Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspections

 In Ohio, businesses are required to maintain their fire extinguishers annually with a licensed professional. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to ensure compliance and safety:

By Ohio law, the fire extinguishers in your commercial building must be serviced annually by a person licensed by the State Fire Marshal. This service includes a thorough examination and any necessary repairs or replacements. Upon completion of this maintenance, the licensed technician will apply a tag to your extinguisher. This tag is crucial—it indicates to the fire inspector, and your insurance company, that your extinguisher has been properly maintained.  The tag will expire 12 months from the date punched, signaling when the next maintenance is due.

It’s important to differentiate between fire extinguisher maintenance and fire extinguisher inspections. Maintenance is a comprehensive check performed by a certified technician annually.  Monthly inspections are quick checks and do not need to be completed by a certified technician.  According to OSHA regulations, these monthly inspections are essential for ensuring that your extinguishers are ready for use.

Monthly Inspection Checklist:

1. Location: Ensure the extinguisher is in its designated place and hung as required.
2. Visibility: The extinguisher should be visible or marked with a sign to indicate its location.
3. Accessibility: Confirm that the extinguisher is not blocked or obstructed.
4. Gauge Reading: Check that the gauge reads in the operating (green) range.
5. Weight: Verify that the extinguisher is full by lifting it off the hanger and feeling its weight (hefting).

While anyone can perform these monthly checks, it’s vital to ensure they are done regularly to maintain safety. We offer this service to help you stay compliant and keep your fire extinguishers in top condition.

Proper maintenance and regular inspections are key to ensuring that your fire extinguishers will function effectively in an emergency. By adhering to these requirements, you help safeguard your business, employees, and property from fire hazards.

If you have any questions or need assistance with either maintenance or monthly inspections, our team at [Your Company Name] is here to help. With our expertise and dedication, we ensure that your fire protection systems are always up to standard.