OSHA 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance Checklist: Inspection, Maintenance & Employee Training Requirements for Commercial and Industrial Facilities

In the complex landscape of workplace safety, few regulations are as critical, yet as frequently overlooked, as those governing portable fire extinguishers. For commercial and industrial facilities across the United States, OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.157 dictates the precise requirements for these life-saving devices. Beyond simply having fire extinguishers on-site, compliance involves a rigorous regimen of proper placement, meticulous inspection, timely maintenance, and comprehensive employee training. Failure to adhere to these mandates not only exposes your workforce to unacceptable risks but also leaves your organization vulnerable to significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and potential legal liabilities.

This comprehensive guide, authored by experts in workplace safety and compliance, delves into the intricacies of OSHA 1910.157, clarifying its requirements and providing actionable strategies to ensure your facility maintains an ironclad fire safety program. We'll explore the often-misunderstood nuances of this standard, from the critical distinction between "designated employee use" and "total evacuation" policies to the detailed inspection and maintenance protocols that underpin a robust fire safety strategy.

What OSHA 1910.157 Actually Requires: The Compliance Baseline

OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.157 standard, specifically addressing "Portable Fire Extinguishers," is a cornerstone of fire protection in general industry. Its scope is broad, covering virtually all commercial, industrial, manufacturing, and other non-construction workplaces where portable fire extinguishers are present or required. The regulation aims to ensure that these essential tools are readily available, fully functional, and that employees are adequately trained to use them safely and effectively, or to evacuate when necessary.

One of the most crucial initial decisions an employer must make under 1910.157 is whether to permit "designated employee use" of portable fire extinguishers or to implement a "total evacuation" policy. This decision entirely reshapes your compliance obligations. If employees are expected to fight incipient-stage fires (small fires that are in the initial stages and can be extinguished with a portable device), then extensive training, placement, and maintenance requirements apply. Conversely, if your policy dictates immediate and total evacuation in the event of any fire, and employees are strictly forbidden from attempting to extinguish fires, then while extinguishers are still required for property protection (and often mandated by local fire codes or insurers), the employer's training obligations under 1910.157(g) are significantly reduced. However, even with a total evacuation policy, the placement, inspection, and maintenance requirements (1910.157(c) through (f)) largely remain.

A startling number of OSHA citations related to 1910.157 stem from inadequate or entirely missing monthly visual inspections. These are not merely administrative oversights; they are indicators of a fundamental breakdown in a facility's fire safety culture. OSHA frequently defers to NFPA 10, the "Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers," as the recognized technical standard for detailed specifications regarding inspection frequency, placement calculations (e.g., travel distances), and maintenance procedures. While OSHA sets the regulatory framework, NFPA 10 provides the prescriptive "how-to" for achieving that compliance.

The stakes are high. An OSHA serious violation for non-compliance with 1910.157 can result in fines up to $16,550 per instance (2024 figures). Repeated or willful violations carry even steeper penalties, potentially reaching well over $160,000. These financial repercussions pale in comparison to the potential for injuries, fatalities, or catastrophic property loss that can arise from an unaddressed fire due to non-compliant extinguishers. To safeguard your business and your people, it's imperative to use a robust compliance tool. You can use this OSHA 1910.157 compliance checklist to confirm your facility meets the baseline scope and policy requirements before your next inspection.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Placement & Accessibility Requirements

Strategic placement and constant accessibility are paramount for portable fire extinguishers to be effective. An extinguisher that is hidden, blocked, or too far away is essentially useless in an emergency. OSHA 1910.157(d) outlines specific requirements, heavily referencing NFPA 10 for the fine details.

Travel Distance Rules by Hazard Class

OSHA mandates maximum travel distances from any point in a protected area to the nearest appropriate fire extinguisher. These distances vary significantly based on the fire hazard class:

• Class A Hazards (Ordinary Combustibles): Maximum travel distance of 75 feet.
• Class B Hazards (Flammable Liquids & Gases): Maximum travel distance of 50 feet for extinguishers with a rating less than 40-B, or 30 feet for higher-rated extinguishers, depending on the specific hazard.
• Class C Hazards (Energized Electrical Equipment): No specific travel distance requirement, as Class C fires are essentially Class A or B fires involving energized electrical equipment. The travel distance for the underlying Class A or B hazard applies.
• Class D Hazards (Combustible Metals): No specific travel distance, but extinguishers must be placed within 75 feet of the hazard.
• Class K Hazards (Commercial Cooking Appliances): Maximum travel distance of 30 feet. These are crucial for commercial kitchens.

