What is a Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log?
A fire extinguisher inspection log is a documented record of every inspection, check, and maintenance activity performed on portable fire extinguishers across a workplace. It's required under OSHA standard 1910.157 and NFPA 10, the standard for portable fire extinguishers.
The log supports two levels of inspection. Monthly visual inspections confirm that each unit is in its designated location, unobstructed, fully charged and in working condition. Annual maintenance inspections, carried out by a licensed technician, provide a deeper assessment of mechanical function and serviceability.
For safety managers and facilities teams overseeing large facilities, multiple zones or multi-site operations, the log provides a clear and auditable trail that extinguishers are being checked consistently and that nothing is slipping through the cracks.
What to Include in a Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log?
A complete fire extinguisher inspection log captures identifying details for each unit and the outcome of every inspection. Here's what each entry should include:
Extinguisher details:
Extinguisher ID or tag number: A unique reference (e.g., FE-012) to identify the unit in logs and audits
Location or zone: Where the extinguisher is installed (e.g., Kitchen Area, Loading Bay, Floor 2 Stairwell)
Type and rating: The class and size of the extinguisher (e.g., ABC Dry Chemical, 5 lb)
Last service date: Date of the most recent annual maintenance by a licensed technician
Monthly visual inspection fields:
Inspection date: When the monthly check was completed
Inspector name or initials: Who performed the check
Location is accessible: Confirm the unit is not blocked or obstructed
Pressure gauge status: Check that the needle is in the green zone
Safety pin and tamper seal: Confirm both are intact
Physical condition: No visible corrosion, dents or damage to the cylinder or hose
Signage and mounting: Unit is properly mounted and signage is visible
Pass or fail: Overall result of the visual check
Notes or deficiencies: Any issues found and action taken or required
Annual maintenance record fields:
Technician name and certification number
Company performing the service
Maintenance date
Hydrostatic test date (if applicable)
Service outcome and any parts replaced
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher Inspection Log
To fill out a fire extinguisher inspection log, start by listing every extinguisher in your facility with its unique ID, location and type. This becomes the master inventory that each monthly check is logged against.
When completing a monthly visual inspection:
Walk to each extinguisher's location and physically inspect the unit.
Check the pressure gauge, tamper seal, safety pin, hose and body condition.
Confirm the unit is mounted correctly and not obstructed.
Record your name or initials, the date and the result of each check.
Document any issues clearly, including what was found and what action was taken or is pending.
If a unit fails a check, remove it from service and replace it immediately before closing out the entry.
For annual maintenance, record the service outcome as reported by your licensed fire protection contractor. Keep the technician's service report on file alongside the log to support it during any audit. If you manage multiple sites or zones, assign a unique location code to each area and keep a separate log section or sheet per zone to make records easier to navigate during an inspection.
Fire Extinguisher Classes: Which Type Does Your Facility Need?
Not all fire extinguishers work on all fires. Each unit is rated for specific fire classes based on what's burning, and selecting the wrong type or failing to log the correct classification can create compliance gaps and safety risks during an emergency.
Here's a quick reference for the five fire extinguisher classes under NFPA 10:
Class A - Ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, cloth, and most plastics. These are the most common extinguishers found in offices, warehouses, and general workspaces.
Class B - Flammable liquids and gases, including gasoline, oil, solvents, and paint. Required in garages, paint storage areas, and anywhere flammable liquids are stored or used.
Class C - Energized electrical equipment, including panels, wiring, and appliances. Once the equipment is de-energized, the fire reverts to a Class A or B classification.
Class D - Combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. Typically found in manufacturing facilities, laboratories, and metalworking environments.
Class K - Cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchen appliances. Required in restaurants, cafeterias, and any facility with a commercial cooking setup. Note that Cl
Example of a Fire Extinguisher Inspection log
Consider a hotel with fire extinguishers installed across kitchen areas, guest corridors and back-of-house spaces. The facilities manager records the following during a monthly round:
Extinguisher ID: FE-009
Location: Level 2 Kitchen
Type: Class K, 6 lb
Inspection date: May 1, 2026
Inspector: R. Dela Cruz
Findings: Pressure gauge in green, tamper seal intact, safety pin present, no visible damage, mounting bracket secure and unobstructed.
Result: Pass. No deficiencies noted.
A separate entry for FE-014 on the same date reads: Location: Basement Storage Room, Type: ABC Dry Chemical, 5 lb. Findings: Pressure gauge below green zone, unit appears partially discharged. Result: Fail. Unit removed from service and replacement installed the same day. Annual service contractor notified.
Both entries are signed off and filed for the month. The log is retained on-site and available for review at the next fire marshal inspection.
