> What will the professional do that we don't -- take a look at the charge level, take a look at manufacturer date?
Here in Germany, the checklist is as follows - and government as well as insurances can and do audit companies if that is being followed:
- check for accessibility: is the location of the extinguisher properly marked on maps and does the wall have visible indicators that show where the extinguisher is? Can the extinguisher be reached and grabbed in an emergency or has random clutter accumulated next to it? Are the maps and indicator designs outdated? Are the indicator signs autoflourescent to make them visible even in the case of a fire-caused electrical blackout? Are there enough maps publicly visible that everyone can access one in case of emergency?
- for wall mounts: check if the holder is structurally sound or if someone ripped out half the screws by bumping into it?
- check if the tank itself hasn't expired. A tank usually is certified for ten years.
- inspect the extinguisher visually, look for dents etc. that may have led to corrosion of the tank or damage to the hose/nozzle (and subsequently a rupture risk should it be used). That is a very common occurrence in portable extinguishers that have been used as door stops.
- check if the extinguisher has been used / the seal been broken. If yes, that demands a full replacement of consumable parts (pressurizer agent, extinguisher agent, seals).
- check if the interior of the tank has been damaged by corrosion
- check if the pressurizer agent is not expired (most extinguishers here aren't permanently pressurized, instead they contain a CO2 cartridge) and weigh the cartridge to make sure it hasn't leaked
- check all O-rings and replace if necessary