Fire Extinguisher Maintenance and Inspections

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 In Ohio, commercial properties are required to have their fire extinguishers inspected annually.  Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know to ensure compliance:

By Ohio law, the fire extinguishers in your commercial building must be inspected annually by a person licensed by the State Fire Marshal. This inspection includes a thorough examination of each fire extinguisher in your building.  If there are any necessary testing or repairs required, they must be completed by a certified technician before an inspection tag can be applied. 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 annual fire extinguisher maintenance and monthly fire extinguisher inspections. Annual maintenance is a comprehensive check performed by a certified technician.  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 (You must keep a log):

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 and compliance. We offer this service to help you stay compliant and keep your fire extinguishers in top condition.  Please call us for an estimate.

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 by ensuring the vital fire protection system is in place and ready if needed.

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