How to Inspect a Fire Extinguisher

Did you know inspecting a fire extinguisher is a mandatory process for commercial building owners but not homeowners? However, given that it’s an easy 5-minute job that anyone can do, it makes sense to do it regularly!

Whether you’re a commercial building owner or homeowner, if you have a fire extinguisher on your premises, you want to make sure that it is in good operating condition so that it works when you need it the most. Hence the importance of learning how to inspect a fire extinguisher.

Commercial Usage vs Home Usage

To be clear, the Singapore Standards currently stipulate that only commercial building owners need to inspect their fire extinguishers at least once a month and have the fire extinguishers serviced by a competent technician.

If you are a homeowner, there is no current requirement for homeowners to do the same. So, rest assured that SCDF is not going to break into your home and demand you to have your fire extinguishers serviced.

However, given that the inspection of a fire extinguisher doesn’t take up significant time and effort while ensuring your life-saving equipment is in operable condition when needed, it makes perfect sense to do it anyways.

Here’s a quick overview of the differences between different types of safety checks.

Type	Maintenance	Inspection
Frequency	Annual	Monthly
Who does it	Trained Tech	Anyone
Required for commercial?	Yes	Yes
Required for home?	Optional	Optional

How to inspect your fire extinguisher?

1. Inspect the Gauge: Most fire extinguishers have a pressure gauge located on the top or side of the cylinder. This gauge usually has markings in green, yellow, and red zones. The needle should typically be in the green zone, indicating that the pressure is within the acceptable range.
2. Read the Gauge: Look at the gauge and observe where the needle is pointing. If it’s in the green zone, the pressure is adequate. If it’s in the yellow or red zone, it indicates that the pressure is below the recommended level and the extinguisher may need servicing or recharging. Fun Fact: If you look at the pressure gauge on your fire extinguisher, you’ll notice that the green zone is pretty wide and falls between 2 temperatures. Our Singapore Standards are based on European specifications, so there is a temperature range in the pressure gauge. In Europe, there are many countries with 4 seasons. It is normal for the temperature range can go to the lower end of the green zone during winter and to the upper end of the green zone during summer. However, in Singapore, where our climate is sunny and hot, it is perfectly normal for the needle of the pressure gauge to touch the upper limit line of the green zone most of the time.
3. Check the Instructions: Different types of fire extinguishers may have slightly different pressure ranges depending on their design and intended use. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or label on the extinguisher to determine the specific acceptable pressure range for that model.
4. Physical Inspection: In addition to checking the gauge, visually inspect the extinguisher for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage, which could affect its pressure and functionality.
5. Professional Inspection: For a more thorough check, especially if you suspect any issues or if it’s time for a routine inspection, consider having a qualified technician or fire safety professional inspect the extinguisher. They can perform more comprehensive tests to ensure it is in proper working condition.
6. Regular Maintenance: Fire extinguishers should be checked regularly according to local regulations or manufacturer recommendations. This often includes an annual inspection and maintenance schedule to ensure they are always ready for use in case of a fire emergency.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your fire extinguisher is properly pressurized and ready to effectively extinguish fires when needed.