Fire extinguisher monthly inspection checklist
A plain, printable checklist for the monthly visual check on portable fire extinguishers. Print it and use it on paper, or put it on a QR sticker with F.O.R.C. — Facilities Operational Reports & Compliance so every check is saved with a name and a time.
Print this checklist · Do it by QR, free →
What the rule says (short version)
For general industry, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2) says portable extinguishers have to be visually inspected monthly. 1910.157(e)(3) adds an annual maintenance check, and the employer has to record the annual maintenance date and keep that record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. Many sites also follow NFPA 10 and their fire marshal's or insurer's requirements.
Read the regulation yourself at osha.gov 1910.157, and check with your local fire authority. This checklist is a practical starting point, not legal advice, and using it doesn't guarantee compliance.
Printable checklist
Extinguisher ID / location: ____________________
Type / size: ____________________
Month / year: __________ Inspected by: ____________________ Date: ________
| # | Check | OK | Problem |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Extinguisher is in its assigned spot | ☐ | ☐ |
| 2 | Nothing blocking access or view; sign visible if used | ☐ | ☐ |
| 3 | Mounted securely (hanger/bracket/cabinet in good shape) | ☐ | ☐ |
| 4 | Pressure gauge needle in the green (if it has a gauge) | ☐ | ☐ |
| 5 | Safety pin in place, tamper seal intact | ☐ | ☐ |
| 6 | No visible damage: dents, rust, corrosion, leaks | ☐ | ☐ |
| 7 | Hose/nozzle not cracked, clogged, or loose | ☐ | ☐ |
| 8 | Operating instructions on the label readable and facing out | ☐ | ☐ |
| 9 | Annual service tag present and current | ☐ | ☐ |
| 10 | Seems full (heft it, or check the weight if required) | ☐ | ☐ |
Problems found / action taken: ________________________________________
If anything fails: take it out of service if it isn't usable, put a working extinguisher in its place, and get it to whoever services your extinguishers. Don't just note it and walk away.
Tips from the floor
- Do it the same week every month. Tie it to something that already happens, like the first Monday.
- Initials aren't enough later. When someone asks who checked it, a full name and date answers the question.
- Tags get lost. The paper tag on the extinguisher works, but a backup record somewhere else saves you when the tag goes missing.
- Gauge in the green isn't the whole check. A full extinguisher behind a stack of pallets still fails.
Doing it by QR code
Put a F.O.R.C. sticker on each extinguisher or its cabinet. Whoever does the monthly round scans it, answers the same items on their phone, and submits. You get:
- The operator's name and timestamp on every check
- Failed items flagged for follow-up
- A list of what got missed this month
- CSV or PDF export anytime
Free for 1 site and 3 pieces of equipment. See pricing →
More checklists
- Forklift inspection checklist
- Eyewash station weekly checklist
- Pallet jack inspection checklist
- Equipment inspection records: what auditors ask for
- How QR equipment inspections work
FAQ
How often do fire extinguishers need to be inspected?
Under OSHA 1910.157 for general industry, a visual inspection monthly and a maintenance check yearly. Your fire code, NFPA 10, or your insurer may add more.
Who can do the monthly check?
The monthly visual check is usually done by someone on site. Annual maintenance and internal service are typically done by a qualified service company. Check your local requirements.
Do I have to keep records of monthly checks?
1910.157(e)(3) specifically calls out recording the annual maintenance date. Many sites also keep monthly records, often on the tag, because fire marshals, insurers, and auditors ask for them. Keeping a clear record is a good idea either way.
Is this checklist free?
Yes. Print it and use it. No sign-up needed.
Does using F.O.R.C. make my extinguisher program compliant?
No. F.O.R.C. keeps the records of the checks you do. It doesn't certify compliance.
Questions: forc@theorc.dev