How often should fire extinguishers be serviced by a professional?

Fire extinguishers should be serviced by a professional annually to ensure they are in proper working condition. This annual service includes a thorough inspection, maintenance, and testing of the extinguisher to confirm that it is functional and meets safety standards. Regular servicing helps identify any issues such as leakage, rust, or damage that could prevent the extinguisher from operating effectively in an emergency.

While monthly visual inspections are crucial for checking the extinguisher's location, pressure gauge, and physical condition, comprehensive servicing by a trained professional is essential on an annual basis to maintain compliance with fire safety regulations and to ensure that the fire extinguisher will perform as expected when needed. Other intervals, such as every six months or every two years, do not align with standard safety practices recommended by organizations like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).