Which of the following statements is true regarding the maintenance of fire extinguishers?

Fire extinguishers play a crucial role in fire safety and prevention, and their proper maintenance is essential to ensure they function effectively when needed. The statement that they must be inspected monthly by trained personnel is indeed true. Monthly inspections help ensure that the extinguishers are in proper working condition, fully charged, and readily accessible. These inspections involve checking for physical damage, verifying that the pressure gauge is in the correct range, and ensuring that the operating instructions are visible and legible.

Regular monthly checks are part of the necessary preventive measures to uphold fire safety standards and compliance with regulations. It is essential to have trained personnel conduct these inspections to identify any issues that might otherwise go unnoticed, which could lead to the extinguishers failing at a critical moment.

While fire extinguishers do need maintenance and periodic servicing by qualified professionals, including more detailed annual inspections and hydro-testing every few years, the key aspect of this statement lies in the importance of the monthly inspection, which is crucial for immediate readiness. Therefore, the emphasis on monthly inspections by trained personnel underlines the proactive approach required to maintain fire extinguisher safety and readiness.