The Inspection Checklist That Passes Every Fire Code Review

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TWO FACILITIES, ONE AUDIT DAY

Morning – Distribution Center A

Fire marshal requests monthly fire extinguisher inspection records. Manager produces clipboard with half-completed forms. Missing February, March, July. Inconsistent inspector signatures. No deficiency tracking.

Fire marshal identifies gaps: “NFPA 10 Section 7.2 requires approximately 30-day intervals. Section 7.2.2 requires records proving inspections occurred.”

Result: Citation issued. $1,200 penalty. 30-day correction order.

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Afternoon – Distribution Center B

Fire marshal requests monthly fire extinguisher inspection records. Manager opens digital system showing complete 18-month history. Every unit documented. Photos included. Deficiency tracking present. 48Fire system demonstrates systematic compliance.

Fire marshal reviews records, examines equipment, verifies documentation accuracy.

Result: Zero citations. Compliance commended in report.

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The difference: Both facilities had well-maintained equipment. Documentation quality determined outcomes.

This article provides the complete monthly fire extinguisher inspection checklist satisfying NFPA 10 requirements and passing fire code reviews.

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NFPA 10 REQUIREMENTS

The Inspection Mandate

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1:

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

“Approximately 30-day intervals” means:

• Monthly inspection required
• Consistent systematic schedule
• Reasonable timing flexibility
• Not optional

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Eight Required Criteria

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1.1 specifies what monthly fire extinguisher inspection must verify:

(1) Located in designated place

(2) Access to extinguisher not obstructed, conspicuous

(3) Operating instructions legible, facing outward

(4) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in operable range

(5) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting

(6) Extinguisher free of obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage

(7) Hose and nozzle clear, free of damage

(8) Seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing

All eight criteria must be checked during every monthly fire extinguisher inspection.

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Documentation Requirement

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.2:

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

Translation: Monthly fire extinguisher inspection without documentation = NFPA violation.

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COMPLETE MONTHLY FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Criterion 1: Designated Location

NFPA requirement: Located in designated place

Verification checklist:

□ Unit in correct mounting location
□ Mounting bracket secure and undamaged
□ Height compliant (top ≤5 ft for units ≤40 lb; ≤3.5 ft for units >40 lb per NFPA 10 Section 6.1.3.1)
□ Floor clearance minimum 4 inches (NFPA 10 Section 6.1.3.4)
□ Unit not relocated without authorization

Common deficiencies:

• Equipment removed temporarily, not returned
• Loose mounting brackets
• Unit on floor (violation)
• Unauthorized relocation

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Criterion 2: Accessibility and Visibility

NFPA requirement: Access not obstructed, conspicuous

Verification checklist:

□ Nothing blocking access
□ Adequate clearance maintained per NFPA 10 Section 6.1.2.1
□ Easily visible from approach
□ Signage visible and unobstructed
□ No materials creating barriers

Common deficiencies:

• Temporary storage blocking access
• Equipment parked in front
• Materials creating obstructions
• Covered or removed signage

Photo documentation recommended: Capture clear access path during monthly fire extinguisher inspection.

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Criterion 3: Operating Instructions

NFPA requirement: Operating instructions legible, facing outward

Verification checklist:

□ Nameplate present and intact
□ Instructions readable (not faded/damaged)
□ Instructions facing outward
□ All text legible from reading distance
□ Pictographic instructions clear
□ Critical information visible (type, rating, agent)

Readability test:

• Can you read manufacturer name?
• Can you read rating?
• Can you read agent type?
• Can you read operating instructions?

Common issues:

• Fading from sunlight
• Paint overspray covering labels
• Physical damage from impacts
• Labels rotated against wall

Critical: Unit with illegible instructions cannot remain in service per NFPA 10.

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Criterion 4: Pressure Gauge

NFPA requirement: Pressure gauge reading in operable range

For stored pressure types:

□ Gauge present and undamaged
□ Gauge glass clear
□ Needle visible and readable
□ Needle in operable range
□ Gauge responsive (tap gently—needle should move)

Gauge assessment:

Operable range (acceptable):

• Needle in manufacturer’s specified range
• Equipment remains in service

Marginal range (monitor):

• Needle at low/high end of acceptable
• Document for service awareness
• Increase inspection frequency

Non-operable range (immediate service):

• Needle outside operable range
• Remove from service immediately
• Install temporary replacement

Stuck gauge:

• Needle doesn’t respond to tapping
• Gauge mechanically failed
• Immediate service required

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For CO2 types:

□ Remove from bracket
□ Weigh on certified scale
□ Compare to specification weight
□ Calculate deviation
□ Verify within ±10% tolerance

Documentation:

• Specification weight: _____ lbs
• Actual weight: _____ lbs
• Deviation: _____ %
• Pass/Fail

Photo requirement: Photograph gauge reading during every monthly fire extinguisher inspection.

