Interactive Fire Safety Self-Audit

Extinguisher is in its designated location and has not been moved.

A moved extinguisher can create a travel-distance failure even if the building still has the right number of units.

Nothing is blocking access - no boxes, coat racks, holiday decor, or furniture within 3 ft of the unit.

This is one of the fastest citations to fix before an inspection.

The unit is clearly visible from the approach path, or a sign indicates its location.

Hidden extinguishers frequently fail in warehouses, retail back rooms, and crowded offices.

Top of the extinguisher is no more than 5 ft from the floor (3.5 ft if over 40 lb). Bottom is at least 4 in off the floor.

Incorrect mounting height makes a properly tagged extinguisher fail anyway.

Pressure gauge needle is in the green zone.

This is one of the highest-risk failures because the extinguisher may not work when needed.

Pull pin is present and the tamper seal is intact.

Missing pins or broken seals suggest prior use, tampering, or a unit that needs service.

No physical damage: dents, corrosion, pitting, or missing/illegible labels.

Inspectors will often spot this before they even touch the unit.

Nozzle, hose, or horn is clear - no obstructions, cracks, or deterioration.

A fully charged extinguisher can still fail in use if the discharge path is compromised.

Service tag is present, legible, and current within the last 12 months.

This is one of the first things a fire marshal will check.

Class A travel distance from every workstation is 75 ft or less.

Measure real walking paths, not straight-line distances through walls or shelving.

Class B travel distance is 50 ft or less for low hazard, or 30 ft or less for high hazard.

This commonly affects auto shops, paint areas, and fuel-related operations.

Class K extinguisher is within 30 ft of every commercial cooking appliance.

An ABC extinguisher does not replace the need for Class K coverage in a commercial kitchen.

Coverage by floor area appears sufficient for the occupancy and hazard level.

Renovations and growth often leave older buildings under-covered.

Each extinguisher is rated appropriately for the nearest hazard.

Wrong-class placement is a silent failure until someone tries to use the extinguisher.

Annual maintenance tags are current for every extinguisher.

Consistency matters. Inspectors often sample multiple units quickly.

6-year internal maintenance is documented for any extinguisher due for it.

This is often missed because the annual tag looks current even when the deeper service is overdue.

12-year hydrostatic test is documented where required.

This is easy to overlook in older buildings with legacy equipment.

Monthly inspection log is maintained and retained.

A simple binder or spreadsheet is enough if it is current and consistent.

Alarm, sprinkler, and kitchen suppression reports are current and available if applicable.

Many inspections touch more than extinguishers, especially in restaurants and mixed occupancies.

Exit doors open freely and exit paths are clear of storage, displays, or furniture.

Blocked egress is often cited alongside extinguisher issues during the same inspection.

Illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting are operational and tested.

This is especially important if your extinguisher audit is part of a full fire marshal walkthrough.

Electrical panels have 3 ft clearance and extension cords are not used as permanent wiring.

Panel clearance is visible from across the room and is easy for inspectors to cite.

Storage, trash, flammables, and mechanical rooms are being managed safely.

Good housekeeping often fixes multiple code concerns at once.