Fire Extinguisher Inspection Frequency: What U.S. Codes Require

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REGULATORY FRAMEWORK OVERVIEW

Fire code compliance for fire extinguisher inspection frequency derives from three regulatory sources:

“`
FEDERAL LEVEL
↓
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157
(Occupational Safety & Health Administration)
↓
Establishes minimum standards for workplaces
↓
Incorporates NFPA standards by reference

CONSENSUS STANDARD
↓
NFPA 10
(National Fire Protection Association)
↓
Technical standard for portable fire extinguishers
↓
Provides detailed inspection requirements

LOCAL LEVEL
↓
State/Municipal Fire Codes
↓
Adopt NFPA standards (sometimes with amendments)
↓
Enforced by local fire marshals
“`

Understanding all three layers ensures complete fire code compliance.

This article provides definitive inspection frequency requirements from each regulatory source, clarifies compliance obligations, and explains how 48Fire services satisfy all code requirements.

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FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards

Applicability: Any workplace with employees under OSHA jurisdiction

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§ 1910.157(e)(2) – MONTHLY VISUAL INSPECTIONS

Exact regulatory language:

“The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are visually inspected monthly.”

Fire code compliance requirements:

Requirement Element	Regulatory Mandate	Compliance Action
Frequency	Monthly	Inspections at approximately 30-day intervals
Type	Visual inspection	External examination, no disassembly
Responsibility	Employer	Employer must ensure completion
Documentation	Implied (best practice)	Records prove compliance

What “monthly” means:

• Approximately 30-day intervals
• Some variation acceptable (not exceeding 45 days between inspections)
• Consistent pattern throughout year
• No seasonal gaps permitted

What “visual inspection” includes:
While OSHA doesn’t specify criteria, NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1.1 (incorporated by reference) requires examination of eight specific elements.

Employer obligations for fire code compliance:
□ Ensure inspections occur monthly
□ Designate responsible person(s)
□ Maintain inspection schedule
□ Document completion
□ Address deficiencies identified

48Fire monthly inspection services satisfy OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2) requirements through systematic 30-day interval inspections with complete documentation.

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§ 1910.157(e)(3) – ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

Exact regulatory language:

“The employer shall assure that stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall assure that alternate equivalent protection is provided when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging.”

Key compliance points:

Maintenance frequency:

• At least once per year (NFPA 10 Section 7.3 incorporated by reference)
• Maximum 12-month interval between services
• Professional service required

Stored pressure exemption clarification:
The regulation states stored pressure extinguishers “do not require an internal examination” during annual maintenance. However, NFPA 10 Section 7.3.1 requires six-year internal examination for certain stored-pressure types. Both requirements apply.

Fire code compliance obligations:

Element	Requirement	Compliance Method
Frequency	Annually (12 months maximum)	Schedule before deadline
Provider	Qualified person	Certified technician
Scope	Per NFPA 10 Section 7.3	Complete maintenance
Coverage	Alternate protection during service	Temporary units
Documentation	Service tag per NFPA	Record maintenance

48Fire annual maintenance services provide fire code compliance through NFPA-certified technicians performing complete Section 7.3 maintenance within 12-month intervals.

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§ 1910.157(e)(4) – DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT REMOVAL

Exact regulatory language:

“The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers found to be defective shall be removed from service and replaced with an extinguisher which has at least the same minimum rating, or shall be immediately repaired.”

Inspection frequency implication:
This provision reinforces monthly inspection importance – defects must be identified to be removed. Regular inspection frequency enables defect detection.

Fire code compliance actions:
□ Defective equipment removed immediately upon discovery
□ Replacement or repair without delay
□ Equivalent or greater rating ensured
□ Documentation of removal and replacement

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§ 1910.157(g)(1) – HYDROSTATIC TESTING

Exact regulatory language:

“The employer shall assure that hydrostatic testing is performed by trained persons with suitable testing equipment and facilities.”

Testing frequency:
OSHA incorporates NFPA 10 testing intervals by reference (see NFPA 10 Table 8.3.1 below).

Fire code compliance requirements:
□ Testing per NFPA intervals (5 or 12 years)
□ Qualified testing facility
□ Trained personnel
□ Proper equipment
□ Documentation maintained

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NFPA 10 REQUIREMENTS

Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

Status: Consensus standard incorporated into OSHA regulations and most state/local fire codes

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SECTION 7.2 – INSPECTION (MONTHLY)

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1 requirement:

“Fire extinguishers shall be inspected when initially placed in service and thereafter at approximately 30-day intervals.”

