Extinguishers
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Fire extinguishers are a critical part of your fire safety system. But they only protect people, property, and your business if they are regularly inspected, serviced, and kept in full working order
🔒 Legal Requirements
1. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Under the Fire Safety Order, every business must ensure that fire safety equipment is:
“Maintained in an efficient state”
“In working order”
“In good repair”
This applies to fire extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting, and more.
Failure to maintain extinguishers can lead to:
Enforcement notices, Prohibition notices, Substantial fines, Prosecution of the Responsible Person & Insurance complications if a fire occurs
2. Annual Servicing to BS 5306-3
UK standards require that extinguishers are Serviced at least once every 12 months by a competent person, Maintained according to BS 5306-3, Correctly located and accessible, Suitable for the risks present (e.g., CO₂ for electrical, foam for flammables)
This is the recognised benchmark used by councils, insurers, fire brigades, and courts.
3. Monthly In-House Checks
The Responsible Person must perform basic visual checks monthly:
Is the extinguisher present?
Is the pressure gauge in the green zone?
Has it been tampered with?
Is the pin and tamper seal intact?
Is there any damage or corrosion?
These checks do not replace the annual service.
4. Extended Servicing & Replacements
Depending on type:
Foam, water, powder: extended service every 5 years
CO₂: pressure test every 10 years
Failing these tests means the extinguisher must be replaced.
Safety Reasons to Maintain Fire Extinguishers
Even if there were no laws, maintaining extinguishers is essential for safety.
1. Fire extinguishers can fail without warning
Common issues include: Loss of pressure, Corroded cylinders, Blocked nozzles, Damaged hoses, Missing safety pins or seals
An extinguisher that “looks fine” can still be completely useless.
2. They help control a fire before it becomes fatal
Most fires start small. A correctly maintained extinguisher can:
Prevent rapid spread, Minimise damage, Save lives, Avoid the need for full evacuation, But only if it works instantly and reliably.
3. Protects your staff and the public
Failing to maintain extinguishers:
Puts employees at risk, Violates your duty of care, Can lead to serious injury or death
4. Reduces business downtime and loss of assets
A functioning extinguisher can be the difference between:
A minor incident and A total loss requiring closure, rebuild, or relocation
5. Helps avoid insurance complications
Insurers may:
Reduce payouts, Void claims, Increase premiums
…if safety systems were not properly maintained.
🛠️ What a Professional Service Includes
A proper annual service should include:
Full external inspection
Checking pressure and weight
Checking for corrosion or damage
Confirming correct type and placement
Verifying pins, seals, hoses, and gauges
Updating maintenance tags
Certification for audit and insurance