NFPA 10 Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements - General Guide

Portable-extinguisher inspection duties depend on the adopted edition, workplace, equipment, and jurisdiction. This is a general research-based overview of topics to verify with official sources and qualified professionals—not a compliance determination.

Three levels of inspection under NFPA 10

Monthly Visual Inspection (NFPA 10 §7.2)

Frequency: Every 30 days. Performed by: Building owner, maintenance staff, or designated employee. No certification required.

The inspector verifies:

• Extinguisher is in its designated location (hasn't been moved or blocked)
• Access is unobstructed and extinguisher is visible
• Operating instructions on nameplate are legible and facing outward
• Safety seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing
• No obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle
• Pressure gauge reading is in the operable range (green zone for stored-pressure extinguishers)
• Fullness determined by weighing or hefting (for non-gauge extinguishers)
• Condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle checked (for wheeled extinguishers)

Documentation: Record the date and initials on the inspection tag or in an electronic log.

Annual Maintenance Inspection (NFPA 10 §7.3)

Frequency: Every 12 months. Performed by: Certified fire extinguisher technician. Certification required.

Includes all monthly checks plus:

• Remove the extinguisher from its bracket or cabinet
• Check the date of manufacture and last internal maintenance
• Verify the hydrostatic test date (6-year internal, 12-year hydro for most types)
• Check weight against the weight stamped on the nameplate
• Inspect the hose, nozzle, and discharge lever for proper operation
• Check that the extinguisher type matches the hazard classification of the area
• Verify that the mounting bracket is secure and at the proper height
• Clean the extinguisher and reattach the tag
• Complete a new annual maintenance tag with all required information

Internal Maintenance & Hydrostatic Testing

• 6-Year Internal Examination (NFPA 10 §7.3.3.1): Stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydro test must have an internal examination at the 6-year mark from the date of manufacture.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Testing (NFPA 10 §8.3): Most stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every 12 years. CO2 extinguishers require testing every 5 years.
• Both procedures must be performed at a certified facility - not in the field.

Record keeping requirements

NFPA 10 requires that inspection records be maintained. At minimum, the tag or label on each extinguisher must show:

• Month and year the maintenance was performed
• Person or company performing the work
• Identification of the extinguisher serviced

Whether digital records are accepted or preferred depends on the adopted requirements, AHJ, insurer, contract, and record type. Confirm before relying on an electronic workflow.