Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]

Monthly fire extinguisher inspections are required under NFPA 10 (Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers) and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157, which mandates that employers provide portable fire extinguishers and maintain them in a fully charged and operable condition. Failure to conduct documented monthly checks can result in OSHA citations, insurance lapses, and serious life-safety hazards. This checklist guides inspectors through every physical, mechanical, and placement verification required to remai

Industry: Workplace Safety
Frequency: Monthly
Estimated Time: 20-35 minutes
Role: Safety Coordinator
Total Items: 34
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 - Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10 (2022 Edition) - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 13.6, OSHA General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans

Placement & Accessibility

Verify that each extinguisher is mounted in the correct location and is immediately accessible to occupants.

Is the extinguisher mounted in its designated location on the wall or in the cabinet?
Is the extinguisher clearly visible and unobstructed from view?
Is the travel distance from any point in the area to the nearest extinguisher within code limits?
Is the extinguisher mounted at the correct height (handle no higher than 3.5 ft for units over 40 lbs; 5 ft for lighter units)?
Is the area in front of the extinguisher free from storage or obstructions (minimum 36-inch clearance)?

Physical Condition & Integrity

Examine the extinguisher body, hose, nozzle, and overall structural integrity for signs of damage or tampering.

Is the extinguisher cylinder free from dents, rust, corrosion, or physical damage?
Is the hose and nozzle (if applicable) free from cracks, blockages, or deterioration?
Is the safety pin or tamper seal intact and unbroken?
Is the operating handle free from damage and securely attached?
Please photograph any visible damage or deficiencies found on the unit?

Pressure & Charge Status

Confirm the extinguisher is fully charged and the pressure gauge reads within the operable (green) range.

Is the pressure gauge needle in the green (operable) zone?
Is the extinguisher free from signs of leakage or discharge (powder residue, liquid staining)?
Record the current gauge pressure reading (if gauge is readable)?
For CO2 extinguishers: has the unit been weighed to confirm it is within the acceptable weight range?

Labels, Signage & Classification

Ensure the extinguisher label is legible, the class rating matches the hazard, and overhead signage is in place.

Is the manufacturer's label legible and firmly attached to the cylinder?
Does the extinguisher class rating (A, B, C, D, K) match the hazard present in this area?
Is an overhead location sign or indicator posted to make the extinguisher identifiable from a distance?
What is the class rating on this extinguisher's label?
Are operating instructions on the label oriented to face outward for immediate reading?

Inspection Tags & Service Records

Verify that service tags are current, annual inspection is within date, and maintenance records are accessible.

Is a current inspection tag attached to the extinguisher with the last inspection date recorded?
Has the extinguisher received its required annual maintenance inspection by a certified technician within the past 12 months?
What is the date of the last annual professional service recorded on the tag?
Is the extinguisher due for a hydrostatic pressure test based on its type and manufacture date?
Are maintenance records for this unit stored and accessible for at least one year?

Employee Training & Emergency Readiness

Confirm that employees in this area are trained to use the extinguisher and that emergency plans reference its location.

Have employees in this area received hands-on fire extinguisher training within the past 12 months?
Is this extinguisher location referenced in the site's Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
Is the nearest fire alarm pull station within clear view of or adjacent to this extinguisher?
Are PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) instructions posted or displayed near this unit?

Deficiencies & Corrective Actions

Document any deficiencies found and record corrective actions taken or required.

Were any deficiencies identified during this inspection?
Please describe all deficiencies found and their extinguisher unit IDs or locations?
Has the deficient unit been tagged out of service and a replacement unit deployed?
Has a work order or service request been submitted to a certified technician for corrective action?
What is the target date for resolving all identified deficiencies?
Please provide any additional notes or observations from this inspection?

Related General Checklists

Related Emergency Preparedness Checklists

Why Use This Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This fire extinguisher monthly inspection checklist [free pdf] helps workplace safety teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for safety coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 34 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 - Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 10 (2022 Edition) - Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Section 13.6, OSHA General Duty Clause Section 5(a)(1), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.38 - Emergency Action Plans. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 7 sections: Placement & Accessibility, Physical Condition & Integrity, Pressure & Charge Status, Labels, Signage & Classification, Inspection Tags & Service Records, Employee Training & Emergency Readiness, Deficiencies & Corrective Actions. It is designed for workplace safety operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 20-35 minutes.

Who should use this Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Safety Coordinator professionals in the workplace safety industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.