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Criterion 5: Fullness Verification

NFPA requirement: Fullness determined by weighing or hefting

Heft test (standard):

□ Lift unit from bracket
□ Weight feels appropriate
□ No obvious agent loss
□ Weight consistent with previous inspection

Approximate total weights:

• 5 lb dry chemical: ~9-10 lbs
• 10 lb dry chemical: ~19-21 lbs
• 20 lb dry chemical: ~39-42 lbs

Indicators requiring weighing:

• Unit feels lighter than expected
• Weight decreased from previous check
• History of slow pressure loss
• Gauge shows pressure but weight questionable

When weighing required:

• CO2 types (mandatory every monthly fire extinguisher inspection)
• Suspected agent loss
• After impact or damage
• Units with leak history

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Criterion 6: Physical Condition

NFPA requirement: Free of obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage

Shell examination:

□ No dents or deformations
□ No rust or corrosion
□ Paint/coating intact
□ No impact damage
□ Welds intact
□ Bottom rim undamaged

Corrosion severity:

Minor (cosmetic):

• Surface oxidation only
• Note for annual maintenance

Moderate (progressing):

• Rust spreading
• Schedule enhanced maintenance

Severe (structural):

• Pitting visible
• Immediate service required
• Possible replacement needed

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Leakage detection:

□ No powder residue around valve
□ No agent staining on floor
□ No discharge evidence
□ Valve assembly dry
□ No slow leak indicators

Environmental factors:

Document conditions affecting equipment:

• Outdoor mounting
• High humidity areas
• Chemical exposure
• Salt air environments
• Temperature extremes

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Criterion 7: Hose and Nozzle

NFPA requirement: Hose and nozzle clear, free of damage

Hose inspection:

□ Attached securely
□ No cracks in material
□ No abrasion or wear
□ Not kinked or twisted
□ Coupling tight
□ Flexible, not degraded

Degradation signs:

• Rubber hardening from age
• Surface cracking
• Loss of flexibility
• Discoloration
• Coupling corrosion

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Nozzle inspection:

□ Nozzle present and attached
□ Discharge opening clear
□ No visible blockage
□ Not damaged or deformed
□ No corrosion affecting operation

Blockage check:

• Visually inspect opening
• Verify no foreign material
• Check for insect nests (outdoor units)
• Confirm proper orientation

Common problems:

• Cracks from UV exposure
• Contamination blockages
• Impact damage
• Insect nests
• Corrosion at couplings

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Criterion 8: Seals and Tamper Indicators

NFPA requirement: Seals and tamper indicators not broken or missing

Safety pin verification:

□ Pin present
□ Intact and unbent
□ Proper size/type
□ Correctly installed through handle
□ No removal attempts evident

Tamper seal verification:

□ Seal present
□ Unbroken
□ Properly attached
□ Seal number legible
□ No tampering evidence

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CRITICAL: Broken seal protocol

If seal broken or pin missing:

1. Tag unit “OUT OF SERVICE”

2. Remove from service immediately

3. Notify management

4. Determine if discharged

5. Schedule emergency service

6. Install temporary replacement

Broken seals indicate:

• Possible discharge
• Tampering
• Reliability unknown
• Immediate verification required

Unit cannot remain in service with broken seal.

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DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Per Unit Information

Complete monthly fire extinguisher inspection documentation:

Equipment identification:

• Exact location (building, floor, room)
• Serial number or asset tag
• Type, size, rating
• Manufacturing date

Inspection results:

• Date performed
• Inspector name/signature
• All eight criteria status (pass/fail)
• Specific deficiencies noted
• Actions taken
• Follow-up required

Supporting evidence:

• Photographs (gauge, condition, deficiencies)
• Weight measurements (if performed)
• Environmental notes
• Service recommendations

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Digital vs. Paper Systems

Paper-based:

Advantages:

• Simple implementation
• No technology required
• Low initial cost

Limitations:

• Time-consuming for audits
• Difficult to search history
• No automatic reminders
• Limited photo integration

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Digital systems (48Fire provides):

Advantages:

• Cloud-based 24/7 access
• Automatic deadline tracking
• Integrated photographic evidence
• GPS location verification
• Instant audit reports
• Searchable history
• Real-time compliance status

