Fire extinguishing equipment — types, selection and statutory inspection
From powder extinguisher to CO2, and why the extinguisher must be serviced every year
A fire extinguisher hanging on the wall only gives peace of mind if it suits the type of fire that can occur and if it is maintained. Knowing the difference between extinguishing agents and the rules for inspections is just as important as the technique for using them.
§The most important types of extinguishing agents
| Type | Suitable for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Water extinguisher | Class A: wood, paper, textiles | Must never be used on electrical equipment or grease/oil |
| Foam extinguisher | Class A and B (liquids) | Forms the basis for the price the insurance company approves |
| Powder extinguisher | Broadly applicable (A, B, C) | Efficient but causes heavy mess and reduced visibility. |
| Carbon dioxide extinguisher (CO2) | Electrical equipment and class B. | Leaves no residue — suitable for sensitive equipment |
| Fat fire extinguisher (wet chemical) | Class F: fat/oil in kitchen | Specially developed to suppress fat fires without a visible flame |
§Fire hose as supplement
Beyond the portable extinguishers, there are hose reels mounted on the wall, connected to the water supply. They provide an almost unlimited amount of water and are well suited for fires in solid materials (class A), but — like the water extinguisher — never for electrical equipment or grease fires. Hose reels, like portable extinguishers, must be inspected and maintained so the hose is not cracked and the valve works when needed.
§Low Styrene Emission
Fire extinguishers and hose reels in Denmark must be inspected at least once a year. The inspection is performed according to the requirements of the Danish standard DS 2320 and must be completed with an inspection label. The label shows who performed the inspection and the month and year for both the latest and next inspection — so at any time it is clear whether the extinguisher is within deadline.
§Pressure testing at longer intervals
Beyond the annual inspection, the extinguisher's container must periodically undergo pressure testing to ensure it can withstand the pressure without failing. The interval depends on the extinguisher type.
| Fire extinguisher type | Pressure testing every |
|---|---|
| Powder, foam, and water extinguishers | 5. år |
| Carbon dioxide extinguishers (CO2) | 10. år |
§Placement and marking
- 01Fire extinguishers are placed visibly and easily accessible, preferably near escape routes
- 02Marking follows the recognizable fire symbols so the equipment is found quickly in smoke and stress
- 03The way to the extinguisher must never be blocked by stock or furniture
- 04Responsibility for the annual inspection typically lies with the company, often performed by a certified firm
§Your responsibility as a user
You don't need to carry out the inspection yourself, but you should know where the extinguishing equipment is, what type it is, and whether it looks maintained — the pressure gauge needle within the green area, no visible damage, and a valid label. If you spot a problem, report it immediately. The right equipment that works when it matters is one of the cheapest and most effective investments in fire safety a workplace can make.
“The best fire extinguisher is the one that suits the fire — and that actually works when the handle is pressed down.”
— Fire safety basic rule