What are the 4 steps in inspecting fire extinguisher?

Author: Eladio Bogan  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

To inspect a fire extinguisher, follow these steps:
  • Ensure the fire extinguisher is in its proper place. ...
  • Verify the fire extinguisher is in a visible place, or that signage indicates its location.
  • Verify the fire extinguisher is easily accessible.
  • Check the pressure gauge to make sure it reads in the green range.

What is the four 4 step process to using a fire extinguisher?

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher. It's easy to remember how to use a fire extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. Pull the pin. This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

What are the 4 steps of fire safety?

R.A.C.E.: Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate

R.A.C.E. stands for 'Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate. This easy to remember acronym is our University procedure in the case of a fire.

How do you inspect a fire extinguisher in OSHA?

Monthly OSHA Portable Fire Extinguisher Inspections
  1. ☐ Extinguishers are in their designated places.
  2. ☐ Extinguishers are visible; if not visible, extinguisher signs are provided.
  3. ☐ Extinguishers are accessible.
  4. ☐ Extinguishers are examined for physical damage and clogged nozzle.

What are the 4 golden rules of using a fire extinguisher?

For an easy-to-remember 4-step process to operating a fire extinguisher, learn the PASS system: Pull the pin while holding the extinguisher away from you to unlock the mechanism. Aim low toward the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER INSPECTION | 4 Steps in Two Minutes

What are the four 4 guides to remember in using fire extinguisher?

The acronym PASS is used to describe these four basic steps.
  • Pull (Pin) Pull pin at the top of the extinguisher, breaking the seal. ...
  • Aim. Approach the fire standing at a safe distance. ...
  • Squeeze. Squeeze the handles together to discharge the extinguishing agent inside. ...
  • Sweep.

How to check fire extinguisher?

Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle. Confirm the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to ensure it is still full. Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.

What is the NFPa standard for fire extinguisher inspections?

The inspection requirements applicable to portable fire extinguishers are covered in NFPA 10(10), Sec. 7.2. Portable fire extinguishers are required to be visually inspected when initially placed in service and at least monthly at a minimum of 30-day intervals thereafter [see NFPA 10(10), Sec.

How do you inspect test and maintain fire extinguishers?

All extinguishers have to be inspected at six monthly intervals. Extinguishers need to be pressure tested and refilled on the regular basis. There may be other servicing requirements at 12 months, 3 and 5 years.

How can you tell if a fire extinguisher is still good?

If you're wondering how to find the expiration date on your fire extinguisher, look for a date stamp on the inspection tag first. You can also look for a date stamped on the cylinder's body. Check the manufacturer's website for details on locating the fire extinguishers expiration date.

What are the 4 steps to safety?

Four Steps to Safety​
  • Find Out What Can Happen to You.
  • Create a Family Distaster Plan.
  • Complete Checklist.
  • Practice and Maintain/Update Your Plan.

What are the four P's of fire safety?

Introducing the 4 P's to Fire & Evacuation

These are the procedures / requirements which are in place. These alone will not make you safe, they are a means to an end and also guide the other P's – prevention, preparation and practice.

What are the 4 key elements of fire investigation?

A residential fire scene investigation involves multiple steps. These include taking safety precautions, interviewing witnesses, examining the scene, and gathering visual documentation.

What are the four fire safety steps?

Furthermore, avoid obstructing any fire separation (i.e., fire doors), alarms, dry risers, fire exits, fire extinguisers and emergrency lighting boards.
  • Step one: Asses the risk. ...
  • Step two: Plan safe exit. ...
  • Step three: Ensure proper warning. ...
  • Step four: Prevent the fire.

What are the 4 basic directions for fire extinguishers?

Discharge the extinguisher within its effective range using the P.A.S.S. technique (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep). Back away from an extinguished fire in case it flames up again.

How often should fire extinguishers be checked?

While maintenance and servicing need to be carried out once per year, you do need to conduct a visual inspection of your fire extinguisher once per month.

What are the OSHA regulations for inspecting fire extinguishers?

Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly. The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination.

What are the four types of fire extinguishers?

Which fire extinguisher types to use
  • Class A fire extinguisher – water, water mist, foam, dry powder, wet chemical.
  • Class B fire extinguisher – water mist, foam, dry powder, CO2, some wet chemical.
  • Class C fire extinguisher – water mist, dry powder.
  • Class D fire extinguisher – specialist dry powder.

How to stop a fire extinguisher from leaking?

Secondly, when a fire extinguisher is partially full, it can have difficulty maintaining the charged pressure and could start leaking. Prevent This Issue: Don't delay after using your fire extinguisher. Bring it to a fire safety specialist to have it recharged and ready to go for the next time that you need it.

How to properly inspect a fire extinguisher?

Make sure you can easily access the extinguisher. Ensure the pressure gauge is in the operable range or position. Make sure it is full, this can be done by just lifting the extinguisher or you can weigh it. For wheeled extinguishers, make sure the condition of tires, wheels, carriage, hose, and nozzle are acceptable.

Why can't fire extinguisher put on floor?

The main reason would be it is difficult to locate a fire extinguisher when a fire occurs. By placing the fire extinguisher on the floor, we remove it out of our natural line of sight. This is both a fire hazard and one of the things that SCDF officers look out for during their building inspections.

How often do fire extinguishers need to be tested?

All portable and wheeled fire extinguishers need to be tested every 6 months. Pressure testing and refills should be carried out at least once every 5 years.

How do you inspect a fire extinguisher without a gauge?

Most fire extinguishers should have a pressure gauge with a red section and a green section. If the needle is in the green, you're good. If your extinguishers don't have a pressure gauge and you want to test them, press in the pin. If it pops back up, the extinguisher is pressurized.

What are the four elements of fire?

Oxygen, heat, and fuel are frequently referred to as the "fire triangle." Add in the fourth element, the chemical reaction, and you actually have a fire "tetrahedron." The important thing to remember is: take any of these four things away, and you will not have a fire or the fire will be extinguished.

What certification is needed to inspect fire extinguishers?

The International Code Council (ICC), Certified Portable Fire Extinguisher Technician – FE credential is for technicians responsible for performing inspection, testing, and maintenance on portable fire extinguishers. FEs understand standard practices and guidelines for servicing fire extinguishers.

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