Audit benefits:

• Immediate documentation production
• Professional comprehensive reports
• Photo evidence supporting claims
• Date/location verification
• Technician credential access

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SYSTEMATIC IMPLEMENTATION

Creating Inspection Routes

Systematic approach prevents missed units:

Route development:

1. Map all equipment locations

2. Create efficient pathways

3. Number units sequentially

4. Note special access requirements

5. Document route sequence

Benefits:

• Zero missed units
• Consistent timing
• Efficient inspector time
• Easier training
• Audit verification

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Scheduling That Works

Preventing missed monthly fire extinguisher inspection:

Calendar integration:

• Recurring monthly reminders
• Same day each month
• Block inspector time
• Include backup days
• Account for holidays

Automated systems:

• Email notifications before due
• Dashboard compliance status
• Overdue alerts
• Management visibility
• Inspector accountability

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Deficiency Management

Categorizing problems found during monthly fire extinguisher inspection:

Minor (cosmetic):

• Surface rust
• Faded labels
• Action: Document for annual maintenance

Moderate (functional concern):

• Gauge in marginal range
• Early hose deterioration
• Action: Schedule service within 30 days

Severe (immediate safety):

• Gauge in non-operable range
• Broken seals
• Severe corrosion
• Action: Remove from service, emergency service

Tracking:

□ Issue identified
□ Severity assessed
□ Immediate action taken
□ Service scheduled
□ Completion verified
□ Return to service documented

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FIRE CODE REVIEW PREPARATION

What Inspectors Examine

Documentation completeness:

□ 12+ months of records
□ All facility units included
□ 30-day frequency maintained
□ All eight criteria documented
□ Deficiencies corrected
□ Inspector accountability established

Physical verification:

□ Documentation matches equipment
□ Locations accurate
□ Conditions align with reports
□ Service tags match records
□ Corrections visible

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Presenting Documentation

Best practices:

Digital presentation:

• System access ready
• Internet connectivity verified
• Search capabilities demonstrated
• Backup reports available

Paper presentation:

• Organized chronologically
• Indexed for quick location
• Complete for review period
• Professional appearance

Response readiness:

• Know inspection process
• Can explain corrections
• Understand NFPA requirements
• Confidence in quality

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COMMON MISTAKES

What Fails Reviews

Inconsistent frequency:
❌ Sporadic inspections with gaps
✓ Consistent monthly schedule

Incomplete criteria:
❌ Only checking gauge
✓ All eight NFPA criteria examined

Generic documentation:
❌ Same “OK” every month
✓ Accurate assessment each time

Missing months:
❌ Documentation gaps
✓ Complete continuous record

No deficiency follow-up:
❌ Problem noted, no correction documented
✓ Issue identified, corrected, verified

Unverifiable inspections:
❌ No inspector accountability
✓ Inspector identified and traceable

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BENEFITS

Beyond Compliance

Regulatory:

• NFPA 10 compliance verified
• OSHA 1910.157 satisfied
• Fire code review passage
• Zero citations

Safety:

• Early problem detection
• Equipment reliability assured
• Continuous protection maintained

Financial:

• Avoided penalties ($500-2,000 typical)
• Prevented emergency replacements
• Insurance acceptance maintained
• Equipment life maximized

Operational:

• Predictable budget
• Management confidence
• Audit readiness
• Professional documentation

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CONCLUSION

Complete monthly fire extinguisher inspection checklist includes:

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1.1 eight mandatory criteria:

1. Designated location verified

2. Access unobstructed

3. Instructions legible, facing outward

4. Pressure in operable range

5. Fullness verified

6. No damage, corrosion, leakage

7. Hose and nozzle clear

8. Seals intact

NFPA 10 Section 7.2.2 documentation:

• All inspections recorded
• 30-day intervals maintained
• All criteria examined
• Deficiencies tracked and corrected
• Records maintained permanently
• Inspector accountability

Implementation:

• Systematic routes
• Consistent scheduling
• Complete documentation
• Photographic evidence
• Deficiency management
• Audit-ready organization

48Fire monthly fire extinguisher inspection programs provide NFPA-compliant checklists, digital documentation, automated scheduling, photographic evidence, and instant audit-ready reports—ensuring fire code review passage without citations.

[Implement Professional Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection](/contact-us)

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48Fire
Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspection Programs
NFPA Section 7.2 Compliance • Digital Documentation • Fire Code Ready

Contact: [/contact-us](/contact-us)