Maintenance, inspection, hydraulics and equipment finance

Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist

Pick the monthly, annual or quick list, add the extinguisher ID and print a blank checklist with pass, fail and N/A boxes, a defect log and a sign-off block.

A fire extinguisher inspection checklist is a blank, printable form for recording what you find when you check portable extinguishers. This fire extinguisher inspection checklist tool lets you customise one in your browser, then print it, save it as a PDF, or download it as a CSV. You can choose a monthly visual inspection, an annual maintenance check record, or a quick monthly walk-through. The tool runs in your browser, is free, needs no sign-up, and uploads nothing. The sheet records your findings and does not decide pass or fail for you. Source labels on each item show which checks come from OSHA and which are general items.
Fire extinguisher inspection checklist example

How to use the fire extinguisher inspection checklist

  1. Open “Checklist type” and choose “Monthly visual inspection” (the default), “Annual maintenance check record” or “Quick monthly walk-through”. Each option has its own title and item count.
  2. Change the “Title” if you want a different heading.
  3. Type the tag number in “Extinguisher ID (optional)” if you want it printed on the sheet.
  4. Under More options, switch “Notes column” off if you do not need it.
  5. Under More options, turn on “Show the source after each item” to see the OSHA paragraph for each item, or the “general item” label where OSHA gives no list.
  6. Under More options, turn on “Add a defect log” and set “Defect log rows”, and turn on “Add a sign-off block” if you need one.
  7. Set “Blank write-in rows” under More options if you need space for extra items.
  8. Check the result, then print the sheet with Print / save as PDF, or download the CSV.
  9. At the extinguisher, fill in the heading table by hand (Extinguisher ID / tag no., Location, Type and class from the label, Size or rating, Date, Inspector), tick Pass, Fail or N/A for each item, then complete the defect log and sign-off block.

The example buttons “Monthly check”, “Annual record”, “Quick walk-through” and “Tick boxes only” give you a starting point. “Copy link” keeps your settings in the page address.

What does OSHA require for monthly fire extinguisher checks?

OSHA’s portable fire extinguisher rules in 29 CFR 1910.157 require a monthly visual inspection under paragraph (e)(2). The quoted sentence says portable extinguishers, or hose used in lieu of them, are visually inspected monthly. The monthly section of this checklist follows that wording.

Annual maintenance is covered by (e)(3). The employer must make sure each portable extinguisher gets an annual maintenance check, and must record the annual maintenance date. That record is kept for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. Paragraph (e)(4) covers stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that need a 12-year hydrostatic test: they are emptied and given applicable maintenance every 6 years.

Hydrostatic test intervals are set in (f)(2) and Table L-1. Several types, including soda acid (stainless steel), foam (stainless steel), AFFF and carbon dioxide, are listed at 5 years. Stored pressure dry chemical (mild steel, brazed brass or aluminum), Halon 1211, Halon 1301 and certain dry powder types are listed at 12 years. The table has exceptions in (f)(2)(i) to (v), which this page does not reproduce.

Items that cite OSHA show the paragraph in brackets, for example 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2). Items marked “general item” cover checks OSHA does not list, such as the gauge reading, the safety pin, the hose and the cylinder condition.

How do placement, travel distance and testing fit into a fire extinguisher inspection checklist?

Placement is covered by (c)(1) and (d)(1). Extinguishers must be mounted, located and identified so employees can reach them readily, and they must be selected and distributed for the classes of fire expected. The “Location and access” items check reach, obstruction, signage and mounting.

Paragraph (d)(2) sets a Class A travel distance of 75 feet (22.9 m) or less to any extinguisher. Paragraph (d)(4) sets a Class B travel distance of 50 feet (15.2 m) or less from the hazard area. The annual record’s “Placement and coverage” section repeats these distances, so you can compare your layout against them. Your own measurements decide the result. The checklist does not calculate distances. OSHA does not set a mounting height, so for height, see the mounting height page on this site.

A checklist records what you find; it does not decide anything. It is not a certification or a service record. Hydrostatic testing, maintenance and recharging are for a qualified person who follows the maker’s instructions and the standard your jurisdiction adopts. NFPA 10 is the usual standard; it was not read for this page.

Sources (checked 18 October 2026): law.cornell.edu

Worked examples

InputResult
Checklist type: Monthly visual inspection14 items in 3 sections, 5 columns
Checklist type: Annual maintenance check record21 items in 5 sections, 5 columns
Checklist type: Quick monthly walk-through9 items in 3 sections, 4 columns
Checklist type: Monthly visual inspection14 items in 3 sections, 5 columns

Calculated by the tool above; open it with the same values to see each step.

Frequently asked questions

Is this fire extinguisher inspection form a certification?

No. It is a general-purpose blank checklist. It is not a certification or a service record, and it does not say that any extinguisher is serviceable.

Does the checklist decide pass or fail?

No. For each item you tick Pass, Fail or N/A. The tool does not make that decision for you.

What is the difference between the three checklist types?

“Monthly visual inspection” has 14 items in 3 sections. “Annual maintenance check record” has 21 items in 5 sections and adds annual maintenance and placement checks. “Quick monthly walk-through” has 9 items in 3 sections.

Where do the OSHA citations on the sheet come from?

Items that cite OSHA show the paragraph in brackets, such as 29 CFR 1910.157(e)(2). Items marked “general item” are not listed by OSHA.

Is anything I type saved or uploaded?

No. Nothing is stored or uploaded. “Copy link” keeps your settings in the page address.

Does this tool give a mounting height?

No. OSHA does not set a mounting height, and this checklist does not calculate one. Use the mounting height page on this site for that question.

Can I use the printed checklist in my business?

Yes. The sheets you print or download may be used in commercial work, for your own sites or for clients, with no attribution.