Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seal Requirements

Whether you’re a commercial property owner, a facility manager or a business owner, you have a responsibility to provide sufficient fire safety measures in your building.

When you mention fire safety devices, most people will think of fire extinguishers, fire hoses and sprinkler systems. While these are all vital, other, lesser-known devices are important too.

One device that’s often overlooked is the fire extinguisher tamper seal. Small and inexpensive, this device could ensure that your fire extinguishers are functional when you need them most. It can make all the difference in protecting your staff and property, keeping you compliant with regulations and helping you make an insurance claim following a fire.

But what are fire extinguisher tamper seals, and how do they work?

How Fire Extinguisher Seals Work

A fire extinguisher tamper seal, sometimes called an anti-tamper seal, is a small, often plastic device threaded through the safety pin and around the handle of an extinguisher. When a seal is in place, it’s impossible to pull the safety pin and use the extinguisher without breaking the seal.

The purpose of fire extinguisher seals isn’t to prevent the extinguisher from being used — they’re designed not to interfere with its use in an emergency. Instead, they clearly indicate when an extinguisher has been used, because even if you have a high-quality fire extinguisher, if it’s been used, you can’t trust it again until it’s been serviced.

What Happens If a Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seal Is Broken?

If one of your fire extinguishers has a damaged seal, it’s a sign that it’s been used. Regardless of why this was, you must test your extinguisher or, if necessary, replace it. Otherwise, you risk:

• Using ineffective fire equipment: If your fire extinguisher has been used or tampered with, it may not function as needed in a real emergency.
• Not meeting regulations and standards: Whether set by law or industry standards, most workplaces must have effective fire equipment on hand.
• Voiding insurance claims: If an insurance provider can prove your fire extinguisher was improperly maintained, they could deny your claim. A broken seal on an extinguisher that wasn’t replaced following the necessary servicing could fall under improper maintenance.

How to Check Your Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seals

Checking tamper seals is easy, with a simple visual inspection telling you if your seal is intact. This inspection should be done during your fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance. The check should include:

• Monthly physical inspections: NFPA 10 Section 7.2.1.2.1 and OSHA 1910.157 fire regulations dictate how often you should check fire extinguisher tamper seals. Both require fire extinguisher inspections at least once a month. Any competent person can do the visual inspection without any qualifications.
• Annual maintenance by a professional: Once a year, a qualified professional must check all your fire extinguishers. They’ll then have to be serviced or replaced as necessary. During this maintenance, replace your seals to ensure they function as designed in an emergency, as NFPA 10 and OSHA require.
• After any use: If a seal has been broken or is missing from a fire extinguisher indicating that it has been used, common fire extinguisher seal replacement guidelines state that the extinguisher will require servicing and testing, after which a new seal is placed.

You must also keep good records of any inspections or servicing you carry out on each extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher Tamper Seal Compliance

The specific laws and regulations you need to follow will vary depending on your industry and state. However, some standards are widely required.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces the OSH Act of 1970, which protects employees in the workplace. Although fire extinguisher seals aren’t specifically mentioned in the act, OSHA 1910.157 requires extinguishers to be “maintained in a fully charged and operable condition.” Since a broken seal indicates that an extinguisher has been used, it implies that OSHA regulations haven’t been followed.

OSHA doesn’t apply to all workplaces, but it does apply to all federal, most private, and some state and local government places of employment.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards are not federal law. However, many states and local municipalities have adopted NFPA 10, making those aspects of it legally required in those locations. Many businesses adhere to NFPA requirements for tamper seals to ensure they provide adequate fire safety measures for their employees.

So, are tamper seals required on fire extinguishers? According to NFPA 10, yes. Section 7.3.2.2.1 states that a new tamper seal should be installed after annual maintenance.

Ensuring Your Fire Tamper Seals Are Effective

A fire tamper seal is a simple and affordable method to ensure you can rely on your fire extinguisher. To ensure your seals are effective, check that they are:

• High-quality products: Good tamper seals are easy to break, so they don’t impede the use of a fire extinguisher. Avoid generic seals that may not perform reliably in an emergency.
• Regularly inspected: Monthly checks ensure a tamper seal remains intact, indicating the extinguisher is operational. Although no qualifications are required, it’s best practice to train staff to inspect tamper seals and fire extinguishers properly.
• Replaced each year: To ensure the seal will break when required and to assist with record-keeping, replace fire extinguisher seals annually. Some seals come with dated tags so you can quickly tell when they were last replaced.

Depending on your industry, you may need seals that are UL-listed or meet specific standards in addition to OSHA and NFPA. If you operate in harsh environmental conditions, you may need resistant seals that can withstand extreme temperatures or chemical exposure to prevent premature breaking. You can use seals of various colors to color-code different inspection cycles or extinguisher types.

If you’re unsure whether the seals you’re using are reliable, purchase them from a reputable fire equipment provider.

Premium Fire Equipment You Can Rely On

Whether required by law or not, you should always provide the best possible fire safety measures in your workplace. You can take various measures, such as conducting regular fire drills or providing reliable premium fire equipment in an emergency.

National Fire Supply provides all the necessary fire equipment for your business. From firefighting equipment to safety signs, sprinkler parts to fire hoses, our range of products is wide and comprehensive. We offer same-day shipping nationwide and provide exceptional customer service. Our product experts can help you find the right solution for your business.

We also offer various fire extinguisher tamper seals. Available in several colors and up to industry standards, our tamper seals give you peace of mind that your extinguishers will work when you need them most.