What the monthly check is<\/h2>\n
Under 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2), portable extinguishers get a visual check every month. So does any hose used in place of them. OSHA says the check makes sure the equipment is “in place, charged, and ready for use” (29 CFR 1910.155(c)(27)).<\/p>\n
It is a look, not a repair. Checking inside the extinguisher is maintenance. That is a separate yearly job.<\/p>\n
In 2006, a company asked OSHA if it could check every three months instead. OSHA said no. Monthly is the rule.<\/p>\n
The monthly checklist<\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/blackbeltsafety.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/fire-extinguisher-checklist-brackets-hands.webp\")
Photo: Seaman Apprentice Curtis Burdick, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) (public domain, via DVIDS)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIs it in place?<\/strong>
\n– [ ] The extinguisher is in its assigned spot. OSHA wants extinguishers kept in their designated places at all times, except while in use (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] It is mounted and marked so people can find it (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1)).
\n– [ ] Nothing blocks the way to it, and nobody would have to risk getting hurt to reach it (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1)).<\/p>\nIs it charged and ready?<\/strong>
\n– [ ] It is fully charged. If it has a pressure gauge, read it and follow the maker’s label (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] It looks like it will work: nothing missing, bent or broken (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] No new rust, pitting, dents or other damage. New corrosion or mechanical injury means the extinguisher needs a hydrostatic test (29 CFR 1910.157(f)(4)).
\n– [ ] If it was used, even a little, it goes out for recharging so it is fully charged again.<\/p>\nIf it fails<\/strong>
\n– [ ] Pull it from service and tell whoever handles extinguisher service.
\n– [ ] Put a working extinguisher, or equal protection, in its place until it comes back (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(5)).<\/p>\nWrite it down.<\/strong> The rule asks for a record of the yearly check, not the monthly one. Still, a date and initials on a tag or log is the easy way to show each monthly check got done.<\/p>\n\nChecking an extinguisher is one job. Using it is another.<\/strong> Our OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training course<\/a> covers fire classes, the P.A.S.S. technique and when to get out instead, in about 15 minutes, with a certificate your employer can verify.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe yearly and longer checks<\/h2>\n
Is it in place?<\/strong> Is it charged and ready?<\/strong> If it fails<\/strong> Write it down.<\/strong> The rule asks for a record of the yearly check, not the monthly one. Still, a date and initials on a tag or log is the easy way to show each monthly check got done.<\/p>\n Checking an extinguisher is one job. Using it is another.<\/strong> Our OSHA Fire Extinguisher Training course<\/a> covers fire classes, the P.A.S.S. technique and when to get out instead, in about 15 minutes, with a certificate your employer can verify.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n– [ ] The extinguisher is in its assigned spot. OSHA wants extinguishers kept in their designated places at all times, except while in use (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] It is mounted and marked so people can find it (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1)).
\n– [ ] Nothing blocks the way to it, and nobody would have to risk getting hurt to reach it (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1)).<\/p>\n
\n– [ ] It is fully charged. If it has a pressure gauge, read it and follow the maker’s label (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] It looks like it will work: nothing missing, bent or broken (29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4)).
\n– [ ] No new rust, pitting, dents or other damage. New corrosion or mechanical injury means the extinguisher needs a hydrostatic test (29 CFR 1910.157(f)(4)).
\n– [ ] If it was used, even a little, it goes out for recharging so it is fully charged again.<\/p>\n
\n– [ ] Pull it from service and tell whoever handles extinguisher service.
\n– [ ] Put a working extinguisher, or equal protection, in its place until it comes back (29 CFR 1910.157(e)(5)).<\/p>\n\n
The yearly and longer checks<\/h2>\n