An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a fire extinguisher inspection record is
A fire extinguisher inspection record is a routine check that each extinguisher is in its place, unobstructed, in date and showing the right pressure, with the pin and seal intact. It complements, but does not replace, servicing by a competent person.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example of what such a record usually contains. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides the inspection regime.
Purpose
- Confirm each extinguisher is present and accessible.
- Check it is charged, sealed and in date.
- Spot damage or use so it can be put right.
- Record that the routine check was carried out.
Who completes it
- A nominated person who carries out the routine visual check.
- Issues reported to facilities or a service contractor.
- The employer decides who checks and how often.
- Servicing by a competent person is a separate task.
When it is used
- On the routine check schedule set by the employer.
- After an extinguisher has been used or moved.
- When damage or a discharge is suspected.
- Alongside the wider fire safety checks.
Typical fields
- Location and type of each extinguisher.
- Present, accessible and correctly mounted.
- Pressure gauge in range; pin and seal intact.
- Damage, discharge or service date issues.
- Action taken and sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt them to your extinguishers and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Ticking the list without looking at each extinguisher.
- Ignoring extinguishers that are blocked or moved.
- Confusing a quick visual check with full servicing.
- Noting an issue but never arranging the repair.
Document workflow
A fire extinguisher inspection record feeds the fire safety log book and supports the evacuation arrangements that assume equipment is available. Issues found may trigger contractor servicing or replacement.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a fire extinguisher inspection record.
Retention (high level)
Inspection records are typically retained for a period set by the employer, often within the fire safety log book, so a history can be shown. This page does not state a period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Inspection records are commonly completed and filed as PDFs with the fire records. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the check official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Set a routine visual check schedule for all extinguishers.
- Make sure checkers know what to look for.
- Arrange competent servicing separately.
- Ensure issues are repaired and recorded.
Worker notes
- Keep extinguishers unobstructed and in place.
- Report any that are damaged, discharged or missing.
- Do not use an extinguisher unless trained and safe to do so.
Country considerations
Expectations for extinguisher checks, servicing and records vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for ensuring fire equipment is available, maintained and checked, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine your regime and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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