Who is responsible for checking fire extinguishers?

The responsibility for checking fire extinguishers falls to an approved W-96 Certificate of Fitness (COF) holder. This requirement ensures that fire extinguishers are inspected and maintained by individuals who have received specific training and certification in fire safety procedures. These holders possess the knowledge necessary to accurately assess the functionality and compliance of fire extinguishers according to established regulations.

While any employee may be able to perform basic checks, such as visually inspecting extinguishers for obvious damage, it is the COF holder who is qualified to conduct thorough inspections and ensure that all fire extinguishers meet safety standards. Certified technicians and the fire department typically handle more extensive maintenance and inspection tasks, but the approval and designation of the COF holder ensures that there are designated personnel responsible and accountable for this essential safety function.