Key takeaways
- Routine fire extinguisher maintenance helps businesses stay compliant, reduce liability and ensure equipment functions when needed.
- Regular inspections and proper documentation can prevent costly fines, claims disputes and unexpected fire damage.
- Encouraging clients to create a structured maintenance plan or hire a professional service helps ensure ongoing fire safety.
Imagine your client is in the middle of a busy workday when a small fire breaks out. An employee accidentally left a fork in their lunch while heating it in the microwave. No problem: their company fire extinguisher is right there on the wall. Unfortunately, it malfunctions because it’s worn and hasn’t been serviced. It’s an easy thing to overlook — until it’s needed most.
But if the fire were to spread, it would cause panic and possibly, extensive damage. Even if the fire didn’t cause catastrophic damage, claims would still need to be filed, and repairs would take time and money.
The best way for your clients to prevent this scenario is by having a fire extinguisher maintenance plan in place and staying compliant with safety regulations. As their agent, you can remind them that simple safety measures could help them mitigate risk and avoid unnecessary losses.
Related: Construction site disaster safety tips
Why must fire extinguishers be routinely maintained?
Fire extinguisher maintenance is crucial. Regular upkeep improves fire safety for businesses and helps minimize risk exposure — something every agent should reinforce with their clients. Local and industry regulatory authorities require equipment to be regularly inspected and maintained, and companies that fail to comply might face higher insurance costs or be denied claims.
OSHA penalties for failing to maintain a fire extinguisher can cost businesses over $16,000 per violation. But the real cost isn’t always in the fines; a failed extinguisher can be the difference between a small incident and a full-scale fire department response. Other risks your clients could encounter include:
- Higher risks of fire damage
- Injury or death
- Liability concerns due to negligence
- Property devaluation
- Reputational damage
Helping clients stay ahead of these risks ensures they aren’t facing unexpected financial or safety consequences. And when discussing fire safety, remind clients that an overlooked extinguisher is a risk they might not realize until it’s too late.
Related: What happens during OSHA inspections?
How often should fire extinguishers be inspected?
Fire protection should be a top safety priority for your clients, and as their agent, you can help them stay ahead of risks before they lead to costly claims. There are an average of 1,300 structure fires in warehouses each year, causing injury, death and millions in damage. As such, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires businesses to inspect extinguishers upon installation and every other month after.
To ensure all parts work, test fire extinguishers annually by pushing a test button. If the equipment lacks one, visually inspect all gauges and pins, as well as the exterior.
Helping clients understand who can inspect fire extinguishers ensures they maintain proper compliance for insurance and safety purposes. Any designated employee can conduct inspections, provided records are kept of the date and the person responsible. Ensuring clients maintain this documentation not only helps keep them compliant but also strengthens their case in the event of a claim. Many commercial insurance programs, including those offered through Arrowhead, prioritize proactive risk management, reinforcing why routine maintenance is a key part of protecting a business.
What procedures are involved in fire extinguisher maintenance?
The NFPA lists several essential tasks for businesses to complete during each fire extinguisher inspection. As an agent, guiding clients on these best practices can help them avoid potential claims and compliance issues. Businesses should:
- Verify the extinguisher is located where it is supposed to be.
- Make sure it is visible.
- Check that signage is in place to indicate its location.
- Ensure it can be pulled off the wall or designated space.
- See if the pressure gauge is in the correct range.
- Weigh the extinguisher to ensure it is full.
- If there is a push-to-test button, engage it.
What are the consequences of clients neglecting fire extinguisher maintenance? While fines and insurance costs are factors, the biggest concern is loss of life. A malfunctioning extinguisher in an emergency puts property, employees and business continuity at risk. Helping clients implement a structured maintenance plan can prevent these issues and protect their coverage.
How can you make fire extinguisher inspections part of your clients’ routine?
Even when businesses understand the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance, it often falls by the wayside. Either the designated person forgets to check it, or they assume someone else is handling it. U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated 13,570 fires in stores and mercantile businesses each year — helping your clients avoid becoming part of that statistic is another way you can add value as an agent.
Encourage clients to:
- Print a visual checklist with a maintenance chart and hang it near the fire extinguisher.
- Set up automated reminders for key personnel to check extinguishers monthly.
- Add fire extinguisher maintenance as a recurring task in their project management system.
- Assign leadership to review maintenance logs every few months to ensure compliance.
If a business struggles to keep up with routine fire extinguisher maintenance, outsourcing the task to a professional fire safety company can provide added reliability. Recommending this option to clients ensures that inspections happen on schedule, reducing the risk of lapses in compliance or faulty equipment during an emergency. By proactively addressing this gap, businesses can better protect themselves against unexpected losses and potential coverage issues.
Related: Fire prevention tips for small businesses and shops
Make sure your clients have the correct extinguisher for their circumstances
Not all fire extinguishers are created equal, and advising clients on choosing the right type — Class A, B, C, D or K — can make a major difference in their risk exposure. Different extinguishers are designed for different fire hazards, including:
- Class A: Paper, wood, cloth, plastic
- Class B: Flammable liquids
- Class C: Flammable gases
- Class D: Burning metals
- Class K: Fats, such as cooking grease
Different types of extinguishers are designed for specific fire hazards. Some models cover multiple classes — like A, B and C — while others are made for specialized risks. Clients should verify that they have the appropriate extinguisher for their operations to prevent an ineffective response during an emergency.
Ensure safety through frequent fire extinguisher maintenance
Fire extinguishers must be routinely maintained to ensure they are in proper working order during an emergency. A strong safety strategy includes regular inspections that offer peace of mind, help control insurance costs and ensure compliance with regulations. Encouraging clients to train their teams on assessments and best practices ensures they’re prepared for quick action when it matters most. An ounce of prevention can avoid costly mistakes that lead to loss of life and property.