What must monthly inspections of fire extinguishers include checking?

Monthly inspections of fire extinguishers are crucial for ensuring they are operable and reliable in case of a fire emergency. A key component of these inspections is verifying the pressure gauge and tamper seal.

The pressure gauge indicates whether the extinguisher is charged and ready for use. If the needle is in the green zone, the extinguisher has adequate pressure; if it is in the red zone, it indicates either that the extinguisher is over- or under-pressure and may need maintenance or replacement. The tamper seal, on the other hand, is designed to show if the extinguisher has been used or tampered with. If the tamper seal is broken, it raises a red flag that the extinguisher should be inspected more thoroughly to assess whether it was used in a fire, which would necessitate a refill or a replacement.

This regulation ensures extinguishers remain functional and safe, reinforcing the importance of regular checks. The other options, such as diameter, height, weight, color, usage history, and label, are not typically part of a standard monthly inspection procedure as they do not directly affect the extinguisher’s immediate readiness for use in an emergency situation.