How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are in proper working condition and ready for use in case of a fire emergency. Monthly inspections typically involve checking for physical damage, ensuring that the extinguisher is easily accessible and visible, and verifying that its pressure gauge is in the operational range. This frequency of inspection is crucial because it allows for timely identification of any issues that could prevent the extinguisher from functioning effectively during an emergency.

While annual inspections are important, they are generally more comprehensive in nature and often required by local laws and regulations, focusing on maintenance and testing that is outside the scope of a monthly check. Weekly checks may be more than what is necessary for most settings, as they could lead to unnecessary alarm or oversight, while inspections every six months could leave too much time between checks, potentially allowing issues to be unnoticed. Therefore, establishing a routine monthly inspection schedule helps ensure the operational readiness of fire extinguishers.