monthly fire extinguisher inspection – Ontario

[Rory Lodge]

#102835

Hi there,
Our Ontario staff work in an office environment.  I understand our fire extinguishers need to be serviced once a year, which we have an external company come in and do because we don’t have the expertise ourselves.  But, I saw that the extinguishers need to be “inspected” monthly.  Is this a visual inspection only’  If so, what exactly is to be inspected’  Other than the fire extinguisher falling on the floor, our staff wouldn’t know what to be looking for.  So what needs to be done on a monthly basis?

[Jeffrey Turner]

#103312

Good question. The OHS Industrial Establishments Reg, which applies to offices, says that the requirements of the Fire Code apply to portable fire extinguishers. The Fire Code says:
6.2.7.2. Portable extinguishers shall be inspected monthly.
What’s missing is regulation and guidance explaining WHAT must be inspected. But based on best practices and requirements from other jurisdictions, monthly portable fire extinguisher inspection should probably include:

• Confirming that the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and in its designated location.
• Verifying that the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken.
• Examining the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
• Confirming the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position
• Lifting the extinguisher to ensure it’s full.
• Ensuring the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
• Checking the last professional service date on the tag.
• Initialing and dating the back of the tag.

I invite any of our Ontario users to weigh in on this if they have any additional or clarifying info. Hope this helps. Glenn

[Jeffrey Turner]

#103313

Off topic, but very relevant. Make sure anyone who may be called upon to use a fire extinguisher in your office is trained in its proper use.

[Jeffrey Turner]

#103314

That’s an important and it’s not off topic at all. Thanks, Melvin.

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