Mounting Height Requirements

Extinguishers must be mounted securely on hangers or in cabinets.

• For extinguishers weighing 40 lbs or less, the top of the extinguisher must be no more than 5 feet (60 inches) above the floor.
• For extinguishers weighing more than 40 lbs (excluding wheeled types), the top of the extinguisher must be no more than 3.5 feet (42 inches) above the floor.
• In all cases, the bottom of the extinguisher must be at least 4 inches from the floor to prevent damage from cleaning or foot traffic.

Obstruction Violations

One of the most common citations relates to obstructions. Extinguishers must always be "readily accessible and immediately available." This means they cannot be blocked by equipment, stored inventory, machinery, or even locked in cabinets without appropriate signage and readily available access. Any item that impedes immediate access is a citable violation.

Signage and Visibility

In environments where visibility might be compromised (e.g., high-racking warehouses, areas with numerous columns, or low-light conditions), additional signage is required to clearly indicate the extinguisher's location. This can include arrows, labels, or even painted floor markings. The intent is that in an emergency, an employee shouldn't have to search for an extinguisher.

Documenting Placement Compliance

To prove compliance during an audit, maintain detailed facility floor plans that clearly mark the location of every portable fire extinguisher. These plans should also delineate hazard classifications for each area, demonstrating that travel distances are met. Regularly updating these maps, especially after facility layout changes, is essential. To streamline this critical process, you can download our fire extinguisher placement and accessibility checklist to map travel distances and verify mounting compliance by zone for your properties.

Hazard Classification Quick Reference

Understanding the different classes of fire hazards and selecting the appropriate extinguisher type is fundamental:

• Class A: Ordinary combustible materials like wood, paper, cloth, rubber, and plastics. Extinguishers: Water, Foam, ABC Dry Chemical.
• Class B: Flammable liquids (e.g., gasoline, oil, paint, solvents) and gases. Extinguishers: Foam, CO2, Dry Chemical (BC or ABC).
• Class C: Energized electrical equipment. Extinguishers: CO2, Dry Chemical (BC or ABC), Halotron. Crucially, Class C extinguishers are simply Class A or B agents that are non-conductive.
• Class D: Combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium. Extinguishers: Specialized dry powder agents (e.g., sodium chloride, graphite). These are highly specific and not typically found in general offices.
• Class K: Combustible cooking media (vegetable oils, animal fats) found in commercial kitchens. Extinguishers: Wet chemical (potassium acetate).

Identifying your facility's dominant hazard class (e.g., a manufacturing plant with large quantities of flammable solvents would have significant Class B hazards) and then selecting extinguishers with the correct minimum rating (e.g., 2A:10B:C) is vital. Many facilities are "mixed-hazard environments," such as warehouses with forklift charging stations (electrical/Class C, potentially Class B from battery acids) or commercial kitchens located within a larger industrial plant. In such cases, you must address all potential hazards present in each specific area.

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist: Monthly, Annual & 6-Year Requirements

Regular inspections are the backbone of a compliant fire extinguisher program, ensuring devices are ready for use. OSHA 1910.157(e) details these requirements, again deferring to NFPA 10 for specific intervals and procedures.

Monthly Visual Inspection

This is the most frequent and most commonly cited requirement. OSHA 1910.157(e)(2) mandates that portable extinguishers be visually inspected monthly. The individual performing this inspection does not need to be a certified fire equipment technician; however, they must be a "designated person" trained to recognize signs of damage or disrepair. During a monthly visual check, the designated employee should verify:

• Location & Accessibility: Is the extinguisher in its designated spot and unobstructed?
• Pressure Gauge: Is the needle in the green "charged" zone (for pressurized types)?
• Pin & Tamper Seal: Is the safety pin in place and the tamper seal unbroken?
• Condition: No visible signs of physical damage (dents, corrosion, leakage, clogged nozzle).
• Operating Instructions: Are the labels legible and facing outward?
• Mounting: Is it securely mounted?
• Date: Note the date of the last professional service.

