What should you check before using a fire bottle?

Checking the gauge to ensure the fire bottle is full is crucial before use because it directly indicates whether the fire suppression agent is available for effective operation. Fire bottles contain agents that are designed to combat specific types of fires, and if the bottle is not full, there may not be enough agent to effectively extinguish a fire in an emergency situation.

In the context of fire safety and preparedness, confirmed readiness is essential; therefore, ensuring that the gauge shows that the bottle is adequately filled allows personnel to be confident that the equipment will perform as intended when needed. The other options—while they may be relevant in certain contexts—do not provide the immediate assurance that the primary function of the fire bottle can be met.