Fire Extinguisher Requirements

In the event of a fire emergency it is important that fire extinguishers function properly. By observing the regulations for properly maintaining fire extinguishers you can help ensure that in the event of a fire you will be prepared.

Inspection

• Fire extinguisher safety guidelines call for all portable fire extinguishers in a business to be inspected on a monthly basis. This inspection may include looking for any defects such as punctured hoses or corrosion. Those inspecting the extinguishers should also confirm that all fire extinguishers are in the proper designated place and in working order. Inspections may be performed in house by a trained employee.
  In commercial or industrial facilities, yearly inspections should be performed by a licensed fire protection agency to ensure all inspection criteria are met and to confirm that all extinguishers are fully operational.
  Homeowners are encouraged to inspect their own extinguishers every month.

Gauges

• All portable fire extinguishers are equipped with a pressure gauge. Without adequate pressure in the tank, a fire extinguisher will fail to discharge. Gauges should be checked as part of the monthly inspection. Any fire extinguisher that has a gauge indicating the pressure is below tolerance should be replaced immediately. The extinguisher is out of tolerance when the needle on the gauge is in the red zone.

Location

• All fire extinguishers in the workplace should be marked appropriately. Fire extinguishers in the workplace or at home should be kept accessible. Nothing should ever be stacked or stored in a place that obstructs access to the fire extinguisher. All employees trained and authorized to operate a fire extinguisher must be made aware of their locations.

Workplace Safety Training

• Any personnel authorized, expected or required to operate a fire extinguisher must be properly and thoroughly trained in its use. Improper or negligent training will prevent the operator from knowing how to correctly and safely use the fire extinguisher. Part of the training should include when not to use one, such as in cases where the fire is already beyond the point that a portable extinguisher could contain it. In the case of a fire that is already out of control, employee evacuation procedures should be implemented instead.