Safety & Compliance · SOP

Commercial Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection

This procedure outlines the monthly inspection process for fire extinguishers installed in commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with NFPA 10 and WorkSafeBC regulations. Proper inspection prevents fines, ensures equipment readiness, and enhances driver and asset safety.

Estimated Time

15 min

Difficulty

Basic

Regulation

NFPA 10 / WorkSafeBC

Version

1.0

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Purpose

The purpose of this monthly inspection is to verify that each commercial vehicle fire extinguisher is fully charged, mechanically sound, and ready for immediate use in an emergency. Early detection of tampering, corrosion, or pressure loss reduces fire risk and keeps the fleet compliant with provincial and national safety standards.

Scope

This SOP applies to all fire extinguishers mounted in fleet vehicles operated by the company, including dry chemical, CO₂, and halotron units with a rated capacity of 2-A:10-B:C or equivalent. It covers visual inspection, mechanical checks, weight verification (where applicable), and documentation requirements. Annual maintenance and hydrostatic testing are outside the scope of this monthly procedure.

Safety Precautions

LOTOEnsure the vehicle is parked, engine off, and keys removed before removing the extinguisher from its bracket. No lockout/tagout required for non-powered equipment.
PPEWear cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses when handling extinguishers. Some units may have sharp edges or residual powder around the nozzle.
HANDNever point the nozzle at yourself or others when examining the horn or hose. Do not discharge the extinguisher unless it is a scheduled training event.

Required Tools & Materials

Fire extinguisher monthly inspection checklist (digital or paper)
Personal protective equipment – gloves, safety glasses
Flashlight (for inspecting hard-to-see areas)
Smartphone or camera for photo documentation of gauge and tag
Pen and permanent marker for tagging
Weighing scale (for CO₂ or other weight-dependent extinguishers)

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Procedure: Step-by-Step

1 Remove and visually inspect the extinguisher. Release the securing strap and lift the extinguisher from its bracket. Examine the cylinder body for dents, rust, weld marks, or any signs of tampering. Verify the manufacturer’s label is legible and the operating instructions are intact. If the cylinder shows any damage, set aside for professional servicing.

2 Check tamper seal and safety pin. Ensure the tamper seal is unbroken and the safety pin is fully inserted and retained. If the seal is missing, pin is bent, or pin is missing, tag the extinguisher as “do not use” and initiate a replacement order.

3 Verify pressure gauge reading. Hold the extinguisher at eye level and observe the pressure gauge needle. It must rest in the green (operational) zone. If the needle is in the red (overcharged or undercharged), remove the extinguisher from service immediately and arrange for recharging or replacement.

4 Inspect hose, nozzle, and locking mechanism. Examine the discharge hose for cracks, kinks, or chemical degradation. Blow compressed air (or use a flashlight) to ensure the nozzle is free of obstructions. Test the handle locking mechanism – it should click into place and release smoothly when the pin is removed.

5 Weigh portable extinguishers (if applicable). For extinguishers with a weight-based indicator (e.g., CO₂ units), place the extinguisher on a calibrated scale and compare the current weight to the tare weight stamped on the cylinder or label. If the loss exceeds 10% of the rated charge weight, remove from service.

6 Re-mount and tag the extinguisher. Return the extinguisher to its vehicle bracket and secure all straps tightly. Affix a dated inspection tag (or update the digital log) with the inspector’s initials, date, and any notes on condition. Take a clear photo of the gauge and tag for the permanent vehicle record.

7 Sign off inspection log. Complete the vehicle’s monthly fire extinguisher inspection log. Record the vehicle unit number, extinguisher type and serial number, gauge reading, any deficiencies found, and corrective actions taken (or required). Submit the log to the safety supervisor or file in the digital compliance folder.

Commercial Vehicle Fire Extinguisher Monthly Inspection

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