How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are in proper working condition. This routine inspection allows personnel to check for critical factors such as proper pressure levels, any visible signs of damage, and that the extinguisher is unobstructed and easily accessible. Monthly checks help maintain safety standards and ensure that the extinguishers are always ready for use in case of a fire emergency. Beyond monthly inspections, more thorough maintenance and servicing should be conducted annually by a qualified technician, which is important to ensure compliance with safety regulations and industry standards. While weekly checks could be excessive and impractical for many facilities, and intervals longer than a month might increase the risk of undetected issues, a monthly schedule strikes an effective balance in maintaining readiness without being overly burdensome.