Annual Inspection

While the monthly visual check is a quick overview, OSHA 1910.157(e)(3) states that extinguishers must undergo an "annual maintenance check." This is a far more thorough examination that must be performed by a licensed/certified fire equipment dealer or a properly trained and certified in-house technician, in accordance with NFPA 10. This annual check goes beyond a visual inspection to include:

• Verification of all parts (nozzle, hose, valve) for proper operation.
• Checking for internal corrosion or damage (if applicable).
• Weighing CO2 extinguishers to ensure minimum charge.
• Ensuring the correct agent is present and in good condition (e.g., no clumping in dry chemical).
• Replacing any defective parts.
• Applying an updated inspection tag.

6-Year Internal Examination

Stored-pressure extinguishers (like most ABC dry chemical units) require an internal examination every 6 years. This involves discharging the extinguisher, disassembling it, thoroughly inspecting its internal components for corrosion or damage, and then reassembling and recharging it with new agent. This critical maintenance step ensures the integrity of the cylinder and the effectiveness of the extinguishing agent.

Hydrostatic Testing Intervals

Extinguisher cylinders must also undergo periodic hydrostatic testing to ensure they can safely withstand internal pressure. These tests are performed at certified facilities and involve specialized equipment. Intervals vary by extinguisher type (NFPA 10 Table 8.3.1):

• Every 5 years: For CO2, Water, and Wet Chemical extinguishers.
• Every 12 years: For Dry Chemical (except non-rechargeable) and Halogenated Clean Agent extinguishers.

Documentation Requirements

OSHA inspectors will meticulously review your documentation. For monthly inspections, a clear record should be kept, either on an inspection tag attached to the extinguisher or, more efficiently, in a digital log. This record must include the date of inspection, the inspector's initials, and any deficiencies found. For annual maintenance, 6-year examinations, and hydrostatic tests, a service tag must be attached to the extinguisher, indicating the date of service, the type of service performed, and the identity of the servicing agent. Electronic records, particularly those that include timestamps and photo evidence, are increasingly becoming the industry standard and are much harder to challenge during an audit. Run your team through this monthly fire extinguisher inspection checklist to ensure every unit is logged and deficiencies are flagged before they become violations.

What to Do When an Extinguisher Fails Inspection

Discovering a deficient or non-compliant fire extinguisher requires immediate action:

• Immediate Removal: The extinguisher must be immediately removed from service and replaced with an equivalent, fully functional unit. There should be no gap in coverage.
• Tagging Protocols: The failed unit should be clearly tagged as "OUT OF SERVICE" with the date and reason for removal.
• Documentation: Record the deficiency, date of removal, and date of replacement in your inspection logs.
• Repair vs. Replace: Evaluate whether the unit can be repaired economically and in accordance with NFPA 10. Often, for smaller, inexpensive units, replacement is more cost-effective. For larger or specialized units, repair and hydrostatic testing may be feasible.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain records of all removed and replaced units, including their disposition (e.g., sent for repair, scrapped).

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Requirements Under OSHA & NFPA 10

While "inspection" focuses on ensuring an extinguisher is ready for immediate use, "maintenance" involves a thorough examination and any necessary repair or replacement of parts to ensure it remains in proper operating condition. OSHA 1910.157(e) directly addresses maintenance, again pointing to NFPA 10 for the specifics.

Distinction Between "Inspection" and "Maintenance"

• Inspection: Primarily a visual check to determine if the extinguisher is available, charged, and free from obvious damage. It's about readiness.
• Maintenance: A detailed internal and external examination, including any necessary repairs, recharging, or hydrostatic testing, performed by qualified personnel. It's about ensuring the device's long-term integrity and functionality.

Annual Maintenance vs. Periodic Maintenance Triggers

As noted, an annual maintenance check is mandated. However, maintenance can also be triggered by:

• Any Use: Even partial discharge requires immediate recharging and professional maintenance.
• Damage: Any significant physical damage (dents, corrosion, broken seals) found during a monthly inspection warrants immediate professional maintenance.
• Pressure Loss: A pressure gauge indicating a loss of pressure.