Frequency specification for fire code compliance:

“`
INSPECTION TIMELINE

Initial Placement
↓
First inspection immediately upon installation
↓
30 DAYS
↓
Second inspection
↓
30 DAYS
↓
Third inspection
↓
[CONTINUES MONTHLY]
“`

“Approximately 30-day intervals” interpretation:

• Target: 30 days
• Acceptable range: 25-35 days typically
• Must not exceed: 45 days
• Pattern consistency: Required

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NFPA 10 SECTION 7.2.1.1 – EIGHT MANDATORY CRITERIA

Fire code compliance requires examination of all eight elements:

CRITERIA CHECKLIST

“`
□ 1. LOCATION
└─ Located in designated place

□ 2. ACCESSIBILITY
└─ No obstruction to access or visibility

□ 3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
└─ Legible and facing outward

□ 4. PRESSURE GAUGE
└─ In operable range/position

□ 5. FULLNESS
└─ Determined by weighing or hefting

□ 6. PHYSICAL CONDITION
└─ No obvious damage, corrosion, leakage

□ 7. HOSE AND NOZZLE
└─ Clear and free of damage

□ 8. SEALS/TAMPER INDICATORS
└─ Pin and tamper seal intact
“`

All eight criteria must be examined each monthly inspection for fire code compliance.

48Fire inspection programs examine all eight NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1.1 criteria systematically every 30 days with digital documentation.

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SECTION 7.2.2 – INSPECTION DOCUMENTATION

NFPA 10 requirement:

“Manual or electronic records shall be maintained to provide evidence that the required inspections have been performed.”

Documentation frequency requirement:

• Records for each monthly inspection
• Minimum 12-month retention recommended
• Permanent retention preferred
• Accessible format required

Fire code compliance documentation includes:
□ Date of each inspection
□ Inspector identification
□ Equipment identification
□ Findings/deficiencies
□ Corrective actions

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SECTION 7.3 – MAINTENANCE (ANNUAL)

NFPA 10 Section 7.3.1 frequency requirement:

“Fire extinguishers shall be subjected to maintenance at intervals of not more than 1 year, at the time of hydrostatic test, or when specifically indicated by an inspection or electronic notification.”

Frequency triggers for fire code compliance:

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED:

“`
TRIGGER 1: Time-Based
└─ 12 months since last maintenance

TRIGGER 2: Testing
└─ Hydrostatic test performed

TRIGGER 3: Inspection Finding
└─ Deficiency requiring maintenance

TRIGGER 4: Electronic Alert
└─ Smart monitoring notification
“`

Maximum interval: 12 months between maintenance services regardless of other factors.

Fire code compliance scheduling:

• Service at 11-month mark (buffer for scheduling)
• Never exceed 12 months
• Document service date
• Calculate next due date

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SECTION 7.3.1 – SIX-YEAR INTERNAL EXAMINATION

NFPA 10 requirement:

“Every 6 years, stored pressure type extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test shall be emptied and subjected to maintenance procedures.”

Frequency specification:

• First examination: 6 years after manufacturing or previous examination
• Subsequent examinations: Every 6 years
• Applies to: Dry chemical stored-pressure extinguishers primarily

Fire code compliance timeline example:

“`
Year 0: Manufacturing
Year 6: First six-year examination ← REQUIRED
Year 12: Hydrostatic test + examination ← REQUIRED
Year 18: Second six-year examination ← REQUIRED
Year 24: Second hydrostatic test + examination ← REQUIRED
“`

48Fire tracks six-year examination schedules automatically, ensuring fire code compliance through timely service coordination.

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SECTION 8 – HYDROSTATIC TESTING FREQUENCY

NFPA 10 Table 8.3.1 – Test Intervals

Fire code compliance testing frequencies:

Extinguisher Type	Test Interval	First Test	Subsequent Tests
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)	5 years	5 years after manufacturing	Every 5 years
Water (stored pressure)	5 years	5 years after manufacturing	Every 5 years
Foam (stored pressure)	5 years	5 years after manufacturing	Every 5 years
Wet Chemical	5 years	5 years after manufacturing	Every 5 years
Dry Chemical (stored pressure)	12 years	12 years after manufacturing	Every 12 years
Clean Agent (Halon, Halotron, FE-36)	12 years	12 years after manufacturing	Every 12 years
Cartridge-Operated	5 years	5 years after manufacturing	Every 5 years

Fire code compliance tracking:

• Manufacturing date documented
• First test due date calculated
• Subsequent intervals tracked
• Service scheduled before deadline

NFPA 10 Section 8.3.3 documentation requirement:

“Permanent records shall be maintained for each hydrostatic test.”

