DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Have fire extinguishers serviced on time
German employers must have fire extinguishers serviced by a competent person every two years; shorter manufacturer intervals must be followed, longer ones may be used (Section 4(3) ArbStättV, ASR A2.2 No. 7.4.2). Results are documented, and a unit that no longer works must be repaired or replaced without delay.
Under the German Workplaces Ordinance, the employer must maintain fire-extinguishing equipment and have it checked for proper function at regular intervals (Section 4(3) ArbStättV). The Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.2 (Measures against fires) sets out how; an employer who follows it can assume the ordinance's requirements are met. An employer who chooses another solution must achieve at least the same level of safety.
Components and extinguishing agents can become unusable at the installation site because of temperature, humidity, dirt, vibration or improper handling. Fire extinguishers must therefore be serviced by a competent person every two years. If the manufacturer allows longer intervals, the employer may use them; shorter manufacturer intervals must be followed. Heavy use, for example from environmental conditions or mobile use, may require shorter intervals (ASR A2.2 No. 7.4.2).
Results must be documented. If no defects are found, this is marked on the extinguisher, for example with a maintenance label. If it no longer works reliably, the employer must have it repaired or replaced without delay (No. 7.4.1).
At a glance
| Servicing | Every 2 years by a competent person (ASR A2.2 No. 7.4.2(1)) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer intervals | Shorter ones must be followed; longer ones may be used (No. 7.4.2(1)) |
| Heavy use | Shorter intervals may be needed (No. 7.4.2(2)) |
| Competent persons | In particular experts under DIN 14406-4 (note to No. 7.4.2) |
| Records | Document results; if no defects, e.g. a maintenance label on the unit (No. 7.4.1) |
| Defects | Repair or replace without delay (No. 7.4.1(3)) |
Servicing by the competent person does not replace the periodic pressure tests of extinguishers by a qualified person under the Industrial Safety Regulation (BetrSichV) (note 2 to No. 7.4.2).
Who is responsible?
The employer (Section 4(3) ArbStättV; ASR A2.2 No. 7.4.1). The employer has extinguishers serviced and checked in line with the manufacturer's instructions, documents the results and arranges repair or replacement without delay if defects are found.
Fire wardens and briefings
All employees must be briefed on the fire safety measures before starting work, when their tasks change and then at least once a year (ASR A2.2 No. 7.2). Fire wardens (Brandschutzhelfer), usually 5% of employees, receive expert instruction including practical extinguishing exercises; with normal fire risk, repeating this every 2 to 5 years has proved effective in practice, and the employer sets the interval in the risk assessment (No. 7.3).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each extinguisher or each location and enter the next service date as the expiry date, for example the date on the maintenance label on the unit.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself. If the manufacturer requires a shorter interval, enter that date instead.
- The service company can upload the maintenance record through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as facility management; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must fire extinguishers be serviced in Germany?
- Every two years by a competent person (ASR A2.2 No. 7.4.2). Shorter manufacturer intervals must be followed, longer ones may be used, and heavy use may call for shorter intervals.
- Who may service fire extinguishers?
- A competent person. The ASR names in particular experts under DIN 14406-4 (Portable fire extinguishers – Part 4: Maintenance) (note 1 to No. 7.4.2).
- Does servicing replace the pressure test?
- No. Periodic tests (pressure tests) by a qualified person under the Industrial Safety Regulation are not affected (note 2 to No. 7.4.2).
- Does servicing have to be marked on the extinguisher?
- If no defects are found, this must be marked on the equipment, for example with a maintenance label, and the results must be documented (No. 7.4.1).
Sources
- Technical Rule for Workplaces ASR A2.2 „Maßnahmen gegen Brände“ (May 2018 edition, last amended GMBl 2025, p. 365)
- Workplaces Ordinance (ArbStättV) Section 4 – special requirements for operating workplaces
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
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