The standards and inspection criteria for fire extinguishers have been revised.

In light of the recent incidents involving the bursting of old fire extinguishers, the standards for fire extinguishers have changed.
The bursting incidents primarily occur when handling or disposing of extinguishers that have corroded over time due to insufficient maintenance. Therefore, we have enhanced the information displayed regarding proper maintenance, inspection, and disposal, and have reviewed the inspection content to implement safety measures.

Regarding Changes to Fire Extinguisher Labeling (Effective January 1, 2011)

The inspection standards have been changed (Effective April 1, 2011)

• Relaxation of internal and functional inspections of pressurized fire extinguishers (see Table 1)
  (Inspection every 5 years instead of every 3 years from the year of manufacture)
• Additional pressure performance inspection (hydrostatic test) for fire extinguishers and similar items that have been in use for 10 years (see Table 1)

Note: For fire extinguishers that were installed in fire prevention objects before the enforcement date and have been manufactured for 10 years or more, pressure performance inspections can be conducted using a sampling method for the first three years after installation, provided there is no corrosion found during the visual inspection. The sampling will be done in such a way that the confirmation of all units is completed within three years, generally extracting from the older manufacturing years. (See Table 2)

Until when can old standard fire extinguishers be installed?

The fire extinguishers that meet the criteria can be installed for 11 years from the date of revision (until December 31, 2021).

• A. Fire extinguishers that have already been installed in fire prevention objects based on standards prior to the amendment date (before December 31, 2010)
• Fire extinguishers that were installed after construction began before the amendment date (December 31, 2010)
• Fire extinguishers installed within one year from the date of revision (by December 31, 2011)

About Stored Pressure Fire Extinguishers and Pressurized Fire Extinguishers

Pressure accumulator type

The main container is pressurized with fire extinguishing agents and nitrogen gas (or compressed air) as the pressure source. The extinguishing agent is released from the nozzle by operating the lever.
Since pressure is always applied to the main container, it is said to be safe as there is no additional pressure when operated.

Pressure Type

By gripping the lever of the fire extinguisher, the gas in the pressurization gas container spreads throughout the fire extinguisher via the gas introduction pipe, and the extinguishing agent is released from the nozzle through the siphon pipe and hose.
Normally, there is no pressure on the main container, and when operated, a sudden high pressure is applied, so there is a risk of explosion if the container has rust, corrosion, or scratches, or if the extinguishing agent becomes clogged.

About General Households

• Note: Please be careful
  For general household fire extinguishers, there is no obligation to comply with the new standards mentioned above or to conduct pressure inspections.
  There are companies that conduct door-to-door sales and inspections of expensive fire extinguishers with skilled sales tactics.
  • They pose as firefighters and say, 'We are from the fire department,' pressuring you to install fire extinguishers and selling overpriced or substandard products.
  • "Your home's fire extinguisher does not meet current standards."
  • This fire extinguisher has not been regularly inspected, so it must be replaced with a new one.
• Note: Please be careful with such words!
  • If you think "This seems suspicious!!", please do not sign or stamp anything. If you make a contract or purchase, be sure to keep the contract, delivery note, and receipt.
  • If you feel pressured by aggressive sales tactics or have questions or concerns about a purchase, please contact the fire department or the Consumer Affairs Center.

When disposing of fire extinguishers

• In our city, fire extinguishers are not collected as regular waste.
• The disposal of fire extinguishers is carried out in cooperation with local sales agents (designated contact points) by the Japan Fire Extinguisher Manufacturers Association, so please contact your nearest office.
• Fire Extinguisher Recycling Promotion Center Co., Ltd. You can find a nearby retailer from the website.

• Homepage of the Fire Extinguisher Recycling Promotion Center(External Link)

Inquiries and Questions

Inagi Fire Station Prevention Division Inspection Guidance Section
Phone 042-377-7119 (Extension 28・29)