Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence in a workplace fire, but only if they work when you need them. A monthly visual inspection takes less than ten minutes per unit and catches problems before they become safety hazards or compliance failures.
This guide walks through the complete monthly inspection process, covering everything from accessibility and signage through to pressure checks, physical condition and record-keeping. It applies to all portable extinguisher types (water, foam, dry chemical, CO2 and wet chemical).
Before you start
Gather your inspection tag or digital inspection checklist, a pen and a torch for dimly lit areas such as plant rooms, stairwells and loading docks.
If your site has a fire extinguisher register or asset tracking system, pull up the list to confirm the total count and locations before you begin. Missing units are one of the most common findings.
Step-by-step inspection
1. Check accessibility and signage
Walk to the designated location. The extinguisher should be clearly visible, unobstructed and mounted at the correct height (handle no higher than 1.2 m from the floor in Australia). Confirm the location sign is present and legible from a reasonable distance.
- Not blocked by furniture, stock, vehicles or equipment
- Travel distance from any point in the area is within limits
- Signage compliant with AS 2444 (red with white text)
2. Inspect the tamper seal and safety pin
The plastic tamper seal should be intact. If it is broken or missing, the extinguisher may have been used, partially discharged or tampered with. Check the safety pin is properly seated and not bent.
3. Read the pressure gauge
Look at the pressure gauge (not present on CO2 types). The needle should be in the green zone. If it sits in the red zone on either side, the unit is under- or over-pressurised and must be taken out of service for recharging.
4. Examine the body, hose and nozzle
Run your hands and eyes over the cylinder. You are looking for:
- Dents, bulges or deformation
- Corrosion, rust or paint damage (especially at the base)
- Leakage around the valve or hose connection
- Cracked, split or blocked hose and nozzle
For wheeled units, also check the wheels and carriage frame.
5. Verify the service tag and expiry
Every extinguisher should carry a service tag showing the last service date and the technician's details. In Australia, AS 1851 requires six-monthly servicing by a licensed provider. Check:
- Last service date is within the required interval
- Hydrostatic test date (every five years for most types)
- Manufacture date (units over a certain age may need to be retired)
6. Record the inspection
Sign and date the inspection tag attached to the extinguisher. If your team uses a digital checklist, complete it on your phone or tablet. Capture a photo of any defects and raise a work order for units that need servicing.
Common defects to watch for
| Defect | Action |
|---|---|
| Pressure gauge in red zone | Remove from service, arrange recharge |
| Broken tamper seal or missing pin | Inspect internally, recharge if discharged |
| Corrosion on body or base | Send for professional assessment |
| Blocked or cracked hose | Replace hose assembly |
| Overdue service tag | Schedule immediate servicing |
| Unit missing from location | Investigate and replace immediately |
After the inspection
Summarise your findings in a report. If any units failed the inspection, ensure replacement extinguishers are in place before the end of the shift. Fire protection is not something you can defer.
Store inspection records for at least five years (longer if your jurisdiction or insurer requires it). Digital records via an inspection and compliance platform make retrieval straightforward during audits.
Monthly vs annual inspections
Monthly visual checks are performed by a competent person on your team. Annual servicing and six-monthly maintenance under AS 1851 must be carried out by a licensed fire protection technician. The two are complementary, not interchangeable.
| Check type | Frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Monthly | Trained site personnel |
| Routine service (AS 1851) | Six-monthly | Licensed technician |
| Detailed inspection | Annually | Licensed technician |
| Hydrostatic test | Every 5 years | Licensed technician |
Download the annual inspection record template to keep a paper trail between digital system updates.
Going digital with MapTrack
Paper tags get lost, damaged or forgotten. With MapTrack, you can attach a QR code label to each extinguisher and scan it with your phone to launch the inspection form. The system automatically captures the timestamp, GPS location and inspector name.
Overdue inspections trigger automated alerts so nothing slips through the cracks, and all records are stored centrally for audits and insurer requests.
