Overview - ISO/TS 11602-2:2010 (Fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance)
ISO/TS 11602-2:2010 is a Technical Specification from ISO covering inspection, maintenance and recharging of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers. It is a companion to ISO/TS 11602-1 (selection and installation) and focuses on practical service requirements for extinguishers used as first-line fire protection. The standard excludes permanently installed fire‑suppression systems and extinguishers for aircraft, watercraft and vehicles.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Responsibility: Owners, designated agents or occupants are responsible for ensuring inspection, maintenance and recharging.
- Inspection frequency: Initial check on placement and then approximately 30-day (monthly) interval checks; more frequent where required by conditions.
- Inspection items: Verify location, visibility, legibility of instructions, intact seals/tamper indicators, fullness (weigh/lift), absence of damage/corrosion/leaks, unobstructed nozzle, and pressure gauge in operable range.
- Maintenance frequency: Performed not more than once a year but not less than six months apart, at hydrostatic test time, or when inspections indicate need.
- Competent person: Maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic testing must be carried out only by a competent person - trained, experienced and equipped with appropriate tools, parts and manuals.
- Service actions: Replace safety devices and seals after maintenance, attach service labels, open and examine rechargeable units (powder extinguishers require special moisture precautions), and carry out recharging or replacement as necessary.
- Non-rechargeable units: If deficiencies are found in non-rechargeable powder or clean-agent extinguishers, they must be removed from service; clean agents must be recovered or destroyed.
- Hydrostatic proof-pressure tests: Procedures and intervals for proof-testing pressure vessels are included; Annexes provide detailed guidance on competent persons and proof-pressure testing.
- Categorization: Extinguishers are grouped by type (stored‑pressure, cartridge, CO2, water, foam, powder, clean agent) to define maintenance steps.
Applications - who uses this standard
ISO/TS 11602-2 is used by:
- Facility and building managers implementing fire extinguisher programs
- Fire equipment service companies and technicians performing maintenance, recharging and hydrostatic testing
- Safety officers, insurers and regulators verifying compliance with fire protection practices
- Manufacturers and procurement teams specifying maintenance instructions
Practical benefits include improved reliability of portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, clearer service responsibilities, and harmonized maintenance practices for fire protection programs.
Related standards
- ISO/TS 11602-1 - Selection and installation (companion document)
- ISO 5923, ISO 7201-1/2, ISO 8421-1 - referenced documents on extinguishing media and vocabulary
Keywords: ISO/TS 11602-2:2010, fire extinguisher inspection, fire extinguisher maintenance, portable and wheeled fire extinguishers, hydrostatic testing, competent person, recharging.