How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are in proper working condition and readily accessible in case of an emergency. Monthly inspections typically involve checking that the extinguisher is located in its designated spot, is visible and accessible, and has not been tampered with. Additionally, the pressure gauge should be checked to confirm that it is in the operational range and that there are no physical damages or obstructions.

This routine check helps in identifying potential issues early, which increases the reliability of the fire extinguisher when it's needed most. While annual inspections by a certified professional are also required to ensure compliance with regulations and standards, the monthly inspection maintains the readiness of the extinguisher on a more frequent basis.