How often must fire extinguishers be inspected?

Fire extinguishers must be inspected once a month to ensure they are in proper working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency. This monthly inspection involves checking for signs of damage, ensuring the pressure gauge indicates adequate pressure, and verifying that the expiration date has not passed. Regular inspections help maintain the integrity and reliability of the fire extinguishers, which is crucial for effective fire safety in any environment.

The other options do not align with the standard requirements for fire extinguisher maintenance. Inspections once a year are insufficient for ensuring operational readiness; fire extinguishers should be checked more frequently. Similarly, inspections every six months do not meet the monthly requirement set forth by fire safety regulations. Only inspecting extinguishers when they are used overlooks the importance of routine checks that could identify maintenance issues before they lead to a failure during an emergency.