Confused About Fire Extinguisher Refill Dates: Should I Follow the Sticker or the Standard?

Please help clarify my doubts regarding the procedures for refilling fire extinguishers. We utilized our 2 Kg (Capacity) ABC Type fire extinguisher for training purposes in February 2013 and had it refilled in the same month. However, according to IS 2190:2010 - Annexure -D/Clauses 11.4.1 and 12.3 (which detail the refilling schedule for fire extinguishers and the schedule for operational tests), I have learned that ABC type extinguishers should be refilled once every 3 years.

Interestingly, the agency that refilled the extinguisher indicated on the sticker (affixed to the extinguisher) that the next refilling date is February 2014. This has caused some confusion.

What is the appropriate course of action? Should we proceed with refilling it in February 2014 or wait until February 2016?

Thank you for your assistance.

Regards,
Santosh

You know, the fire extinguishers work on pressure, so small fire extinguishers like 2 kg or 5 kg have small cartridges or compressed air for pressure. It may empty (cartridge and compressed air) without use, so fire extinguisher vendors keep a minimum of 1 year for small fire extinguisher refilling.

Refilling of fire extinguishers need not be done every year. As per IS: 2190, as mentioned in the above schedule, if the fire extinguisher is maintained properly (monthly & quarterly routines), it can be refilled every three years. Agencies maintaining fire extinguishers insist on refilling every year for their business motive only. IS: 2190 is a very good guide to maintain fire extinguishers, and the guidelines can be followed without any ambiguity.

R. Gunasekharan, MBA (HR), AMIFire Engg.