The clock starts from the manufacture date. It restarts when the unit gets a hydrostatic test, or when it's emptied and given full maintenance during a recharge. Afterwards the unit gets a verification-of-service collar around the neck.
Hydrostatic testing
The shell is pressure-tested to make sure it won't rupture. The first test is due based on the manufacture date. CO2 and other DOT-specification cylinders must be requalified by a DOT-authorized retester, who stamps the cylinder with their retester ID. Keep the hydro record until the next test or until the unit is retired (OSHA 1910.157(f)).
| Extinguisher type | Hydrostatic test | 6-year maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Water, foam (AFFF/FFFP) | 5 years | No |
| Wet chemical (Class K) | 5 years | No |
| Carbon dioxide (CO2) | 5 years (DOT retester) | No |
| Dry chemical, stainless-steel shell | 5 years | No |
| Dry chemical, stored pressure (steel, aluminum or brass shell) | 12 years | Yes |
| Dry chemical, cartridge-operated | 12 years | No (opened at each annual) |
| Halon and clean agent | 12 years | Yes |
| Non-rechargeable (disposable) | None. Remove from service 12 years after manufacture. | No |
OSHA vs NFPA 10
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 applies to employers. It requires monthly visual inspections, annual maintenance, hydrostatic testing on a set schedule and keeping the records. NFPA 10 is the detailed standard your fire marshal usually enforces. It adds 6-year maintenance, who counts as a certified person, and step-by-step procedures. If you follow NFPA 10, you'll generally meet OSHA too.
Common questions
How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?
Monthly visual inspection, about every 30 days. Annual maintenance every 12 months. Stored-pressure units with a 12-year hydro test also need 6-year maintenance. Hydrostatic tests are due every 5 or 12 years depending on type.
Which fire extinguishers need 6-year maintenance?
Stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test, mainly dry chemical (ABC, BC), halon and clean-agent units. Water, foam, wet chemical, CO2 and cartridge-operated units don't get 6-year maintenance.
How often does a fire extinguisher need a hydrostatic test?
Every 5 years for water, foam (AFFF/FFFP), wet chemical and CO2 units, and dry chemical units with stainless-steel shells. Every 12 years for most dry chemical, halon and clean-agent units. Non-rechargeable units are not hydrotested; they're removed from service 12 years after the manufacture date.
What's the difference between OSHA and NFPA 10 requirements?
OSHA 1910.157 applies to employers and sets the basic monthly, annual and hydrostatic duties. NFPA 10 is the detailed standard most fire marshals adopt; it adds 6-year maintenance, certification requirements and detailed procedures.
Which edition of NFPA 10 applies to me?
The edition your state or local fire marshal has adopted. This page follows the 2022 edition. Requirements can differ slightly between editions.
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