Frequently Asked Questions

Fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a licensed technician per NFPA 10 and FDNY regulations. Commercial properties in NYC are subject to FDNY enforcement. Learn more on our Services page.

Our licensed technician checks pressure gauges, physical condition, tamper seals, pull pins, hose and nozzle integrity, mounting brackets, and updates the inspection tag with date, signature, and license number.

Yes. Every inspection includes a signed service tag on the extinguisher and written documentation with technician credentials, date, and findings — all FDNY and NFPA 10 compliant.

An inspection is a visual and functional check performed annually. A maintenance visit is a more thorough internal examination required every 6 years for certain extinguisher types, per NFPA 10.

NFPA 10 requires a monthly visual check by the property owner or manager to verify the extinguisher is accessible, fully charged, and undamaged. Annual inspections by a licensed technician are also required.

Hydrostatic testing is a pressure test of the extinguisher cylinder to verify structural integrity and safety under pressure. Required to ensure the cylinder will not fail during use.

Frequency depends on extinguisher type: stored-pressure dry chemical units require hydro testing every 12 years, CO2 and water units every 5 years, per NFPA 10.

All types eventually require hydrostatic testing including ABC dry chemical, CO2, water, K-Class, and clean-agent units. The interval varies by type under NFPA 10 Section 8.3.

An extinguisher must be recharged after any use — even partial discharge — and whenever the pressure gauge shows it is in the red zone or undercharged.

Yes. Most extinguisher types can be recharged and returned to service after partial use, making recharging the more cost-effective option. Our technicians handle on-site recharging.

NFPA 101 and local codes require a 30-second monthly test and a 90-minute annual test for emergency lighting units. NYC buildings must comply with FDNY and DOB requirements.

Yes. Exit signs must be illuminated at all times and tested per local fire codes. Battery backup units require the same monthly 30-second and annual 90-minute tests as emergency lights.

Yes. OSHA 29 CFR 1926.150 requires fire extinguishers on all active construction sites. FDNY has additional requirements for NYC job sites. Learn more on our Construction Site Safety page.

OSHA requires at least one extinguisher for every 3,000 square feet of building area or floor. Additional extinguishers are required near hot work, fuel storage, and high-hazard areas.

A minimum 2A:20B:C rated extinguisher is required within 30 feet of hot work operations. ABC dry chemical extinguishers are the most commonly used.

FDNY requires licensed fire guard services, compliant extinguisher placement, hot work permits, and regular inspection documentation. Safety First specializes in full FDNY compliance for NYC job sites.

FDNY can issue violations, fines, and in serious cases require vacating the property. We respond quickly to cure violations and restore compliance. Call us at (718) 303-0449.

No. Extinguishers must be in place, charged, tagged, and accessible during any FDNY inspection. Missing or expired units result in immediate violations.

FDNY requires current inspection tags signed by a licensed technician, hydrostatic test records where applicable, and service logs. We provide all documentation at the time of service.

Yes. Multi-family residential buildings in NYC are subject to FDNY requirements for fire extinguisher placement and annual inspection in common areas, hallways, and mechanical rooms.

Property managers should conduct monthly visual checks and schedule annual professional inspections. We offer property management contracts for buildings with multiple units or floors.

Yes. We work with property management companies across NYC and NJ to provide annual inspection contracts, consolidated documentation, and priority scheduling for multiple properties.

We serve all 5 NYC boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx) and New Jersey including Hudson County, Essex County, Union County, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County. See our Locations page for full coverage.

Yes. Safety First holds NY License #287W and NJ License #P-01726. We are fully licensed, insured, and NAFED member in good standing.

We typically schedule within 1-3 business days. For urgent FDNY violations or construction site needs, same-day and next-day service is often available. Call (718) 303-0449.