Fire extinguishing equipment — types, selection and statutory inspection
From powder extinguisher to CO2, and why the extinguisher must be serviced every year
Introduction
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 a layer that suffocates the oxygen over the liquid |
| 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 |
PFAS in foam extinguishers: new rules from 23 October 2026
Many foam extinguishers have contained PFAS. PFAS is a large group of fluorinated substances that hardly break down in nature. The EU has therefore banned PFAS in firefighting foam with Regulation (EU) 2025/1988. The limit is 1 mg per litre of foam, calculated as the sum of all PFAS.
| Deadline | What applies |
|---|---|
| Until 23 October 2026 | Portable fire extinguishers with PFAS foam may still be sold |
| Until 23 April 2027 | Portable fire extinguishers with alcohol-resistant PFAS foam may still be sold |
| Until 23 April 2027 | PFAS foam may be used for training and testing if all releases are collected |
| Until 31 December 2030 | Portable fire extinguishers with PFAS foam that you already have may still be used |
A portable fire extinguisher is an extinguisher that is carried and operated by hand and weighs no more than 20 kg when ready for use.
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.
Statutory annual inspection
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