Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

A monthly visual inspection checklist and log for portable fire extinguishers in workplaces, shops and rental buildings.

Published October 18, 2026

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Location and Access

Confirm the extinguisher is in its assigned location
Check nothing blocks the path to it or hides it from view
Make sure it is mounted on its bracket or in its cabinet
Under NFPA 10, units up to 40 lb should be mounted with the top no higher than 5 ft above the floor.
Check the cabinet opens easily and any break glass is intact

Signage and Labels

Check the location sign is in place where the unit is hard to see
Make sure the operating instructions on the label face out
Confirm the label is readable and not peeling or faded

Pressure, Pin and Seal

Check the pressure gauge needle is in the green zone
CO2 units have no gauge. Check them by weight against the full weight stamped on the valve or label.
Confirm the safety pin is in place
Confirm the tamper seal is intact
Lift the unit to check it feels full

Physical Condition

Look for dents, cracks or other damage to the cylinder
Check for rust or corrosion on the cylinder, valve and bracket
Check the hose for cracks, cuts or blockage
Make sure the nozzle is clear of dirt, nests or debris
Look for leaks or powder residue around the valve and nozzle
Check the handle and lever are not bent or broken

Tag and Test Dates

Initial and date the inspection tag for this month
Check the last annual maintenance date is within 12 months
OSHA requires the annual maintenance date to be recorded. It is usually on the back of the tag.
Check the hydrostatic test date on the cylinder or label
Water, foam and CO2 units are usually due every 5 years. Most stored-pressure dry chemical units are due every 12 years.
Note when the next 6-year maintenance is due for dry chemical units

Right Class for the Hazard

Confirm Class A coverage for wood, paper, cloth and trash
Confirm Class B coverage near flammable liquids and gases
Confirm Class C rating near energized electrical equipment
Never use a water extinguisher on a live electrical fire.
Use a Class D unit for combustible metals such as magnesium
Use a Class K unit in commercial kitchens with deep fryers

Inspection Log

Building / floor / location: ____
Extinguisher ID or serial number: ____ Type and size: ____
Date: ____ Pass / Fail: ____
Problems found and action taken: ____
If it fails, remove it from service and put a working unit in its place before you leave.
Inspector name and initials: ____

0 / 31 done

Check each portable fire extinguisher once a month. Make sure it is in its place, easy to reach and easy to see. The gauge should read in the green, and the pin and tamper seal should be in place. Look for damage, then initial and date the tag. This takes about a minute per unit.

In the US, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2) requires employers to visually inspect portable extinguishers monthly. Section (e)(3) requires an annual maintenance check, with the date recorded. NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, sets out how inspections and maintenance are done. Your local fire code may adopt it.

A monthly check is a visual check anyone can learn. Annual maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic testing are different jobs. They are usually done by a trained technician. If any item on this list fails, take the unit out of service and replace it with a working one.

FAQ

How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?

OSHA 1910.157 requires a visual inspection every month and a maintenance check every year. Some types also need internal maintenance every 6 years and a hydrostatic test every 5 or 12 years, depending on the extinguisher type. The label or a technician can tell you which applies.

Who can do the monthly inspection?

A trained employee can do the monthly visual check. Annual maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic tests should be done by a qualified service technician. Some states and cities require that technician to hold a license.

What do the letters A, B, C, D and K mean?

Class A is for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper and cloth. Class B is for flammable liquids and gases. Class C is for fires in energized electrical equipment. Class D is for combustible metals. Class K is for cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens. Many units are rated for more than one class, such as ABC.

How long do I need to keep inspection records?

OSHA requires you to keep the annual maintenance record for one year after the last entry or for the life of the shell, whichever is less. NFPA 10 also calls for a record of each monthly inspection, usually initials and a date on the tag. Keep this log with your other safety records.

Built from public guidance and kept up to date — how we write our checklists. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.