Mobile fire extinguisher inspection service

Visit local businesses each year to inspect, tag and replace fire extinguishers and emergency lights.

Engineer servicing a fire extinguisher and checking a wall-mounted alarm in an office.
Startup cost$4k to $20k
Monthly revenue$3k to $15k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • $4k-20k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

What it is

A van-based service that inspects, tags, recharges or replaces portable fire extinguishers at shops, restaurants, offices and apartment buildings. You can add emergency light checks and basic fire safety signage.

Your first three steps

  1. Call your state fire marshal's office or licensing board to find out what license or certification extinguisher service requires
  2. Get the required training and a basic tool kit, and price out a wholesale supplier for extinguishers and parts
  3. Visit nearby restaurants, property managers and small offices and offer a first-year inspection at an introductory price
Who pays

Small business owners, restaurants, property managers, landlords, churches and schools that must keep extinguishers inspected for their fire marshal or insurer.

How it makes money

Per-extinguisher inspection fees, plus recharge, replacement and new unit sales. Annual contracts with repeat customers give steady, predictable work.

Skills that help
  • Following safety codes and checklists carefully
  • Careful record keeping
  • Reliable, professional customer service
Watch out for
  • State or local fire marshal licensing and technician certification, which varies a lot by state and city
  • General liability insurance, and check whether you also need professional or errors and omissions cover
  • Hydrostatic testing and recharging need specific equipment and training, so you may start with inspections and subcontract the rest
  • Customers rely on your tags, so accurate records matter if there is a fire or an insurance claim
  • Workers' compensation insurance once you hire

Deep research report · US

Everything you need to start: mobile fire extinguisher inspection service

Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

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Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a fire extinguisher inspection service?

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your van, equipment and training. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many customers you serve.

What licenses should I check for fire extinguisher inspection?

Check state or local fire marshal licensing and technician certification, which varies a lot by state and city. Also check general liability insurance, whether you need professional or errors and omissions cover, and workers' compensation once you hire.

What skills and time does this business need?

Estimates start at around 15 hours a week, depending on your customer list. Skills include following safety codes carefully, careful record keeping and professional service. Hydrostatic testing and recharging need specific equipment and training, so you may subcontract those.

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Photo: Antranias on Pixabay

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