Basic Requirements of Fire Extinguisher Inspections in Tulsa & OKC

As a business owner, you may not regularly think about the fire extinguishers in your building or the need for them to be regularly inspected. But these fire suppression systems are an essential tool against life-threatening fires. Thus, it’s essential to make sure that these fire protection systems will be reliable and ready to use in the event of a fire.

Fire extinguisher inspections in Tulsa and OKC are also required for companies to remain code compliant. What are some of the requirements for fire extinguisher inspections?

Monthly Inspections

Employers need to make sure that fire extinguishers are visually inspected monthly, pursuant to OSHA 1910.157(e)(2).  The business owner or a designated agent can perform this inspection.  During this inspection, you should ensure that: 

• There are no visual signs of damage or leakage on the fire extinguisher.
• All fire extinguishers are in their proper place and can clearly be seen.
•  All of the safety seals and pins are intact.
• The operating instructions can clearly be seen.
• Make sure the extinguisher is still full. A dry chemical fire extinguisher should be shaken gently according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The pressure gauge is in the operable range.

These inspections are important because fire extinguishers that have been damaged can be dangerous. The canister could possibly explode if it has significant damage or leakage.

Annual Inspections 

A comprehensive maintenance service must to be done at least once a year, or more often in extreme environments, as well as if an inspection indicates a need and at the time of hydrostatic testing, according to NFPA 10 and OSHA 1910.157(e)(3). A certified fire suppression professional should conduct this annual maintenance.

Mac Systems in Oklahoma City and Tulsa offers extensive on-site fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance services for all types and brands of extinguishers and fire protection systems. Our NICET-certified inspectors can perform almost all fire extinguisher services on-site including routine maintenance, recharging, internal examinations and required 6-year inspections. Hydrostatic testing is the only inspection that has to be performed off-site.

Other Required Inspections

Fire extinguishers are also required to have a more thorough examination and testing every few years, based on the type of fire extinguisher. Stored-pressure extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic testing are also required to have an internal examination and applicable maintenance procedures every 6 years.  Some of other types of fire extinguishers are required to have hydrostatic testing every 5 years. Consult the extinguisher’s manual for the specific requirements of each extinguisher.

Rather than worry about fire extinguisher inspections for your business, why not leave everything to the fire protection experts at Mac Systems in Tulsa and OKC? We can take care of all your fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, as well as documentation and reporting needs in order to keep you safe and code compliant.