Fire Extinguisher Inspection
New York City, NY
FDNY-Compliant Inspections That Keep Your Building Safe and Violation-Free
Total Fire Protection delivers monthly inspection programs and annual service for fire extinguishers across NYC’s five boroughs. Every inspection follows NFPA 10 standards and FDNY Fire Code Section 906 requirements. We use official FDNY-issued tags, maintain complete documentation, and provide same-day emergency response when violations threaten your operations.
25+ Years Protecting NY Properties
100+ Service Vans for Fast Emergency Response
FDNY Licensed & Certified
Self-Performed Services
(Never Subcontracted)
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements in New York City
- The NYC Fire Code mandates two distinct types of inspections. Monthly visual inspections verify extinguisher accessibility and readiness. Annual maintenance examinations confirm internal functionality and compliance.
- FDNY Section 906 requires portable fire extinguishers in all Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, and S occupancies. Extinguishers must be positioned within 30 feet of commercial cooking equipment. Buildings under construction need extinguishers on each floor.
Fire Extinguisher Service Requirements
| Service Type | Description | Requirements / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Visual Inspections | Building staff conduct visual checks to ensure proper mounting (bottom ≥4 in. off the floor), a green pressure gauge, outward-facing instructions, and the absence of damage, missing tags, or blocked access. | Requires documentation of date and inspector initials. No special certification needed. |
| Annual Professional Service | Licensed FDNY-approved companies conduct internal examinations, pressure testing, component inspection, and recharging. Technicians attach FDNY-issued numbered tags and document names, Certificate of Fitness numbers, service dates, and extinguisher model details. | NFPA 10 and NYC Fire Code Section 906 compliance required; technicians must hold valid Certificates of Fitness. |
| Six-Year Internal Maintenance | Stored-pressure extinguishers are emptied and undergo internal teardown inspection, checking cylinder walls, threads, and valve components for corrosion. The internal examination clock resets with recharging or hydrostatic testing. | Applies every six years; ensures thorough inspection and maintenance of internal components. |
Fire Extinguisher Inspection Requirements in New York City
The NYC Fire Code mandates two distinct types of inspections. Monthly visual inspections verify extinguisher accessibility and readiness. Annual maintenance examinations confirm internal functionality and compliance.
FDNY Section 906 requires portable fire extinguishers in all Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, and S occupancies. Extinguishers must be positioned within 30 feet of commercial cooking equipment. Buildings under construction need extinguishers on each floor.
| Service Type | What’s Included | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Inspections | FDNY-certified inspection, pressure verification, component testing, smart tag application | Every 12 months |
| 6-Year Internal Maintenance | Complete teardown, internal component inspection, cleaning, reassembly, and recharge | Every 6 years (stored-pressure dry chemical units) |
| Hydrostatic Testing | Pressure testing to verify cylinder integrity, complete disassembly, and reassembly | Every 12 years (dry chemical); Every 5 years (CO₂) |
| Recharging | Agent replacement, pressure restoration, seal replacement | After discharge or pressure loss |
| Repairs | Hose replacement, valve repair, nozzle cleaning, and mounting hardware repair | As needed |
| Replacements | Full unit replacement for damaged or expired extinguishers | When repair is not cost-effective |
Hydrostatic Testing Intervals
Pressure testing confirms cylinder structural integrity. Testing intervals depend on extinguisher type:
Dry chemical (stored pressure)
Hydrostatic testing is required every 12 years.
Water-based
Hydrostatic testing is required every 5 years.
CO₂ (steel cylinders)
Hydrostatic testing is required every 5 years.
Halogenated agents
Hydrostatic testing is required every 12 years.
Our Fire Extinguisher Inspection Process
Total Fire Protection self-performs all inspections. We never subcontract, which eliminates accountability gaps and ensures consistent quality.
Initial Assessment
Determines extinguisher type, quantity, and placement requirements for your specific occupancy
Monthly Checks
Document gauge pressure, physical condition, accessibility, and tag status; technicians photograph each unit
Annual Maintenance
Includes full teardown, when required, internal examination, pressure verification, component replacement, and recharging
Documentation
Immediate upload to the digital compliance portal; paper copies provided with every service
Emergency Response
Activated when violations appear or extinguishers fail
Fire Extinguisher Selection and Placement
NYC Fire Code requires specific extinguisher ratings based on hazard classification. Class A extinguishers protect ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth). Class B covers flammable liquids. Class C addresses electrical equipment. Most commercial properties use ABC-rated units, which provide comprehensive protection.
Commercial kitchens within 30 feet of cooking equipment require Class K extinguishers designed for grease fires. These wet chemical units cool oils below auto-ignition temperatures and prevent re-flash.
Maximum travel distance depends on
extinguisher rating
Total Fire Protection conducts site surveys to map compliant placement. We identify coverage gaps before FDNY inspectors do.
Service Areas
We provide fire extinguisher service across:
New York City: Five Boroughs
Protects commercial buildings and multifamily properties throughout the city
Manhattan & Long Island
High-rises and commercial campuses receive identical response standards
Northern New Jersey
Serves properties across the northern region
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can conduct monthly fire extinguisher inspections?
Any trained building staff member may perform monthly visual checks. No FDNY Certificate of Fitness is required. Building maintenance personnel, superintendents, or designated safety coordinators typically handle these quick verifications. Annual maintenance requires licensed professionals with proper certifications.
What happens if an extinguisher fails a monthly inspection?
Remove the failed unit from service immediately. Contact your FDNY-approved service company for emergency replacement. Never operate with expired, damaged, or discharged extinguishers. Total Fire Protection dispatches same-day replacements to prevent compliance gaps.
How do I verify my service company is FDNY-approved?
Check the FDNY website’s updated list of company certificates. The department updates approvals monthly. Expired company certificates or lapsed insurance invalidate service. Any company not on the current list operates illegally.
Can I recharge my own fire extinguishers?
No. NYC Fire Code Section 906 requires FDNY-licensed companies to service all portable fire extinguishers. Only technicians holding valid Certificates of Fitness may recharge, repair, or replace units. Self-service violates fire code and exposes building owners to liability.
What if the FDNY issues a violation before our scheduled annual service?
Total Fire Protection provides emergency violation correction across the tri-state area. We arrive the same day with replacement extinguishers, perform required maintenance, and install compliant FDNY tags. Our documentation package accompanies your violation response to expedite clearance.
Schedule Your FDNY-Compliant Fire Extinguisher Inspection
Monthly visual programs begin immediately. Annual maintenance appointments fit your building’s operational schedule.
Call (718) 951-7200 or complete the form below to schedule service.
Contact Total Fire Protection: Premium fire safety service for properties that can’t afford violations.
Serving NYC's five boroughs and Long Island. Upstate NY. We also serve New Jersey with 100+ service vans and 25+ years of fire protection expertise.