How often should a fire extinguisher be inspected?

A fire extinguisher only works if it is maintained regularly. An extinguisher with low pressure, a broken seal or an expired refill date is little more than a heavy piece of metal at the moment of a fire. So how often should a fire extinguisher be inspected? The short answer: some checks monthly by eye, and the full service at the intervals set by the regulation, at an authorised service.

Is fire extinguisher inspection mandatory?

Yes. The Regulation on Fire Protection of Buildings (Official Gazette: 19.12.2007, no. 26735) requires the periodic inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers to be carried out to the TS ISO 11602-2 standard. In other words, inspection is not optional; it is the responsibility of the building owner, operator or manager.

Periodic inspection intervals

In practice, extinguisher maintenance is considered in three layers:

• Monthly visual check: Is the device in place and accessible, is the pressure gauge in the green zone, are the seal and pin in place, is there any crack in the hose? The business itself can carry out this quick check.
• Refill / maintenance: Dry chemical powder extinguishers are discharged, refilled and serviced at least once every two years, even if unused.
• Hydrostatic test: The body of the extinguisher is tested for pressure resistance at set intervals (generally in the fourth year, with the extinguishing agent renewed).

Exact intervals may vary by device type and manufacturer's instructions; that is why it is important to track the inspection and refill date on each extinguisher's label.

What to check in your own monthly inspection

Without waiting for the authorised service, as a business you can review these items every month:

• Is the pressure gauge needle in the green zone?
• Are the safety pin and plastic seal intact?
• Is there any rust, dent or leak on the body?
• Are the hose and nozzle cracked, blocked or hardened?
• Is the extinguisher visible, signed and standing in a clear spot?

When is a refill done?

If an extinguisher has been used once — even partially discharged — it must be refilled immediately. Even if unused, the extinguishing agent is renewed when the refill date arrives. Extinguishers with low pressure or a gauge that has shifted into the red zone are also refilled and their seals checked.

Why does an authorised service matter?

The company carrying out the refill and maintenance must hold the relevant ministry's refill and service competence certificate. An uncertified refill is legally invalid and increases the risk of the device failing during a fire. In our fire extinguisher service we record inspection and refill dates and remind you when they are due.

A regular plan is essential so you don't miss your extinguishers' inspection dates. In our periodic maintenance schedule article we explained how to set up this tracking. For an on-site survey and written quote, get in touch with us.