Monthly Inspections
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers) requires portable extinguishers to be inspected when they are installed and at intervals of not more than 30 days thereafter. Inspections may be performed manually - as illustrated here - or through an electronic monitoring system.
Manual inspections may be performed by the property owner, facility coordinator or an appointed individual. The periodic inspection or electronic monitoring of the fire extinguishers should include a check or at least the following items:
- The portable extinguishers are in their designated locations.
- There are no obstructions to access or visibility that would prevent the extinguisher from easy use.
- Pressure gauges, if provided, show readings or indications in the operable range.
- For self-expelling extinguishers, their fullness is determined by weighing or hefting. "Hefting" is determining the fullness of an extinguisher by feeling it's weight.
- For non-rechargeable extinguishers, the push-to-test pressure indicators should be operated.*
Monthly inspections must be documented using a paper service tag physically attached to the fire extinguisher. Upon completion of a monthly inspection, the inspector should mark the service tag with their initials corresponding to the month of inspection.
If any deficiencies are found during the inspection, NFPA requires immediate corrective actions. Please contact the Work Order Desk (9-4444 or WoDesk@ucsc.edu or Self Service).
In areas of severe hazards, where there has been a high frequency of fires in the past, in locations that make fire extinguishers susceptible to mechanical injury or damage, or where extinguishers are exposed to abnormal temperatures or corrosive atmospheres, they should be inspected to:
- Verify the operating instructions on nameplate are legible and face outward.
- Check for broken or missing safety seals and tamper indicators.
- Confirm that there is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzle.*
For additional information or questions, please contact the Lead Designated Campus Fire Marshal.
*Used with permission from NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
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