How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year to ensure they are fully operational and ready for use in an emergency. This annual inspection is a critical part of fire safety compliance and helps confirm that extinguishers are in the proper location, have not been damaged, and are charged and functional. Regular checks help maintain awareness of the condition of the extinguisher so that if a fire situation arises, it will perform effectively.

While other frequencies such as monthly, every six months, and once every two years may be considered, the annual inspection aligns best with regulatory standards, such as those outlined by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These standards emphasize not only the importance of annual inspections but also recommend monthly visual checks by designated personnel to ensure readiness between the annual comprehensive inspections.