How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are in proper working order and readily accessible in case of an emergency. Monthly inspections typically involve checking for physical damage, verifying that the extinguisher is properly charged (i.e., the pressure gauge indicates it is full), and ensuring that the extinguisher is not obstructed or in a location that would impede access. Regular monthly checks help catch any issues early and maintain the effectiveness of the extinguisher when needed.

While other frequencies like annual, quarterly, or weekly inspections may seem reasonable, they do not align with standard practices. An annual inspection is indeed required for more comprehensive maintenance checks but does not replace the necessity of monthly visual inspections. Quarterly checks could miss crucial early signs of damage or discharge, and weekly inspections are generally unnecessary and may lead to inspection fatigue, causing personnel to overlook potential issues. Monthly inspections balance the need for vigilance with practicality, contributing to overall safety and readiness.