How often should portable fire extinguishers be inspected?

Portable fire extinguishers should be inspected annually as part of routine maintenance to ensure they are in proper working condition. This annual inspection is mandated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, as well as various fire codes, to guarantee that extinguishers are both accessible and functional when needed in case of an emergency.

During this inspection, trained personnel check for any visible damages, assess the pressure gauge, verify the labels and tags, and ensure that the extinguishers are in their designated locations. Annual inspections help to identify any issues that could prevent the extinguisher from performing effectively, such as pressure loss or corrosion.

Although other options present different frequencies for inspections, none match the recommendation provided by the NFPA for general maintenance purposes. Regularly checking fire extinguishers not only ensures readiness but also helps maintain compliance with safety regulations.