How to Perform a Fire Extinguisher Inspection in 3 Minutes

When performing monthly fire extinguisher inspection, it is critical to pursue these 5 key steps. When you have realized what to look out for, you should expect to safely finish your inspection in 3 minutes. 

1) Check Accessibility

Get to your fire extinguisher to check its visibility and availability: 

• Recognize whether a fire extinguisher is present in the area and observe that is effectively visible. 

• It should not be blocked by any equipment or different objects that would make it hard to be accessed during a crisis. 

• Compact fire extinguishers, other than wheeled types should likewise be secured in a particular location (for example inside an opened glass cabinet or a wooden box) to prevent them from being moved.

2) Look At The Physical State 

Next, get the fire extinguisher to closely check for labeling, the overall state, and physical defects: 

• Look for the fire extinguisher's sequential number, and check if the fire extinguisher label is readable. 
• Check if the cylinder and other external metal parts are free of corrosion, dents, and other indications of damage. 
• Check the association between the hose and cylinder is secure. 
• Assess if there are cracks in the hose or leak in the nozzle. 
• Check if the locking pin goes through the holes of discharge lever and handle if the pin is secured well by the seal. The pin locks the release lever and prevents accidental release.

3) Check the Pressure Gauge

Analyze where the gauge needle is. A needle inside the green zone is good. A needle in the left red zone implies that the fire extinguisher is undercharged and warrants a recharge, while a needle in the right red zone signals a risk of being overcharged. 

4) Look For The Inspection Tag

Note, if an inspection tag is available. The tag should demonstrate that a fire extinguisher is consistently inspected. 

5) Generate Report and Recommend Action/Plan 

When finished with the inspection, summarize observations/action plan. Make a point to sign off on the fire extinguisher inspection tag (if accessible) with your name/mark and date of assessment. That is it!