Fire extinguisher maintenance is often forgotten—we buy them, and after months or years of no need for use, we assume that we’ve fulfilled the legal requirements by just having them on hand.

However, it is essential to maintain them at specified intervals.

It’s not just about avoiding fines, but about ensuring that in the event of a fire, our extinguisher will function properly and safely.

Fire extinguisher maintenance is mandatory once a year. The level of maintenance depends on the age of the device, which can be basic, intermediate, or full inspection.

In Hungary, the maintenance and detailed regulations regarding fire extinguishers are defined by the 54/2014 (XII.5.) BM (Interior Ministry) legislation.

Who can perform the maintenance of fire extinguishers?

Fire extinguisher maintenance can only be carried out by a certified maintenance organization. Basic maintenance can be performed on-site, but for more extensive maintenance, the device must be taken to a workshop. We recommend working with an organization that provides comprehensive service to all its clients, ensuring that all necessary tasks are handled thoroughly. During maintenance, it’s also crucial to ensure that there are enough fire extinguishers available in the facility.

The following steps need to be checked:

  • Is the device located in the prescribed place?
  • Is it properly secured?
  • Is it placed in a visible location?
  • Does it have Hungarian-language operating instructions in a clearly visible spot?
  • Is its use unobstructed?
  • Is the pressure gauge or indicator in the correct zone?
  • Is it fully equipped?
  • Is the maintenance seal intact, with a valid maintenance tag?
  • Does it have a closure seal, and is it undamaged?
  • Has the inspection date been met?
  • Is its condition flawless and operational?

Every 5 years, the device must undergo a pressure test or be marked with an OKF (National Directorate General for Disaster Management) identification. The OKF is a uniquely numbered, holographic sticker, with the first three digits identifying the maintenance organization.

The maintenance label contains the following information:
  • The word “INSPECTED”
  • The name and address of the maintenance organization
  • The signature or identifying mark of the maintenance personnel
  • The type of maintenance performed
  • Date of maintenance
  • The date of the next scheduled maintenance
Basic fire extinguisher maintenance:
  • To ensure the operational capability of the extinguisher, safety indicator components must be inspected.
  • The pressure gauges need to be checked accurately. If the reading deviates from the prescribed values, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correction.
  • The quantity of the extinguishing agent should be verified through pressure testing.
  • Additionally, we check for any corrosion that might impede safe operation, as well as visible dents or deformations on the surface.
  • The hoses must also be inspected for their condition, and their suitability for use must be ensured.
  • The label’s integrity should be checked to ensure it is readable and not worn.
  • Damaged components must be replaced.
  • If the hose has a sealing ring with a protective film, it must be replaced in all cases.
During the intermediate maintenance, the following should be checked:
  • The operation of the pressure indicator
  • The emptying of the devices
  • The condition of the extinguishing agents and sealing fittings, including the trigger head assembly, the pressure sensor, the indicator devices, the hose, and the nozzle assembly
  • The interior of the tank, paying special attention to signs of corrosion
  • The integrity of the internal welds and the condition of the coating
  • Every sealing element and connecting thread
  • After this, it will be refilled with extinguishing agent.
Comprehensive maintenance

In addition to the operations included in basic and intermediate maintenance:

  • Disposal of defective or expired parts, followed by their replacement
  • Subjecting the tank to a pressure test
  • Disposal of unmarked tanks
  • Checking safety valves and all fittings of the device that are subjected to pressure during operation
  • Inspecting the safety valve and adjusting or replacing it if necessary

A minimum of one fire extinguisher suitable for firefighting must be placed in the facility. If the legislation or fire safety authority determines, additional devices may be required. It is not mandatory to place a fire extinguisher for residential purposes unless the room is used for other purposes involving economic activities.