Water or steam fire extinguishers need to be discharged and inspected at least:

Water or steam fire extinguishers are typically recommended to be inspected and discharged at least annually. This is crucial to ensure their functionality and reliability in an emergency situation. Annual inspections allow trained personnel to check for physical damage, pressure levels, and general condition. They also confirm that the extinguishing agent is intact and the valve operates correctly.

While more frequent checks may be advisable in certain conditions or environments, the standard requirement is an annual inspection. This frequency helps in maintaining compliance with safety regulations and ensuring that the extinguishers are ready for use when needed. Other intervals mentioned, such as monthly or two-year inspections, could lead to oversight in maintaining the extinguishers properly since they may not provide adequate time for thorough evaluation. Additionally, inspections every five years are typically reserved for more in-depth servicing or testing, which is different from the routine inspections that should occur annually.