Does OSHA require fire extinguisher inspections?
Inspection, maintenance and testing.
The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace. Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly.
A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A, shall be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area, or major fraction thereof. Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 100 feet.
Portable fire extinguishers are required to be visually inspected when initially placed in service and at least monthly at a minimum of 30-day intervals thereafter [see NFPA 10(10), Sec. 7.2. 1]. These inspections can be performed by facility staff.
- Fire extinguishers.
- Eyewashes and safety showers.
- Cranes and hoists.
- Emergency escape respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus.
NFPA 10 requires extinguishers be inspected when they are initially installed and once a month after that. You should inspect extinguishers more frequently if they are installed in locations where they are more prone to rust, impact or tampering.
Every 12 months, you must have your fire extinguishers serviced, referred to as a “basic service”. This service should be carried out in accordance with the BS 5036-3 standard and should be conducted by a third party, accredited fire extinguisher technician, with the correct tools, training and experience.
Check these details during a monthly fire extinguisher inspection. Confirm the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and in its designated location. Verify the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken. Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
The employer shall provide the education required in paragraph (g)(1) of this section upon initial employment and at least annually thereafter.
When do fire extinguishers expire? Although they don't have a true "expiration date," traditional fire extinguishers generally have a 10-12 year life expectancy. Disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers should be replaced every 10 years.
Employers need to perform a full maintenance check on their workplace's portable fire extinguishers once per year, according to OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3). "Maintenance" means a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of all your facility's portable fire extinguishers, as covered in NFPA 10(98), Sec.
Do fire extinguishers expire NFPA?
Based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, here are the two fire extinguisher life expectancy guidelines every business owner or facility manager needs to know: Disposable fire extinguishers - Should be replaced every 12 years. Rechargeable fire extinguishers - Should be recharged every 6 years.
Restaurant Fire Suppression Inspections
Restaurant Fire suppression Systems or kitchen hood systems need to be inspected every 6 months to remain in compliance with California commercial fire code.
Each month the equipment is in service it must be inspected in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section (each shift). Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that no corrective action under paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section is required.
So, how often does OSHA check for compliance? There's no set schedule. It may interest you to know that OSHA oversees over 7 million worksites. There is no way to inspect each one annually.
Legally, OSHA 30 never expires. But individual employers may want you to repeat the training periodically so it's fresh on your mind. Other jurisdictions set a specific refresher period.
Even in pristine condition, a fire extinguisher should be replaced every 12 years and may need to be recharged after 6. Anyone who lights candles, cooks often or just has matches in the house can benefit from a nearby fire extinguisher.
Employers need to perform a full maintenance check on their workplace's portable fire extinguishers once per year. “Maintenance” means a thorough examination and repair, as needed, of all your facility's portable fire extinguishers.
All types of portable extinguishers (Foam, Water, C02, Powder & Chemical) must be test discharged and refilled every three years.
For businesses, organisations, public buildings and HMOs, it is a legal requirement to ensure all fire extinguishers are serviced every year. Failure to maintain any equipment you provide can result in hefty fines.
When should you refill fire extinguishers? The extended service of foam, water and powder extinguishers is due either 5 years from initial commissioning or 6 years after manufacture, whatever comes first. The refurbishment of CO2 extinguishers is due after 10 years from the cylinder manufacture.
Who is responsible for ensuring fire extinguishers are serviced?
Employers have a legal responsibility under the Fire Safety Order (FSO) to ensure that fire extinguishers within the workplace are regularly serviced, so that they are kept in good repair and working order.
Attention: All extinguishers should be subject to commissioning on initial positioning. The commissioning of an extinguisher should be carried out by a competent person as defined in 3.6. described in Annex A, taking into account the safety precautions given in Clause 4. accordance with BS 5306‑8: 2012.
In most cases, compliance with NFPA standards is voluntary. However, in some cases, federal or state Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) agencies have incorporated wording from NFPA standards into regulations. In these cases, complying with the standards is mandatory.
How often does fire equipment have to be tested? All fire equipment (fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, sprinkler systems, standpipe systems, fire pumps, fire doors, etc.) requires an annual test with the exception of a kitchen hood extinguishing system. These require inspection/service every 6 months.