Recharging Requirements

Any extinguisher that has been used, even if only partially discharged, must be immediately removed from service, recharged, and professionally inspected. Attempting to use a partially discharged extinguisher in an emergency is extremely dangerous, as it may not have sufficient agent or pressure to suppress the fire.

Dry Chemical Agent Replacement

Dry chemical extinguishers require attention to their agent. Over time, particularly in humid or vibratory environments, the dry chemical powder can clump or cake, rendering the extinguisher ineffective. During maintenance, technicians will check for this and replace the agent as needed, typically coinciding with 6-year internal examinations.

CO₂ Extinguisher Weight-Check

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) extinguishers do not have pressure gauges. Their charge is determined by weight. During maintenance, the extinguisher is weighed, and if it has lost more than 10% of its rated weight, it must be recharged. The discharge horn should also be inspected for cracks or blockages.

Contractor Qualifications

OSHA and NFPA 10 are clear: maintenance, 6-year internal examinations, and hydrostatic testing must be performed by individuals or companies that are qualified, trained, and possess the proper tools and facilities. This typically means engaging a licensed fire protection contractor or having highly specialized, certified in-house personnel. Improper maintenance can be just as dangerous as no maintenance, as it can lead to extinguisher failure or even rupture.

Maintenance Recordkeeping

Each portable fire extinguisher must have a permanent record, typically an attached tag, detailing the date and type of maintenance performed and the identity of the person or company performing it. For hydrostatic tests, specific labels are required. These physical records must be meticulously maintained. Digital records, however, offer significant advantages, centralizing information and providing accessible audit trails. Ensure your system can retrieve these records on demand. For comprehensive tracking of service visits, recharge dates, and hydrostatic test due dates, use this fire extinguisher annual maintenance checklist, which can be adapted for international compliance needs, such as in Colombia.

Employee Fire Extinguisher Training Requirements (29 CFR 1910.157(g))

Even the best-maintained fire extinguishers are useless if employees don't know how or when to use them. OSHA 1910.157(g) outlines specific and rigorous training requirements for employees designated to use portable fire extinguishers.

The exact regulatory text of 1910.157(g)(1) states: "Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting."

1910.157(g)(2) further mandates: "The employer shall provide the education required in paragraph (g)(1) of this section upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter."

This means training is not a one-time event; it's an ongoing, annual commitment.

What "General Principles of Fire Extinguisher Use" Must Cover

OSHA expects this training to cover:

Hazards of Incipient-Stage Fire: Employees must understand the dangers of fighting a fire, including the rapid spread of fire, smoke inhalation, and potential for flashback. They must know when not to fight a fire*.

• Types of Fires and Extinguishers: Understanding Class A, B, C, D, K fires and which extinguisher types are appropriate for each.
• PASS Technique: The universally recognized method for operating a portable fire extinguisher.
• Emergency Procedures: Knowledge of evacuation routes, alarm systems, and emergency contact information.
• Limitations: Understanding the limited capacity and duration of portable extinguishers.

Hands-on vs. Classroom-only Training

While OSHA 1910.157(g) does not explicitly mandate hands-on training for all employees designated to use extinguishers, it does state that "the employer shall assure that employees who are expected to use fire extinguishers are familiar with the use of the equipment and the hazards involved." Most safety professionals and NFPA 10 strongly recommend or even consider hands-on experience essential for proficiency. Live-fire training, using a controlled fire pan, or simulation exercises (like digital fire extinguisher trainers) provide invaluable practical experience that classroom lectures alone cannot. For employees with specific fire fighting duties, hands-on training is unequivocally necessary.

Documentation Requirements

Robust documentation is non-negotiable. Training records must include:

• Employee's full name.
• Date of training.
• Specific content covered (e.g., "OSHA 1910.157 Portable Fire Extinguisher Use & Hazards").
• Name and qualifications of the trainer.
• Proof of attendance (e.g., sign-in sheets).
• Assessment of competency (if hands-on training is provided).

Special Populations

Don't overlook any segment of your workforce. Contractors, temporary workers, and shift workers must all receive the same training before they are exposed to the hazards or are expected to use extinguishers. An annual refresher program should aim to keep the content engaging and relevant, perhaps incorporating new scenarios or updated equipment information, rather than simply repeating the same presentation verbatim. You can pair your training sessions with this employee fire extinguisher training checklist, which is adaptable across various industries including construction, to document attendance, content delivery, and competency confirmation for each participant.

