Quick Answer

• Monthly: Owner/staff visual inspection and log entry (OFC Div. B 6.2; see the consolidated code: O. Reg. 213/07). Example municipal checklist: Town of Georgina – Maintenance Record.
• Annually: Professional maintenance/inspection by a qualified technician, tagged and documented (OFC Div. B 6.2; see University of Guelph policy citing OFC 6.2.7.1/6.2.7.2/6.2.7.4: U of G Portable Extinguisher Policy).
• 6‑Year / 12‑Year: Internal maintenance and hydrostatic testing per NFPA 10 (e.g., typical 6‑year internal for many stored‑pressure ABC units; 5‑ or 12‑year hydro tests depending on type). Municipal examples referencing NFPA 10: City of London – Fire Safety Plan guide, Municipal Fire Safety Plan (example).

Monthly Owner Visual Check (Checklist)

Do these quick checks once per month (and record them). Municipal templates and wording: Georgina Maintenance Record.

• Present & visible: The extinguisher is in its assigned location and the label faces outward. Verify
• Accessible: No obstructions; signage points to the unit where needed. City of Kitchener Guide (2025)
• Tamper seal & pin intact: No signs of use/tampering. U of G Policy
• Gauge/indicator OK: Needle in green or indicator shows “charged.” Municipal checklist
• Hose/nozzle clear: No cracks, blockages, or damage. Kitchener Guide
• Body condition: No rust, dents, leaks, or corrosion; bracket secure. Kitchener Guide
• Signage/marking: Location marked where not immediately visible; classification label legible. OFC Section 6.2 overview
• Record it: Sign/date the tag or the monthly log. OFC requires records be available for the fire inspector. O. Reg. 213/07

Tip: Assign a primary and a backup staff member so monthly checks never get missed.

Annual Maintenance (Technician)

At least once per year, a qualified technician performs maintenance, updates the tag, and documents findings. Ontario Fire Code requires inspection/testing to be carried out and recorded (Div. B, Part 6). See the consolidated regulation: O. Reg. 213/07. For a campus example citing OFC clauses 6.2.7.1/6.2.7.2/6.2.7.4 (records, tagging), see U of G policy.

• Confirm correct type/size and placement for hazards (A/B/C/K, etc.).
• Examine cylinder, hose, valve, and safety devices; weigh or verify charge as applicable.
• Check brackets/cabinets; replace damaged parts; update tags; issue report for your files.

Restaurants: Kitchen hood suppression systems are separate from portable extinguishers and typically require semi‑annual service (NFPA 96/AHJ practice). Coordinate both to reduce site visits.

6‑Year & 12‑Year Service (NFPA 10)

Beyond annual maintenance, NFPA 10 sets internal maintenance and hydrostatic testing intervals by extinguisher type. Municipal documents in Ontario reference these intervals:

• Every 6 years: Many stored‑pressure ABC extinguishers that require a 12‑year hydro test must be emptied and receive internal maintenance. City of London guide
• Hydrostatic testing: Typically every 5 years (e.g., pressurized water & CO₂) or every 12 years (many ABC stored‑pressure cylinders), depending on construction. See municipal examples: Fire Safety Plan (example), City of London.

The exact interval depends on extinguisher type and manufacturer. Your service provider will follow NFPA 10 and mark the cylinder with test dates.

Mounting Height, Location & Signage

• Heights (NFPA 10 practice): Tops of extinguishers ≤ 1.5 m (5 ft) above floor if the unit weighs ≤ 18 kg (40 lb), or ≤ 1.07 m (3.5 ft) if > 18 kg; bottoms at least 10 cm (4 in) above the floor. See City of Kitchener Portable Fire Extinguishers Guide (2025) and NFPA mounting guidance here.
• Visibility & travel distance: Extinguishers must be readily accessible and travel distances must meet hazard class requirements (see Kitchener guide’s placement tables and diagrams). Verify
• Signage: Provide signs where extinguishers are not immediately visible. OFC Part 6 covers portable extinguisher installation/maintenance (overview): OntarioFireCode.com (Section 6.2).

Tags, Records & Documentation

• Monthly records: Initial and date the tag or log when you complete the monthly check. Keep logs on site for the fire inspector. Sample monthly sheet
• Annual tag & report: The technician’s dated tag and written report must be retained (OFC recordkeeping, Div. B Part 1/6). See consolidated code: O. Reg. 213/07; campus example referencing OFC 6.2.7.4 (records): U of G policy.

Pro tip: Keep extinguisher records with your Fire Safety Plan so inspectors and insurers can review everything in one place.

FAQ

References

• Ontario Fire Code – O. Reg. 213/07 (consolidated)
• University of Guelph – Portable Fire Extinguisher Policy (OFC 6.2.7.1/6.2.7.2/6.2.7.4 cited)
• City of Kitchener – Portable Fire Extinguishers Guide (2025)
• Town of Georgina – Extinguisher Maintenance Record Sheet
• City of London – Fire Safety Plan Information (NFPA 10 intervals noted)
• NFPA – Portable Fire Extinguishers (mounting/selection overview)