Fire extinguisher maintenance: updated regulations and safety obligations

Why fire extinguisher maintenance is essential

Fire extinguisher maintenance is a key element of fire safety in every workplace, public building or condominium. An efficient fire extinguisher can make the difference between a contained fire incident and a disaster. Ensuring full efficiency of fire extinguishers not only protects people and property, but is also a legal obligation to avoid sanctions and civil and criminal liability.

Updated regulations: what the law says today

Fire extinguisher maintenance is regulated by a set of standards that have evolved in recent years:

• Legislative Decree 81/2008: requires the employer to adopt fire prevention measures, including regular maintenance of fire extinguishers.
• Ministerial Decree of 1 September 2021 (“Controls Decree”): introduces the obligation of the fire safety inspection log and defines the qualification of maintenance technicians.
• UNI 9994-1:2024: updates procedures, timelines and documentation for the maintenance of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, with particular attention to traceability and environmental sustainability.
• EU Regulation 2025/1988: establishes restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams, with obligations for replacement and progressive management.

The main updates concern revised deadlines, increased attention to documentation, and the sustainability of the products used.

Employer and responsible persons’ obligations

The employer and safety managers have specific obligations:

• Continuous monitoring of fire extinguishers to verify accessibility and integrity.
• Periodic maintenance carried out by qualified technicians according to regulatory deadlines.
• Overhaul and testing of fire extinguishers according to the new timelines of UNI 9994-1:2024.
• Maintenance of the inspection log and maintenance documentation.

Failure to comply with these obligations results in administrative and criminal penalties, including fines of up to €6,400 and suspension of activity.

Fire extinguisher maintenance phases according to UNI 9994-1:2024

UNI 9994-1:2024 defines in detail the operational phases of maintenance:

• Initial inspection: verification of compliance and suitability of the fire extinguisher for the installation environment.
• Surveillance: periodic visual inspection to ensure the extinguisher is intact, accessible and properly signposted.
• Periodic inspection: every 6 months, technical verification of the condition and functionality of the extinguisher.
• Scheduled overhaul: replacement of the extinguishing agent and internal inspection, with new timelines (for example, powder extinguishers every 60 months).
• Pressure testing: leak and strength test of the cylinder, now required every 120 months for powder extinguishers.

The new deadlines and greater focus on traceability make it essential to rely on qualified technicians and keep documentation up to date.

Updates and environmental aspects: focus on PFAS and sustainability

EU Regulation 2025/1988 introduces restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams, requiring their gradual replacement by 2030 and the obligation of a management plan by 2026. Choosing fluorine-free extinguishers and foams therefore becomes a priority for compliance and environmental protection.

Documentation obligations and inspection log

Regulations require the maintenance of specific documents:

• Fire safety inspection log: must be updated after each intervention and always available to authorities.
• Maintenance tag: applied to each fire extinguisher, showing dates and types of intervention.
• Maintenance report: to be delivered to the client after each activity, detailing the operations performed.

Proper document management is essential to demonstrate compliance during inspections.

Practical tips for maintenance management

For effective fire extinguisher maintenance management, it is recommended to:

• Plan deadlines well in advance.
• Rely on qualified and certified suppliers.
• Train internal staff on surveillance and emergency procedures.
• Digitalize processes to reduce errors and oversights.