Are you sure that the fire extinguisher in your car is functional and ready to use? In Poland, it is not enough to have it "for peace of mind" - it must also be in good technical condition. And this means one thing: regular inspections of fire extinguishers are not only sensible, but simply necessary.
This article will help you understand why it's worth taking care of this seemingly inconspicuous element of your car's equipment. Check what exactly the regulations say and how to avoid unpleasant consequences!
What does the law say? Short and to the point
Pursuant to § 11 point 14 of the Regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure:
every passenger car in Poland must be equipped with a car fire extinguisher ,
the minimum amount of extinguishing agent is 1 kg (e.g. car fire extinguisher 1 kg ),
the equipment must be “easily accessible” – preferably at hand, without the need to get out of the car.
But be careful – the regulations do not say anything about the type of extinguisher (whether it should be powder , carbon dioxide , etc.) or the date of the extinguisher inspection or the obligation to legalize it. And this is where the trouble begins…
Not all fire extinguishers are the same – what is worth knowing?
As I have already mentioned, in Poland every vehicle should be equipped with a functional fire extinguisher , which may prove necessary in a fire hazard situation.
The obligation to have a fire extinguisher, however, is not limited only to its presence – its technical condition and validity of the legalisation are also important.
This is why regular inspections of car fire extinguishers are a key element to ensuring they function properly in emergency situations.
An analysis of the applicable regulations indicates that although formal legalisation of a fire extinguisher is not always required by law, its technical inspection and maintenance are essential if we want to be sure that it will work when necessary.
Moreover, regulations vary depending on the type of vehicle, with particularly stringent requirements applying to vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
Legal basis for the validity of a car fire extinguisher
The key legal act regulating issues related to fire extinguishers in Poland is the Regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of 7 June 2010 on fire protection of buildings, other construction objects and areas (Journal of Laws of 2010, No. 109, item 719).
This regulation specifies the rules and standards for the use, technical inspections and periodic inspections of fire extinguishers .
In accordance with § 3 sec. 2 and 3 of the aforementioned regulation, fire extinguishers should be subject to technical inspections and maintenance activities in accordance with the principles specified in Polish Standards, technical and operational documentation and operating instructions developed by manufacturers.
Inspections should be performed no less frequently than once a year – i.e. the fire extinguisher should be inspected at least every 12 months.
What is "legalization" "technician's inspection" of a fire extinguisher?
In the context of car fire extinguishers, the term "fire extinguisher legalization" often appears, which may be misleading.
It is worth emphasizing:
Formally, there is no concept of "legalization" of a fire extinguisher in the regulations - it is a colloquial term,
The legalization of a given fire extinguisher applies only to certain types – e.g. pressure tanks larger than 0.35 dm³,
In the case of most powder fire extinguishers used in passenger cars, legalization supervised by the Office of Technical Inspection is not required ,
What we call "legalization" is in practice a technical inspection of the fire extinguisher and maintenance and assessment of its technical condition,
The legalization of fire extinguishers includes checking the tightness, valve, condition of the tank and extinguishing agent, as well as setting a new legalization date .
Requirements for passenger cars
Passenger cars are the most common vehicles on the roads, so it is worth knowing that:
A 1 kg car fire extinguisher is required , located in an easily accessible place,
The car fire extinguisher should be inspected regularly – preferably once a year,
The fire extinguisher has an expiry date – usually 2 years,
The warranty period for a fire extinguisher is usually 5 years from the date of production,
After this time, it is recommended to replace the fire extinguisher with a new one or re -legalize it .
During a fire extinguisher inspection, the following are checked:
Technical condition of fire extinguishers – no corrosion, cracks, dents,
Pressure (based on the readings of the installed pressure gauge, if the extinguisher has one),
Condition of the valve , seal and actuating mechanisms,
Compliance with EN3 standards ,
Current entry with expiry date – i.e. expiry date of the fire extinguisher and expiry date of the car fire extinguisher .
What are the consequences of not having a fire extinguisher inspected or legalized?
If a fire extinguisher is missing or its inspection is overdue:
Theoretically, the diagnostician may not confirm the vehicle's technical inspection,
Failure to validate a fire extinguisher during a road check does not always result in a ticket, but it carries a risk, although in principle there is no legal basis to impose a ticket for a fire extinguisher that is no longer valid.
The lack of a fire extinguisher or its improper location may result in a fine of up to PLN 500,
In the event of a fire, a faulty fire extinguisher may mean no compensation , as well as criminal consequences if the lives of other people are at risk.
Taxis and Passenger Cars – Higher Standards
For taxis and commercial vehicles:
The recommendation for annual inspection is in force.
Regular legalization of the fire extinguisher is a necessity in practice,
Drivers must have current fire extinguisher inspection documentation ready to show, or a stamp/seal on the extinguisher with the inspection date
In particularly difficult conditions (high dust levels, humidity), the fire extinguisher should be inspected more frequently.
Trucks, buses and ADR transport
These vehicles are subject to special regulations.
In ADR transport:
Fire extinguishers must be legally certified , taking into account the validity period of the legalization .
Lack of a valid inspection results in the vehicle being impounded,
In the event of an ITD inspection, a fine may be imposed – up to PLN 4,500.
The case of unlicensed car fire extinguishers : a driver of a truck carrying fuel
was stopped when ITD found four expired fire extinguishers. While legalizing the fire extinguishers , he could only continue transporting them after updating the equipment.
In buses and trucks:
More portable fire extinguishers are required ,
Each must have a current entry – the date of the fire extinguisher inspection and the validity of the powder extinguisher ,
Fire extinguisher legalization also applies to the tank and the interior, not just the label.
Where to have inspection and legalization done?
It is best to use the services of a professional point:
Fire extinguisher service and some specialist shops
Authorized manufacturer's point,
A company with a quality certificate and experience in the inspection of car fire extinguishers .
In Tricity you will find, among others:
Fire extinguishers Gdynia ,
Fire extinguishers Gdańsk , where the legalization of fire extinguishers Gdańsk also takes place .
How much does it cost to inspect a Fire Extinguisher?
The cost of legalizing a car fire extinguisher (usually PLN 20–60),
Fire extinguisher inspection costs (from PLN 15 upwards),
Conditions for maintaining documentation of fire extinguisher inspections .
How do you know if your fire extinguisher needs servicing?
Don't wait for the inspection! Check it out for yourself:
Does the pressure gauge indicate the correct pressure?
Has the seal been broken?
Is there any sign of corrosion or damage?
What is the expiration date of a fire extinguisher and when is the next inspection due ?
What do fire experts advise?
Legalization of a powder fire extinguisher and its annual inspection is not just a formality – it is real protection of health and life.
Replace a new fire extinguisher every 5 years,
Inspect your fire extinguisher regularly ,
Make sure that the fire extinguisher in your car is always valid.
Thanks to this, you can be sure that you are not only meeting the requirements, but above all, taking care of your own safety, the safety of your passengers and other road users. Don't put it off until later - the date for a fire extinguisher inspection may pass sooner than you think!
Am I obliged to inspect a car fire extinguisher?
You are not required to have your fire extinguisher legalized , but is it worth the risk? In a crisis, every second counts. An efficient powder fire extinguisher is not only compliance with regulations - it is your peace of mind, passenger safety and property protection.
Check your trunk today – check if your fire extinguisher is still due for inspection . If not – schedule a fire extinguisher service appointment .
Because it really could save someone's life. Maybe even yours.
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