Frequently Asked Questions

Fire Extinguisher Tags

• How long do I have to keep our periodic inspection records?

• Can we use a label to record our inspections?

• What do we need to inspect during our monthly inspections?

• What needs to be included for the yearly agency fire extinguisher maintenance records?

• What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher tags?

• What are the trends in Fire Extinguisher Tagging?

How long do I have to keep our periodic inspection records?

There has been some controversy around this subject. In general, your monthly inspection records should be kept for a year. Keep the monthly inspection tag on file, even after a yearly maintenance has been performed. Most organizations save a tag for this time. In some cases, companies are using a paperless system that electronically stores this information. Make sure to consult the latest NFPA regulations and explanatory Annex yourself. See NFPA 10-2002 is published in Volume 1 of the 2004/2005 National Fire Codes:

"Records shall be kept on a tag or label attached to the fire extinguisher, on an inspection checklist maintained on file, or in an electronic system (e.g., bar coding) that provides a permanent record of the last twelve monthly inspections."

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Can we use a label to record our inspections?

Labels are common, yet they must be taken off after the year's inspection period for proper record-keeping. Hence, tags are much more common. They can be more easily removed and stored.

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What do we need to inspect during our monthly inspections?

First, note that the monthly interval may be adjusted, "... extinguishers shall be manually inspected at a minimum of 30-day intervals or electronically monitored. Fire extinguishers shall be inspected at more frequent intervals when circumstances require." [NFPA 10]

The particular inspection information is often the following: [NFPA 10]

(1) Location in designated place

(2) No obstruction to access or visibility

(3) Pressure gauge reading or indicator in the operable range or position.

(4) Fullness determined by weighing or hefting for self-expelling type extinguishers, cartridge operated extinguishers and pump tanks.

(5) For wheeled extinguishers, the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose and nozzle shall also be checked.

(6) For non-rechargeable extinguishers using push-to-test pressure indicators, test the indicator.

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What needs to be included for the yearly agency fire extinguisher maintenance records?

The maintenance recordkeeping should indicate more than just the service technician's name. See NFPA 10: "Each fire extinguisher shall have a tag or label securely attached that indicates the month and year the maintenance was performed, and that identifies the person performing the work, and identifies the name of the agency performing the work."

Our custom fire extinguisher service tags also ask you to define a permit number.

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What are the rules regarding the materials used for fire extinguisher tags?

There are no rules that govern tag materials – although it is important that any tag or label withstand the environment. In practice, tags need to withstand humidity and "accidental" removal. In addition, the tag should be large enough to encourage legible inspection hand-writing. Plastic and metal tags certainly outlast most cardstock fire extinguisher inspection tags.

Although many tags are fastened with self-locking ties most are fastened with wires. When the period checks are completed, either can be easily cut off and your tag preserved for the year.

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What are the trends in Fire Extinguisher Tagging?

Certainly, live electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers is the most important trend in the industry. "24/7" supervision of a fire extinguisher's contents, pressure, location and accessibility has been a goal for many. The latest edition of NFPA 10 is now recognizing some of these electronic maintenance methods.

Similarly, RF tagging and bar-code labels are taking some of the manual labor away from the aggravation of periodic checks. On the other hand, the simplicity and obvious paper trail for the traditional fire extinguisher hang tags remain as popular as ever.

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