Frequency of record-keeping: Permanent retention for all tests performed.

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STATE AND LOCAL FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE

Jurisdictional Variations

Most jurisdictions adopt NFPA 10 with federal OSHA requirements, but variations exist.

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Adoption Patterns

STANDARD ADOPTION

“`
TIER 1: Direct NFPA 10 Adoption
├─ Most common approach
├─ NFPA 10 adopted without amendment
├─ Inspection frequency: Monthly per Section 7.2
└─ Maintenance frequency: Annual per Section 7.3

TIER 2: NFPA with Local Amendments
├─ Base NFPA 10 standard
├─ Local modifications added
├─ Frequency may be more stringent
└─ Additional documentation may be required

TIER 3: State-Specific Codes
├─ Some states develop independent codes
├─ Usually similar to NFPA
├─ May have different frequency specifications
└─ Consult local authority
“`

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Common Local Variations Affecting Frequency

Inspection frequency enhancements:

Some jurisdictions require:

• Weekly inspections in high-risk occupancies
• Quarterly professional inspections (in addition to monthly)
• Pre-event inspections for assembly occupancies
• Post-incident inspections

Maintenance frequency enhancements:

Variations may include:

• Semi-annual maintenance in specific occupancies
• Quarterly service for critical facilities
• Enhanced maintenance for coastal environments

Fire code compliance strategy:

1. Verify OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157 compliance (federal baseline)

2. Confirm NFPA 10 compliance (technical standard)

3. Check local fire marshal requirements (jurisdiction-specific)

4. Implement most stringent requirement

48Fire provides jurisdiction-specific fire code compliance guidance ensuring facilities meet federal, consensus standard, and local requirements.

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Fire Marshal Enforcement

Local fire marshals enforce inspection frequency requirements:

Enforcement mechanisms:

• Annual fire inspections
• Complaint-driven inspections
• Pre-occupancy inspections
• Special event inspections

Common citations for frequency non-compliance:

• Missing monthly inspection months (gaps in records)
• Annual maintenance exceeded 12-month interval
• Testing overdue per NFPA intervals
• Inadequate documentation of inspection frequency

Penalty ranges:
Vary by jurisdiction from $500 to $5,000+ per violation, with amounts dependent on local ordinances and violation severity.

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SPECIAL OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS

Frequency Variations by Property Type

Certain occupancies have enhanced inspection frequency requirements for fire code compliance.

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High-Rise Buildings

Enhanced frequency common in jurisdictions:

• Monthly inspections: Standard NFPA requirement
• Quarterly professional verification: Some jurisdictions add
• Semi-annual comprehensive inspection: High-rise specific codes

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Healthcare Facilities

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements:

• Monthly inspections: NFPA 10 standard
• Testing compliance: Strictly enforced
• Documentation: Enhanced requirements for accreditation

Joint Commission standards:
May require more frequent verification in patient care areas.

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Educational Institutions

Additional frequency considerations:

• Summer break inspections: Required despite no occupancy
• Pre-semester verification: Common requirement
• Dormitory inspections: May be more frequent

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Industrial Facilities

Depending on hazard classification:

• Standard frequency: NFPA 10 monthly/annual
• Enhanced frequency: Possible in high-hazard areas
• Process safety management: Additional requirements possible

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FREQUENCY COMPLIANCE CALENDAR

Annual Fire Code Compliance Timeline

12-month planning for complete regulatory satisfaction:

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MONTHLY CYCLE (Repeating)

“`
MONTH 1
├─ Monthly inspection performed
├─ Documentation completed
├─ Deficiencies addressed
└─ Records filed

[MONTHS 2-11: Same pattern]

MONTH 12
├─ Monthly inspection performed
├─ Annual maintenance DUE
├─ Professional service scheduled
└─ Next year calendar updated
“`

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MULTI-YEAR EVENTS

SIX-YEAR CYCLE

“`
Year 1-5: Monthly inspections + Annual maintenance
Year 6: Monthly inspections + Annual maintenance + Six-year examination
Year 7-11: Monthly inspections + Annual maintenance
Year 12: Monthly inspections + Annual maintenance + Hydrostatic testing
Year 13+: Pattern continues
“`

Fire code compliance advantage:
Tracking all frequency requirements in integrated calendar prevents deadline violations.

48Fire automated calendar systems manage all inspection frequency requirements with advance notifications ensuring continuous fire code compliance.

