Question:
I have a Kidde dry chemical home fire extinguisher. It is at least 10-12 years old. It has a gauge that still reads in the green. Does this mean it's still safe and can be relied on, or do these things need to be replaced after awhile no matter what the gauge reads?

Answer: Seems as thought he seal u nits for home use are exempt from testing or any time limit. Here are the OSHA rules, http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDAR... The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are subjected to an annual maintenance check. Stored pressure extinguishers do not require an internal examination. The employer shall record the annual maintenance date and retain this record for one year after the last entry or the life of the shell, whichever is less. The record shall be available to the Assistant Secretary upon request. 1910.157(e)(4) The employer shall assure that stored pressure dry chemical extinguishers that require a 12-year hydrostatic test are emptied and subjected to applicable maintenance procedures every 6 years. Dry chemical extinguishers having non-refillable disposable containers are exempt from this requirement. When recharging or hydrostatic testing is performed, the 6-year requirement begins from that date.