How long is fire extinguishers good for?
Portable fire extinguishers must be inspected monthly and maintained annually. A person licensed or registered by the State Fire Marshal must perform the annual servicing. This ensures the extinguisher is available and will operate effectively. [3]
Stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test must be emptied and undergo maintenance every 6 years. This excludes dry chemical extinguishers with non-refillable disposable containers. The 6-year requirement restarts after each recharging or hydrostatic test. [1]
Hydrostatic testing is essential and should be conducted by trained personnel with suitable equipment. [1]
Here are the hydrostatic test intervals for different types of extinguishers, as required by safety regulations:
- Soda acid (stainless steel shell): 5 years
- Cartridge operated water and/or antifreeze: 5 years
- Stored pressure water and/or antifreeze: 5 years
- Wetting agent: 5 years
- Foam (stainless steel shell): 5 years
- Aqueous Film Forming foam (AFFF): 5 years
- Loaded stream: 5 years
- Dry chemical with stainless steel: 5 years
- Carbon dioxide: 5 years
- Dry chemical, stored pressure, with mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum shells: 12 years
- Dry chemical, cartridge or cylinder operated, with mild steel shells: 12 years
- Halon 1211: 12 years [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [4]
Extinguishers should be removed from service if they show signs of damage, such as:
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.