(1) The employer is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.

(2) The employer must visually inspect portable extinguishers or hose at least once a month.

(3) The employer must ensure that portable fire extinguishers receive an annual maintenance check. The employer must keep records of the maintenance dates for one year after the previous entry or the life of the shell, whichever comes first. The employer must provide us with a copy of the record if we ask for it.

(4) The employer must ensure that stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a twelve-year hydrostatic test are emptied and undergo applicable maintenance procedures every six years.

The six years begins when recharging or hydrostatic testing is performed.

(5) The employer must ensure that alternate equivalent protection is provided when portable fire extinguishers are removed from service for maintenance and recharging.