How often should fire extinguishers be visually inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be visually inspected monthly to ensure that they are in good working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency. Monthly inspections include checking for any obvious signs of damage, ensuring that the pressure gauge is in the operable range, confirming that the safety seal is intact, and verifying that the extinguisher is easily accessible and not obstructed.

Regular monthly inspections help identify any issues before a fire incident occurs, maintaining the effectiveness of fire extinguishers as part of a comprehensive fire safety plan. This proactive approach is crucial because relying on inspections only after usage, annually, or every six months may not effectively ensure that extinguishers remain in good condition and compliant with safety standards.