By law, fire extinguishers must be serviced annually.
Portable fire extinguishers are required to be inspected monthly, or more frequently if necessary, and serviced at least once a year by a professional licensed or registered by the State Fire Marshal. This requirement is outlined in the Health and Safety Code, Division 12, Part 2, Chapter 1.5, Articles 2, 3, and 6.
Inspection: This is a brief check to ensure the extinguisher is in place, fully charged, and functional. It includes verifying that the extinguisher has not been tampered with, has not been used, and shows no signs of damage or conditions that could affect its operation.
Service: According to the State Fire Marshal’s regulations, service involves the charging, recharging, inspection, repair, and hydrostatic testing of any portable fire extinguisher.
A fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A must be provided for every 3,000 square feet of floor space, or portion thereof. For spaces under 3,000 square feet, at least one extinguisher is required. Additionally, no point in the protected area should be more than 75 feet away from the nearest fire extinguisher.
NFPA 10 – Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers.
