Fire Extinguisher Inspections

A business, multi-home residence, apartment complex, retail, commercial and municipal building must have clearly tagged and yearly inspected fire extinguisher tags per FDNY regulations. Chase Fire is certified, licensed and insured to sell, install and inspect fire extinguishers in NYC.

Yearly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements:

1. Thorough Examination:

   • Conduct a more detailed examination of the extinguisher, including all parts and mechanisms.

2. Maintenance:

   • Perform any necessary maintenance as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and NFPA standards.
   • Refilling may be required if it was used.

3. Hydrostatic Testing:

   • If required (based on the type of extinguisher and its last test date), a hydrostatic test may need to be performed to ensure the integrity of the cylinder.

4. Professional Certification:

   • The annual inspection and maintenance must be performed by a certified professional like Chase Fire. We provide a certification of the inspection and affix a new inspection tag.

5. Documentation:

   • Maintain records of all inspections, maintenance, and testing performed on the extinguishers.

Building staff can perform monthly visual inspections, but annual inspections and maintenance must be done by certified professionals. Professional inspections ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Monthly Inspection Requirements:

1. Visual Check:

   • Ensure the extinguisher is in its designated place.
   • Check that the extinguisher is accessible and not blocked.
   • Confirm the operating instructions are legible and facing outward.

2. Pressure Gauge:

   • Verify that the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position.

3. Physical Condition:

   • Inspect the extinguisher for any physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.

4. Tamper Seal:

   • Ensure the tamper seal is intact and the safety pin is in place.

5. Label and Tag:

   • Ensure the label is clear and readable.
   • The inspection tag should be marked to indicate the date of the inspection and the initials of the person conducting the inspection.

Fire extinguishers need hydrostatic testing based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the type of extinguisher. Typically, dry chemical extinguishers require testing every 12 years, while CO2 extinguishers require it every 5 years. Consult a certified professional like Chase Fire for specific requirements.

Documentation for fire extinguisher inspections includes records of the inspection dates, findings, maintenance performed, hydrostatic test dates (if applicable), and certification by the inspecting professional. Proper documentation is essential for compliance and safety audits.

If a fire extinguisher fails an inspection, it should be immediately serviced or replaced by a certified professional. The failed extinguisher must be removed from service until it meets all safety standards and passes a reinspection. You risk lapsing your insurance and getting a violation from the fire department which can shut down your business.

Common reasons fire extinguishers fail inspections include low pressure, physical damage, corrosion, leakage, a missing or broken tamper seal, and expired hydrostatic testing. Regular checks help identify these issues early.