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DOCUMENTATION FREQUENCY REQUIREMENTS

How Often Records Must Be Created and Maintained

Fire code compliance documentation frequency:

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Inspection Records – MONTHLY

Creation frequency: Every inspection (monthly minimum)

Required elements each time:
□ Date of inspection
□ Inspector name/initials
□ Equipment identification
□ All eight criteria results
□ Deficiencies identified
□ Corrective actions

Retention frequency: Permanent preferred, 12 months minimum

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Maintenance Records – ANNUAL

Creation frequency: Each maintenance service (annual minimum)

Required elements:
□ Service date
□ Technician identification
□ Work performed
□ Components replaced
□ Next service due

Retention frequency: Permanent per NFPA 10

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Testing Records – PERIODIC

Creation frequency: Each test event (5 or 12-year intervals)

Required per NFPA 10 Section 8.3.3:
□ Test date
□ Test pressure
□ Duration
□ Pass/fail result
□ Technician
□ Next test due

Retention frequency: Permanent (NFPA 10 explicitly requires)

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VIOLATION CONSEQUENCES

Non-Compliance with Inspection Frequency Requirements

Understanding enforcement consequences reinforces fire code compliance importance.

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OSHA Penalties

For monthly inspection frequency violations:

• Citation type: Serious (typically)
• Penalty range: Up to $16,131 per violation
• Multiple violations: Each missing month can be separate citation

For annual maintenance frequency violations:

• Citation type: Serious
• Penalty range: Up to $16,131
• Enhanced penalties: Willful violations up to $161,323

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Fire Marshal Citations

Frequency-related violations commonly cited:

• Gaps in monthly inspection records
• Annual maintenance exceeded 12-month interval
• Testing overdue
• Inadequate documentation of frequency

Consequences:

• Monetary fines (jurisdiction-dependent)
• Correction orders with deadlines
• Re-inspection requirements
• Business license impacts possible

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Insurance Implications

Frequency non-compliance affects coverage:

• Premium increases possible
• Coverage limitations
• Claims processing complications
• Policy cancellation risk in severe cases

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COMPLIANCE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

Meeting All Frequency Requirements

48Fire systematic approach to fire code compliance:

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Automated Frequency Tracking

Digital system manages:

□ Monthly inspection scheduling (30-day intervals)
□ Annual maintenance deadlines (12-month tracking)
□ Six-year examination timing
□ Hydrostatic testing intervals (5 or 12-year)
□ Advance notifications preventing violations
□ Management dashboard visibility

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Professional Service Coordination

48Fire services satisfy all frequency requirements:

MONTHLY INSPECTIONS

• Scheduled automatically every 30 days
• All eight NFPA criteria examined
• Digital documentation created
• Deficiencies flagged immediately

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

• Scheduled before 12-month deadline
• Certified technician service
• Complete NFPA 10 Section 7.3 scope
• Service tag documentation

SIX-YEAR EXAMINATIONS

• Age tracking automatic
• Proactive scheduling
• Complete internal inspection
• Component replacement

HYDROSTATIC TESTING

• Interval calculation automated
• Testing facility coordination
• Complete documentation
• Failed equipment replacement

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Documentation Management

Fire code compliance records:

□ All inspection records digital and accessible
□ Service history complete
□ Testing documentation permanent
□ Instant audit reports
□ Jurisdiction-specific formatting

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CONCLUSION

Fire Code Compliance Frequency Requirements Summary

Federal OSHA Requirements:

• Monthly visual inspections (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2))
• Annual maintenance (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3))
• Hydrostatic testing per NFPA intervals (29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1))

NFPA 10 Technical Standard:

• Inspections at approximately 30-day intervals (Section 7.2)
• Maintenance at intervals not exceeding 12 months (Section 7.3)
• Six-year internal examination for applicable types (Section 7.3.1)
• Hydrostatic testing per Table 8.3.1 (5 or 12 years)

Local Fire Codes:

• Typically adopt NFPA 10 standards
• May include more stringent frequency requirements
• Jurisdiction verification essential
• Fire marshal enforcement

Frequency Compliance Through 48Fire:

• Automated 30-day inspection scheduling
• 12-month maintenance tracking
• Six-year examination management
• Hydrostatic testing coordination
• Complete documentation for all frequencies
• Jurisdiction-specific compliance

Fire code compliance achieved through systematic frequency management, professional service delivery, and comprehensive documentation across all regulatory requirements.

[Ensure Complete Frequency Compliance](/contact-us)

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