Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Requirements

Fire Extinguishers July 9, 2023 July 12, 2023

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Requirements

This article was previously published on Dec 3, 2018 and updated on Jul 9, 2023

A fire extinguisher is the first line of defense in the event of a fire. Commercial properties must have the correct type of fire extinguisher in the right location as mandated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To ensure your fire extinguisher will work if needed, regular maintenance and inspections should be conducted on a routine basis. Fire extinguishers should only be used against small manageable fires, not on uncontrollable blazes.
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Businesses are required to conduct internal monthly inspections on all portable fire extinguishers located on the property. These monthly inspections must be documented on the tag located on the fire extinguisher with the initials of the person who conducted the inspection and the date of the inspection. In addition to the monthly inspections, annual inspections must be conducted by a licensed fire extinguisher professional. Meticulous documentation is required for all fire extinguisher inspections, maintenance, and repairs.

Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements

Most fire extinguishers fall into the category of Dry Chemical Extinguishers, rated for fires that are Class A, B, & C. Dry Powder Extinguishers are known as Class D & Class K extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers must be inspected every month by someone certified to conduct inspections, and should include the following:

Inspection of the pressure gauge which should be pointed to the green area indicating it’s pressurized and ready for use
Visual inspections of the exterior fire extinguisher to check for any corrosion or rust
Overall readiness and easily accessible to all occupants
Check to see if the fire extinguisher is full
Verify the extinguisher is up to code

Annual inspections by a licensed fire extinguisher company must be conducted annually and should include the following:

Visual inspection for overall readiness
Verification of pressure gauge for adequate pressure
Inspection of valves and locking pins to be sure they are in the proper place and free of damage
Verification of the fire extinguisher weight and chemical compound
Proper location of fire extinguisher within the commercial property
Make sure the extinguisher’s labels are correct and visible
Confirm wheeled fire extinguishers have working tires, hoses, and nozzles
Verify all push-to-test indicators function correctly

Some fire extinguishers also require inspections and servicing by a certified person at the six-year mark.

Recordkeeping for Extinguisher Inspections and Maintenance

Each time a fire extinguisher is inspected or serviced, a detailed log of that work should be noted and saved for twelve months. All records must include the name of the technician, what maintenance was required, and the date the extinguisher was serviced or inspected.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Requirements

Any service performed on fire extinguishers must follow the manufacturer’s instructions in the service manual. All maintenance on fire extinguishers must be done by a trained person and follow regulations set forth by NFPA10.

Property owners rely on fire extinguishers as a vital part of their commercial fire and life safety system to protect the occupants of their building and protect their property from damage. It is important to have checks and balances to ensure each component of your fire safety system is working properly during a time of need.

High Rise Security Systems (HRSS) is a leader in commercial fire and life safety systems serving the Chicagoland area. We understand the importance of your fire alarm system maintaining code compliance and delivering the maximum level of protection and safety to your occupants. HRSS offers quality, UL-listed fire alarm system equipment and ensures all notification and detection devices are in their proper location.

HRSS offers our clients commercial fire alarm system consultation, design, installation, inspection and testing, maintenance, repairs, and 24/7/365 monitoring. We ensure your fire and life safety system meets all mandated codes and regulations so you can have peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more about the complete fire extinguisher services we offer as part of our fire and life safety systems.

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Reasonable Bids and High Quality Work

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group.

- Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:27:09+00:00

Every time High Rise Security Systems provides a bid it is reasonable and the work is high quality. Every person on the High Rise team is great to work with, in fact, they always make us feel like we are the only customer. The first time we worked with High Rise was during a crisis over the holidays. Everything was ordered, scheduled and fixed during the emergency time frame. They continue to serve as a trusted supplier for our Hospitality Management Group. - Cindy H, Smashotels, VP of Operations

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/reasonable-bids-high-quality-work/

Always Responsive & Fair Pricing

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS.

Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:42:47+00:00

I've known Arnold at High Rise for 10-15 years. He and his team are always responsive and provide fair pricing. I am in charge of purchasing for 4 buyers and 350-400 field people and consequently rely on trusted subcontractors such as High Rise Security Systems. Arnold is not only a good guy and enjoyable to work with, he is a high quality minority certified supplier which is important to our company. We look forward to continuing to work with HRSS. Dan P., Continental Electrical Construction Company

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/always-responsive-fair-pricing/

Trusted Notifier Partner

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs.

Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

High Rise Security Systems

2016-06-22T17:45:20+00:00

I've worked with High Rise Security Systems for many years. They are a trusted Notifier partner that pays close attention to detail. Being in the trades for over 25 years and using many different companies, I'd definitely recommend Arnold's team at High Rise Security for all your fire and security or Life Safety system needs. Steve M. at Peak Electric, Inc.

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/trusted-notifier-partner/

Thanks for making this project a success

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project.

Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise.

Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent

Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent

Nick U. ECI Superintendent

Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

High Rise Security Systems

2016-11-11T14:06:54+00:00

On behalf of Executive Construction Inc. we would like to thank you and your team for all of their efforts in making the Zurich North America Headquarters project at 1229 Zurich Way a huge success. Zurich had their final move in last weekend and are now 100% occupied. You had a great crew out here with Chris S. as your lead technician. He did a great with all aspects of the fire alarm system. He was a great help with getting our occupancy with the village and was always available to help solves problems and answer questions. We at ECI believe it takes a team to accomplish success and we appreciate, respect and include your team in the success of this project. Thanks again and we are all looking forward in doing more work in High Rise. Lee R. ECI Senior Superintendent Karl S. ECI Senior Superintendent Nick U. ECI Superintendent Dan E. ECI Senior Superintendent

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/thanks-making-project-success/

You guys did an outstanding job!

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff.

You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Dave R
Senior Project Manager

High Rise Security Systems

2017-01-09T14:53:11+00:00

The Addison project you were a sub of my sub GIM, but it was the first time I have worked with High Rise. I was very pleased with the support from both your office staff and field staff. You guys did an outstanding job! Upon internal closeout I’ll be sure to reiterate that to our estimating. I look forward to working with you in the future. Dave R Senior Project Manager

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/guys-outstanding-job/

Battaglia Industries

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs.

-Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

High Rise Security Systems

2020-09-28T12:28:31+00:00

Thank you for sending your team out today, everything went excellent. It is a “night & day” difference working with your team compared to some of our other subs. -Sean R., Project Manager at Battaglia Industries

https://hrsschicago.com/testimonials/battaglia-industries/

High Rise Security Systems