PASS Technique & Evacuation Decision Tree

The PASS technique is universally taught for a reason:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the operating handle.
• Sweep the nozzle or hose from side to side at the base of the fire.

Crucially, training must emphasize the "evacuation decision tree." Employees must understand the critical juncture where a fire is too large, too hot, or producing too much smoke for a portable extinguisher to be effective. A commonly cited guideline is the "10-second rule": if the fire is not brought under control within 10 seconds of starting to use the extinguisher, or if you feel the situation is becoming unsafe, evacuate immediately. Verifying escape routes and meeting points should be a fundamental component of all fire safety training.

Building Your Portable Fire Extinguisher Compliance Program: Documentation & Audit Readiness

A truly compliant and defensible portable fire extinguisher program rests on four interconnected pillars: detailed placement maps, comprehensive inspection logs, meticulous maintenance records, and thorough training records. Without these, even the best intentions will fall short during an OSHA audit or in the event of a fire.

The Four Pillars

• Placement Maps: Clear, updated facility floor plans showing every extinguisher location, type, rating, and the hazard class of the area it protects, demonstrating compliance with travel distances.
• Inspection Logs: Records of all monthly visual inspections, including date, inspector, findings, and corrective actions taken.
• Maintenance Records: Tags on each extinguisher and corresponding detailed records of annual maintenance, 6-year internal examinations, and hydrostatic testing, identifying the service provider.
• Training Records: Documented proof of initial and annual refresher training for all designated employees, including content and attendance.

Extinguisher Inventory Register

Beyond individual records, maintaining a centralized extinguisher inventory register is invaluable. This database should track:

• Unique Unit ID Number
• Extinguisher Type (e.g., ABC Dry Chemical, CO2)
• Rating (e.g., 2A:10B:C)
• Exact Location
• Date of Manufacture
• Date of Last Annual Service
• Date of Next Annual Service Due
• Date of Last 6-Year Internal Examination
• Date of Next 6-Year Due
• Date of Last Hydrostatic Test
• Date of Next Hydrostatic Test Due

Digital vs. Paper Logs

While OSHA accepts both paper and digital records, digital systems offer significant advantages in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and audit readiness. Digital platforms with features like timestamps, GPS tagging, photo/video evidence capture, and automated reporting make it incredibly difficult for an OSHA inspector to challenge your compliance. They provide an immutable, easily retrievable record of your due diligence.

Pre-Inspection Audit Workflow

Proactive self-auditing is a best practice. Conduct an internal mock audit 30-60 days before any anticipated OSHA visit, insurance review, or even just annually. This allows you to identify and rectify deficiencies before external auditors do. Review all four pillars, cross-reference inventory with physical presence, and challenge your own records.

How Third-Party Inspection Platforms (like POPProbe) Centralize Compliance

Modern compliance software, such as POPProbe, transforms fire extinguisher management from a cumbersome, error-prone manual process into a streamlined, automated system. POPProbe allows you to:

• Digitize all inspection and maintenance checklists.
• Schedule recurring inspections and maintenance tasks with automated reminders.
• Capture photo and video evidence directly from mobile devices.
• Generate comprehensive, timestamped reports instantly.
• Centralize all extinguisher data, maintenance history, and training records in one secure, cloud-based platform.
• Flag overdue items automatically, ensuring no inspection or service date is missed.
• Provide a clear, defensible audit trail for inspectors.

By leveraging such platforms, organizations can significantly reduce the administrative burden of compliance while dramatically improving their safety posture. You can schedule a recurring audit using POPProbe's portable fire extinguisher compliance checklist, which is configurable for diverse regulatory environments such as Mexico's, to automate monthly tracking, capture photo evidence, and generate inspection reports your safety team can act on immediately.

Red Flags OSHA Inspectors Look for First

Be aware of what immediately catches an inspector's eye:

• Missing or Illegible Inspection Tags: A clear sign of neglected monthly inspections.
• Blocked or Relocated Extinguishers: Indicates a lack of awareness or enforcement of accessibility rules.
• Outdated Training Records: Shows non-compliance with the annual training mandate.
• Extinguishers Past Hydrostatic Test Due Dates: A serious structural integrity concern.
• No Written Hazard Assessment: Failure to justify extinguisher type and placement based on facility-specific risks.

