This consists of a preventive measure aimed at checking the extinguisher in its location, with particular reference to the following aspects: a) the extinguisher is present and marked with a special sign, as required by current legislation; b) the extinguisher is clearly visible, immediately usable, and access to it is free of obstacles; c) the extinguisher has not been tampered with, in particular, the safety device to prevent accidental activation is not tampered with or missing; d) the distinctive markings are clearly visible and legible; e) the pressure gauge, if present, indicates a pressure value within the green field; f) the extinguisher does not show any anomalies such as blocked nozzles, leaks, traces of corrosion, disconnections or cracks in the hoses, etc.; g) the extinguisher is free of damage to the support structures and carrying handle; in particular, if wheeled, it has functioning wheels; h) the maintenance card is present on the appliance and is correctly filled out. Any anomalies found must be eliminated.

This consists of a preventive measure designed to verify, at least every six months, the efficiency of the extinguisher by carrying out the following checks: a) checks as per the surveillance phase; b) – for portable extinguishers: the checks provided for in the "verification" section of UNI EN 3-2 (verification of internal pressure); – for wheeled extinguishers: the checks provided for in the "verification" section of the "Verification and Testing of Prototypes" section of UNI 9492; – for portable carbon dioxide extinguishers: the checks provided for in the "Verification" section of UNI EN 3-2 (verification of the charge status by weighing); c) checking the presence, type, and charge of auxiliary gas cylinders for pressurized extinguishers with this system, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The manufacturer must provide all the information necessary to carry out the check. Any anomalies found must be eliminated; otherwise, the extinguisher must be declared unsuitable, suspended from use, and replaced. The manufacturer must provide all necessary information for carrying out the inspection.

This consists of a preventive measure, performed at least as frequently as indicated in the table below, designed to verify and make the extinguisher perfectly efficient by carrying out the following checks and interventions: – verification of conformity to the approved prototype with regard to the registrations and the suitability of any spare parts; – checks referred to in the surveillance and control phases (5.1 and 5.2); – internal examination of the appliance to verify its good state of conservation; – examination and functional check of all parts; – inspection of all sections of auxiliary gas passage, if present, and of the extinguishing agent, in particular the dip tube, flexible hoses, fittings and nozzles, to verify that they are free from encrustations, blockages and sedimentation; – inspection of the axle and wheels, if present; – restoration of surface protections, if damaged; – replacement of safety devices against overpressure with new ones; – replacement of the extinguishing agent; – installation of the fire extinguisher in perfect working order.

This is a preventive measure designed to check, with the frequency specified below, the stability of the fire extinguisher tank or cylinder, as they are part of pressurized equipment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers and auxiliary gas cylinders must comply with the deadlines indicated by current legislation regarding compressed and liquefied gases. Fire extinguishers that are not already subject to periodic checks in accordance with current legislation and are manufactured in compliance with Directive 97/23/EC (Legislative Decree 93/2000) must be tested every 12 years by means of a 30-second hydraulic test at the test pressure (Pt) indicated on the tank. Fire extinguishers that are not already subject to periodic inspections in accordance with current legislation and do not comply with Directive 97/23/EC (Legislative Decree 93/2000) must be tested every 6 years, using a 1-minute hydraulic test at a pressure of 3.5 MPa, or as per the value stamped on the tank, if greater. Upon completion of the tests, there must be no leaks, seepage, deformation, or expansion of any kind. The manufacturer must provide all the instructions for carrying out the test.