Fire Extinguisher Construction Checklist

Full Description

This fire extinguisher inspection checklist helps your team check that portable extinguishers on the construction site are in good working condition before they are needed. Fire extinguishers are a common tool on the jobsite, and a checklist makes it clear to workers which components to look at and what to record.

What is a fire extinguisher inspection checklist?

A fire extinguisher inspection checklist is a form used to carry out and record a quick visual check of each portable extinguisher. It confirms the extinguisher is in its place and easy to reach, fully charged, undamaged and ready to use. On a construction site, extinguishers are moved, knocked and exposed to dust and weather, so regular documented checks are an important part of fire prevention and site safety records.

When to use it

• When extinguishers are first placed on the jobsite
• For routine checks, such as monthly visual inspections
• Before hot work, such as welding, cutting or grinding
• After an extinguisher has been used, moved or damaged
• During site safety inspections and audits

What’s included

This is a Word document (.docx) checklist that sets out the components of a fire extinguisher your team should check before it is relied on at your construction site. It can be edited to suit your project and printed for use in the field.

What a monthly visual check usually covers

• The extinguisher is in its assigned location, visible and not blocked
• The pressure gauge, where fitted, reads in the operable range
• The pin and tamper seal are in place
• No dents, corrosion, leaks or damage to the cylinder, hose or nozzle
• Operating instructions are readable and face outward
• The inspection tag is present and up to date

How to fill it out

1. Record the project, the date and the name of the person inspecting.
2. Identify each extinguisher by location or number.
3. Go through each checklist item and mark it as acceptable or not.
4. Remove any extinguisher that fails and replace it right away.
5. Write down the defect and who is arranging service or replacement.
6. Initial and date the extinguisher tag, then file the checklist with your safety records.

Tips

• Keep a site plan that shows where every extinguisher should be.
• Make sure workers know how to use an extinguisher, not just where it is.
• Place extra extinguishers near hot work and flammable storage.
• Book annual maintenance with a qualified service company well before tags expire.

Related templates and guides

• Fire Extinguisher Tracking Log
• Toolbox Talk – Fire Extinguishers
• Construction Signage – Fire Extinguisher
• Weekly Safety Meeting – Basic Fire Safety
• Construction Safety – An Emergency Response Plan

Frequently asked questions

What do you inspect on a fire extinguisher?

Check that it is in the right place and easy to reach, the gauge shows it is charged, the pin and tamper seal are intact, and there is no visible damage, corrosion or leaking. Also check the hose and nozzle are clear, the label is readable and the inspection tag is current.

What are the OSHA requirements for fire extinguisher inspections?

OSHA’s general industry rules require portable extinguishers to be visually inspected monthly and to have a maintenance check at least once a year. OSHA’s construction rules require extinguishers to be inspected periodically and maintained in line with NFPA 10. Check the current rules that apply to your site.

Can I do my own fire extinguisher inspection?

Monthly visual inspections can usually be done by a trained person on site using a checklist like this one. Annual maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic testing are done by a qualified fire equipment service technician.

How many fire extinguishers are needed on a construction site?

OSHA’s construction standard calls for at least one extinguisher rated not less than 2A for each 3,000 square feet of protected building area, with no more than 100 feet of travel distance to the nearest one. Extra units are needed near hot work and flammable materials.

What is the difference between an inspection and maintenance?

An inspection is a quick visual check that the extinguisher is in place and ready to use. Maintenance is a more thorough examination of the extinguisher’s parts, usually done yearly by a qualified technician, who then updates the service tag.