Both residences and businesses in Arizona must follow fire extinguisher inspection laws, which are crucial for safety.
In general, monthly and annual inspections are needed, as well as 6- and 12-year maintenance requirements.
According to the US Fire Administration, in 2023, 91.7% of fire casualties were from structures (both residential and non-residential).
While there’s nothing to be done in many instances, in others, having a working fire extinguisher can literally mean the difference between life and death.
But just because you have a unit doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear.
You must follow fire extinguisher inspection laws, which ensure that your units are in working order, should you ever need them in case of emergency.
How Often Does a Fire Extinguisher Need To Be Inspected?
The Arizona fire extinguisher inspection laws include standards set by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
Here are the rules you should follow.
Monthly Visual Inspections
Every month, fire extinguishers need to go through a quick visual check.
The state is dusty and has high-heat environments, so these inspections may be quick, but vital.
The following can develop more quickly in outdoor or hot commercial spaces:
- Pressure loss
- Corrosion
- Hose damage
During your monthly visual inspection, verify that:
- The extinguisher is accessible
- The pressure gauge is in the green
- The safety pin is secure
- The unit shows no visible signs of damage
It’s good to know that businesses can perform these checks in-house.
However, documentation is required for compliance.
Annual Professional Inspections
Every year, you’ll need a licensed fire protection technician to conduct a full inspection.
The check should include:
- Checking internal components
- Verifying pressure with tested equipment
- Confirming proper labeling
- Ensuring the extinguisher meets Arizona code requirements for the building type
To make sure that there are proper records kept, the technician will also update the inspection tag with the correct information.
6- and 12-Year Maintenance Requirements
Depending on the unit type, you may need further fire extinguisher maintenance milestones.
For example, at the 6-year mark, many stored-pressure extinguishers need internal maintenance.
And at the 12-year mark, hydrostatic testing is required to verify that the cylinder is still structurally sound.
Because Arizona’s extreme temperatures can speed up wear, these milestone checks are critical for safety and compliance.
What Are the OSHA Requirements for Fire Extinguisher Inspections?
Unsurprisingly, OSHA has similar requirements to the NFPA for fire extinguisher inspections.
Here are the steps to business safety compliance.
Monthly Visual Inspection Requirements
According to OSHA Standard 1910.157, employees must visually inspect all fire extinguishers every month.
The workers have to confirm that they are:
- Properly mounted
- Easy to access
- Fully charged
- Free of damage
In addition, they have to make sure that the units aren’t blocked by equipment.
This is especially important in places like warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or hot outdoor job sites.
Annual Maintenance Requirements
OSHA says that fire extinguishers must get a full maintenance check once per year by a certified professional.
Both the internal and external conditions of the unit must be evaluated.
To remain OSHA-compliant, there must be a dated inspection tag or electronic record of the inspection.
Documentation and Recordkeeping
On that note, businesses must document all inspections, both monthly and annual ones.
You can use either paper tags or digital logs.
The former must remain attached to the extinguisher; the latter must be easily accessible.
OSHA must be able to review these records at any time it wishes.
Employee Training Requirements
One key difference with OSHA fire safety regulations is that employees must be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers.
They must know the following:
- When they’re allowed to use extinguishers
- How to operate them (including the PASS method)
- The company’s emergency response plan
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a Fire Extinguisher Still Good After 20 Years?
In most cases, fire extinguishers aren’t considered reliable after 20 years, even if they seem like they’re in good condition.
Especially in Arizona’s dry, high-heat climate, components on the extinguishers can deteriorate faster than in milder environments, such as the:
- Hoses
- Seals
- Pressure gauges
Some commercial extinguishers can last 10-12 years with proper maintenance.
But if yours is approaching 20 years, then it’s better to replace it.
This is especially good advice if you’re in commercial or industrial settings where strict NFPA and local fire codes apply.
Is It Cheaper To Recharge a Fire Extinguisher or Buy a New One?
Usually, recharging a fire extinguisher is cheaper than purchasing a new unit, especially if you have a commercial-grade, rechargeable model.
What’s great is that the cost to recharge your unit is only a modest service fee, although you may have to pay more depending on the extinguisher type and size.
Do note that recharging is only cost-effective if the extinguisher passes inspection and is within its serviceable life.
If you’ve noticed that the cylinder is corroded, then replacement may be the safer option.
Can an Expired Fire Extinguisher Be Used?
No, an expired fire extinguisher can’t be used.
When a unit is “expired,” this means it’s past its manufacturer-recommended service life or has failed an inspection.
This can result in reliability risks, such as:
- Low pressure
- Damaged seals
- Clogged discharge lines
As you can see, it’s very likely that the unit will be unreliable if you try to use it during an emergency.
So instead of counting on it in its current state, have it professionally inspected.
Follow Arizona Fire Extinguisher Inspection Laws
As you can see, various fire extinguisher inspection laws require you to do monthly and annual unit inspections.
This must be followed, whether you’re in a residence or a business.
By adhering to rules and regulations, not only do you ensure that you’re compliant, but also, more importantly, you safeguard yourself, others, and your properties.
Considering that inspections are quick and affordable, it’s completely worth the time and money invested, so don’t be negligent; schedule your inspections ASAP.
Request a quote now if you’d like a fire safety inspection done for your home or company.
Certizona Fire & Safety has over 30 years of experience, and we have CSA-certified technicians.
Professional Fire Extinguisher Inspection in Phoenix
Turn to Certizona Fire & Safety for reliable fire extinguisher inspection services that keep your property safe and compliant. Our certified team ensures your extinguishers are functional, up to code, and ready to perform in an emergency.
Call (623) 227-2092 or request an online quote today!
