If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the term “annual inspection.” At DRB, we prefer to call it what it really is: an annual fire extinguisher update. Because it’s not just someone glancing at your extinguisher and walking away, it’s a hands-on process designed to make sure your equipment is ready to work when it matters most. Fire extinguisher maintenance, including annual updating, is guided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, specifically NFPA 10 which covers portable fire extinguishers.
If you’re operating a business, own commercial property, or the landlord for one then your local fire inspector, insurance agent, OSHA, and/or other governing agencies may require you to meet the standards set forth in NFPA10. Most of these AHJs or Authorities Having Jurisdiction, will require that your fire extinguisher/s are examined by a trained professional at least once per year, per the recommendation of NFPA10. This service is called many different names like “yearly fire extinguisher update,” “annual fire extinguisher maintenance,” or, like we use at DRB, “annual fire extinguisher update.” The term “annual inspection” is also sometimes used in error. The company that conducts your annual update is NOT the AHJ that conducts your fire inspection.
What Happens During an Annual Update?
The most basic aspect of an annual fire extinguisher update is the visual inspection. This includes checking:
- Pressure Levels: Making sure the unit is properly charged and within the correct range
- Physical Condition: Checking for dents, corrosion, rust, or damage that could compromise integrity
- Hose and Nozzle Condition: Ensuring there are no cracks, blockages, or wear
- Pin and Tamper Seal: Verifying the extinguisher hasn’t been used or tampered with
- Labeling and Instructions: Confirming everything is legible and up to date
- Service Intervals: Determining if an extinguisher requires six-year internal service or hydrostatic testing
- Mounting and Accessibility: Making sure extinguishers are properly located and easy to access in an emergency
The final stage of the annual update, given that no service is required and no other issues are cited, is the replacement of the previous years’ tamper seals and validating tag. This tag indicates to inspectors that the extinguisher has been examined by a trained professional as required by NFPA10 and was found to meet the requirements set forth in NFPA10 by that professional. Tags will list the updating company’s information, the initials of the specific technician, and the extinguisher type in addition to the year and month when the extinguisher was updated. At DRB, we update the color of both our tamper seals and tags each year to assist local AHJ’s, ourselves, and our customers in quickly determining an extinguishers date status.
Why You Need an Annual Update
Yes, insurance agents and fire inspectors require you to comply with their rules which usually includes your property undergoing an annual fire extinguisher update. That is one reason why you need an annual update and, for most of you, that’s your only reason. But, a fire extinguisher that is not maintained can not be trusted. Your fire inspector understands this as does your insurance company, hence the requirements. Some rules are arbitrary and even stupid- annual updating is not of them.
As a business of any kind, you accept the responsibility of taking care of others; the safety of your employees, renters, customers, vendors, etc. rests of your shoulders. You have an obligation to do all you can or, at the very least, all that’s required of you to keep those folks safe. One way you can do that is by updating your fire extinguishers annually.
Fire extinguishers are considered the first line of defense should a fire happen. They are the #1 resource available today to protect us from fires. Which makes them an invaluable asset to your property. Properly maintained fire extinguishers can be the difference between some damage and total loss, between life and death.
