Fire extinguisher expiration date: how to determine and what you need to know

A fire extinguisher is one of the most crucial fire suppression tools that can save lives and property in the event of a fire. However, like any equipment, fire extinguishers have a limited shelf life and require regular maintenance. In this article, we will examine how long a fire extinguisher remains functional, how to check its condition, and what to do when it reaches the end of its service life.

What is the shelf life of a fire extinguisher?

The shelf life is the period during which a fire extinguisher remains operational and can be used as intended. It depends on the type of extinguisher, the material of the casing, storage conditions, and other factors. However, it is important to understand that the service life does not eliminate the need for regular inspections and maintenance.

Shelf Life of Fire Extinguishers by Type

Different types of fire extinguishers have different service lives due to their structural characteristics, the composition of the extinguishing agent, and regulatory requirements.

1. Powder Fire Extinguishers (OП) – service life of 10 years. Refilling is required every 5 years, and for models used in vehicles, annually. If defects or gas leaks are detected during inspection, refilling is done earlier.
2. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers (OУ) – service life of 10-20 years. CO₂ leakage checks should be performed annually, and refilling at least once every 5 years.
3. Foam Fire Extinguishers (ОВП) – service life of up to 10 years. Refilling is required once a year, as the extinguishing agent degrades quickly, and internal corrosion may develop inside the cylinder.
4. Water Fire Extinguishers (ОВ) – service life of up to 1 year. These devices are highly susceptible to corrosion and require frequent replacement.
5. Emulsion Fire Extinguishers (ОВЕ) – service life of 10 years. Their advantage is that they do not require refilling throughout the operational period.
6. Aerosol Fire Extinguishers (АГС, ГОА) – service life of 2-5 years depending on the model. For automotive versions, the shelf life is shorter – 2 years, while for indoor use, it is 5 years.

Where to Find Information on the Shelf Life?

You can determine the shelf life of a fire extinguisher in several ways:

• Label on the body. The manufacturer indicates the production date and the expiration period. Sometimes this information is encoded using Roman and Arabic numerals, where Roman numerals indicate the month and Arabic numerals indicate the year of manufacture.
• Fire extinguisher passport. The technical passport specifies the date of filling and previous inspections.
• Fire Safety Equipment Logbook. Businesses maintain records of inspections and replacements, tracking the operational period of fire extinguishers.

How Are Inspections and Maintenance Conducted?

Regular maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential for their operability and includes:

• Annual inspection – checking the body, seals, and cylinder pressure.
• Weighing the cylinder – verifying the level of extinguishing agent.
• Refilling – as needed or according to regulations (every 5 years for powder and carbon dioxide models, annually for foam and water extinguishers).
• Pressure check – at least once a quarter, especially for CO₂ extinguishers.

If mechanical damage, corrosion, gas leaks, or discrepancies in charge weight are found during inspection, the extinguisher must be repaired or disposed of.

What to Do When the Shelf Life Expires?

Once the service period ends, fire extinguishers must be replaced or disposed of. There are several options:

1. Refilling and technical inspection. In some cases, the service life can be extended if the casing and internal mechanisms are in good condition.
2. Disposal through specialized collection points. This is particularly important for CO₂ and powder extinguishers, as their contents can be hazardous to the environment.
3. Use for training purposes. Expired fire extinguishers can be repurposed as demonstration materials for fire safety training sessions.

Tips for Extending the Service Life of a Fire Extinguisher

To ensure your fire extinguisher lasts as long as possible and remains functional, follow these simple rules:

• Store the extinguisher in a dry, cool place protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Avoid mechanical damage – impacts and drops can cause gas leaks or casing damage.
• Regularly check the condition of the extinguisher and have it serviced at certified centers.
• Consider the storage temperature – some extinguishers lose effectiveness in extreme temperatures (e.g., foam extinguishers in freezing conditions).

The shelf life of a fire extinguisher is not just a date on the label; it is a crucial indicator of its reliability. Regular inspections, maintenance, and timely replacement ensure its functionality and readiness in case of a fire. Following these guidelines can help protect lives and property in emergency situations.