Annual Inspection of Extinguishers

Annual testing and inspection of portable fire extinguishers must be carried out by trained persons, or persons acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (which is usually the fire department). The annual testing/inspection includes ensuring proper type and placement of extinguishers, physical and mechanical condition, status of mandatory recharge and pressure testing dates, etc.

According to the fire code (BC Fire Code Section 6.2.4.1-1) , maintenance of portable extinguishers shall be conform with NFPA 10.

A monthly test/inspection of portable fire extinguishers is a “quick check” to provide a reasonable level of certainty that the unit is operable. The test or inspection may be conducted by any building representative.

According to the fire code, portable fire extinguishers shall be inspected monthly (NFPA10-1994 Section 6.2.1) .

Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers

1. Maintenance and recharging of fire extinguishers shall be performed by qualified persons having the proper types of tools, recharge materials, lubricants, and manufacturer's recommended replacement parts.
2. Maintenance is a "THOROUGH CHECK" of the fire extinguisher. It is intended to give maximum assurance that an extinguisher will operate effectively and safely. It includes a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replacement. It will normally reveal the need for hydrostatic testing.
   1. Extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance inspection not more than ONE YEAR apart, or less when specifically indicated by the manufacturer.
   2. It is not necessary during the ANNUAL maintenance to internally examine CO2 or stored pressure extinguishers equipped with pressure indicators or gauges. Stored pressure types containing a loaded stream type of agent shall be disassembled on an annual basis and subjected to a complete maintenance program. Prior to disassembly the extinguisher shall be fully discharged to check the operation of the discharge valve and pressure gauge. All maintenance inspections shall be done as outlined in NFPA 10.4.42.
   3. Factory sealed "disposable type" extinguishers shall be inspected and maintained only in accordance with the nameplate instructions.
   4. Maintenance procedures shall include a thorough examination of the three basic elements of an extinguisher:
      1. Mechanical parts
      2. Extinguishing agent
      3. Expelling means
   5. Except for non-refillable, factory sealed, disposable containers, pressurized dry chemical portable extinguishers that require a twelve (12) year hydrostatic test, shall be emptied and subjected to the prescribed maintenance procedures at intervals of not more than six (6) years.
   6. Portable extinguishers shall be recharged only with the materials specified on the extinguisher nameplate.
   7. Except as provided in Items H and I, portable extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested at intervals recommended by the manufacture.
   8. Portable extinguishers utilizing nitrogen or other inert gas shall be tested at intervals of not more than ten (10) years.
   9. Retests shall be conducted at the original approved test pressure as stated on the nameplate.
   10. Portable extinguishers equipped with a shut-off nozzle at the outlet of the hose shall have the hose with its couplings, pressure tested at a pressure of at least 300 psig for one (1) minute for dry chemical and dry powder hose assemblies, and at 1,250 psig for one (1) minute for carbon dioxide hose assemblies, at intervals approved for the unit on which the hose is installed.
   11. A label shall be fixed to the extinguisher after testing, indicating the month and year the hydrostatic pressure test was performed. The label shall include the test pressure used and the name of the company performing the test.