Inspection of fire extinguishers: deadlines, procedure and who is authorised to carry them out

RInspection of fire extinguishers is a term used in everyday language for anything from a quick glance at the label to replacing the contents. The regulation governing this matter, however, speaks more precisely: it distinguishes kontrolu provozuschopnosti and periodic inspection. In this article we adhere to its wording and explain what, how often and who must check on a fire extinguisher.

How often is a fire extinguisher inspection carried out

According to Decree No. 246/2001 Coll. On fire prevention, the operational check of a fire extinguisher must be carried out at least once a year. In addition to this regular interval, an inspection is also required after the device has been used, if there are doubts about its functionality, or following mechanical damage.

The first inspection must be carried out no later than one year after the installation of the unit, in other words, the unit must not have an inspection older than one year, whether it is a new unit or one that has already been in place for some time.

Extraordinary inspections are not just an additional formality. If a device has been used, even just for testing or during a minor fire that was extinguished immediately at the start. It must be inspected regardless of when the last regular inspection took place. Similarly, if there is any doubt about whether the device still functions (damaged pressure gauge, visible corrosion, dropped to the ground), an inspection should be ordered before the annual deadline expires.

Who is required to have a fire extinguisher

The obligation to equip premises with fire extinguishers stems from Act No. 133/1985 Coll. On Fire Protection and applies to legal entities and business individuals. The specific scope, how many extinguishers, of what type and exactly where, is determined by the fire safety design for the building in question. This varies according to the type and size of the object: it differs for a company premises from of a residential building managed by the building's owners' association a jinak u of a detached house , where since 2008 there is also a separate obligation to have at least one device with a fire-extinguishing capacity of 34A. Regardless of the reason for the obligation, the deadlines for inspection and periodic testing are the same for all types of owners.

Who is authorised to carry out the inspection

Operational checks and periodic tests may only be carried out by a technically competent person authorised by the manufacturer of the specific appliance type. That is, a service technician trained and certified directly by the manufacturer. A layperson's own inspection holds no weight under the regulation: without documentation from an authorised technician, the appliance is not considered operational, regardless of how well it appears to be in order.

In practice, this means you cannot choose just anyone: the technician must hold authorisation directly from the manufacturer of the specific brand and type of appliance they are working on. Service companies therefore usually state which brands and types of appliances their technicians are certified for, and it is sensible to verify this information before booking an inspection.

How operational readiness is demonstrated

The decree specifies how to externally demonstrate the operational readiness of a fire extinguisher. It involves three things simultaneously:

• § doklad o kontrole - a protocol issued by a competent person,
• § inspection label on the device with the date of the inspection performed,
• § seal of the service valvewhich confirms that no unauthorised person has tampered with the device since the last inspection.

If any of these three items is missing, the unit cannot be considered demonstrably operational, regardless of how long it has been hanging in place.

An inspection is not the same as a periodic test.

Annual operational checks are just one part of the obligations. Water and foam extinguishers must also undergo periodic testing (including hydraulic pressure testing of the container) every three years, while other types, powder and snow with CO₂, every five years. We explain in detail what happens during periodic testing and how it differs from annual checks in the article. Inspection of fire extinguishers versus periodic testing .

You can find an approximate cost for both services in the article. Fire extinguisher inspection price .

One-page summary

The operational check of a fire extinguisher must be carried out at least once a year and may only be performed by a qualified person authorised by the manufacturer. Operational readiness is externally verified by a control certificate, a label and a seal on the operating valve simultaneously. In addition to the annual check, the date for the periodic test must also be monitored, every 3 years for water and foam extinguishers, and every 5 years for other types. Who exactly must have fire extinguishers and in what quantity is governed by Act No. 133/1985 Coll. And the fire safety solution for the specific building.