How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Inspection vs. Maintenance vs. Recharging

These three activities are distinct and each has its own required frequency:

Monthly Inspection (Owner/Occupant):

NFPA 10 requires that a 'quick check' be performed monthly to confirm the extinguisher is in its designated location, is visible and accessible, has not been tampered with, the pull pin and tamper seal are intact, there is no obvious physical damage, and the pressure gauge reads in the operable range (green zone). This check can be performed by building staff.

Annual Maintenance (Licensed Technician):

A thorough annual maintenance inspection must be performed by a certified fire protection technician. This includes examination of all mechanical components, verification of proper charge, inspection of the hose and nozzle, confirmation that the label is legible and current, and documentation of the service tag.

6-Year Maintenance:

For stored-pressure extinguishers with dry chemical, wet chemical, or halon agents, a complete internal examination is required every six years. The agent is emptied, the interior of the cylinder is inspected, and the unit is refilled and recharged.

Hydrostatic Testing:

Every 5 to 12 years depending on extinguisher type, the cylinder must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing to verify structural integrity. Cylinders that fail or cannot be safely tested must be removed from service.