Why is it important to check the pressure of an extinguisher before use?

Verifying the pressure of a fire extinguisher is crucial because it indicates whether the extinguisher is fully operational and ready for use in an emergency. Each fire extinguisher is equipped with a pressure gauge that displays the internal pressure. This gauge is typically color-coded, where green signifies that the extinguisher is adequately pressurized, while other colors indicate low or high pressure, leading to potential inefficacy in an emergency situation.

If an extinguisher is not at the correct pressure, it may either fail to discharge the extinguishing agent when needed or may discharge it ineffectively, which can have serious consequences during a fire. Therefore, checking the pressure ensures that the extinguisher will function properly and provide necessary safety and protection during a fire event.