Industry-Specific Compliance Considerations

While OSHA 1910.157 provides a general framework, specific industries often face unique challenges and additional regulatory overlays.

• Manufacturing & Warehousing: These environments frequently have Class D hazards (e.g., machining combustible metals), significant Class B risks (flammable liquids for equipment, paints, solvents), and numerous Class C exposures at electrical panels or forklift charging stations. Proximity to these specialized hazards requires specific extinguisher types and often more frequent inspections due to higher traffic and potential for physical damage.
• Commercial Kitchens & Restaurants: The presence of combustible cooking oils and fats introduces Class K hazards, mandating wet chemical extinguishers. Integration with fixed hood suppression systems, quarterly inspections (often required by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction - AHJs), and specialized training for kitchen staff are critical.
• Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities often fall under NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, which overlays additional fire safety requirements onto OSHA. Issues like the safe storage and proximity of compressed gas cylinders (e.g., oxygen) to fire extinguishers and egress paths are paramount.
• Construction Sites: While 1910.157 applies, 29 CFR 1926.150 is the parallel standard for construction, addressing fire protection on temporary structures and job sites. Compliance here often involves consideration for changing site layouts, exposure to temporary power, and the transient nature of workers.
• Multi-Tenant Commercial Buildings: A common area of confusion is the allocation of responsibility between landlords and tenants. Lease agreements must clearly delineate who is responsible for providing, inspecting, and maintaining extinguishers in common areas versus tenant-leased spaces. Documentation of these contractual arrangements is crucial for audit readiness.

Given these varied contexts, selecting the right tools for your specific environment is key. You can select your industry-specific fire extinguisher inspection checklist from POPProbe's library, covering diverse applications from property management to construction and beyond.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often does OSHA require fire extinguisher inspections?

OSHA 1910.157(e)(2) requires that portable fire extinguishers be visually inspected monthly. Additionally, 1910.157(e)(3) mandates a more thorough "annual maintenance check," which must be performed by a qualified individual or contractor. Beyond these, specific types of extinguishers require a 6-year internal examination and periodic hydrostatic testing (every 5 or 12 years, depending on the type), as detailed in NFPA 10.

Q2: What are the OSHA fire extinguisher training requirements for employees?

OSHA 1910.157(g) states that if employers provide portable fire extinguishers for employee use, they must provide an educational program upon initial employment and annually thereafter. This training must familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use (e.g., the PASS technique), the types of fires, and the hazards involved with incipient-stage firefighting (e.g., when not to fight a fire and to evacuate). Hands-on training is strongly recommended for practical competency.

Q3: What is the difference between a fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance?

An inspection is a quick visual check (usually monthly) to ensure the extinguisher is in its designated place, accessible, fully charged (gauge in green), and free from obvious damage or tampering. It's about ensuring readiness. Maintenance, on the other hand, is a thorough internal and external examination (usually annually, or after any use) performed by a qualified technician. It involves checking all components, replacing parts if necessary, recharging, and potentially hydrostatic testing to ensure the extinguisher's long-term integrity and functionality.

Q4: Do I need a fire extinguisher for every type of fire hazard in my facility?

Yes. OSHA and NFPA 10 require that you provide fire extinguishers suitable for the types of combustible materials and ignition sources present in your workplace. This means having Class A extinguishers for ordinary combustibles, Class B for flammable liquids, Class C for electrical fires, Class D for combustible metals, and Class K for commercial cooking oils. In many cases, multi-purpose ABC dry chemical extinguishers can cover Class A, B, and C hazards. A thorough hazard assessment of your facility is necessary to determine the appropriate types and ratings.

Q5: What records do I need to keep for fire extinguisher compliance?

You must maintain clear records of all inspections, maintenance, and training. This includes:

• Monthly Inspections: Date, inspector's initials, and any deficiencies found (often on a tag or digital log).
• Annual Maintenance & Other Services: Date, type of service, and identity of the servicing agent (on a tag attached to the extinguisher and in a master log).

*Hydrostatic

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