A fire extinguisher is a crucial piece of health and safety equipment and should have the lowest chance of failure. They require servicing to establish their set-up and working correctly, as well as any potential issues.
This blog post will further explain the importance of fire extinguisher servicing, the surrounding laws, the timeline of when they need servicing and who is qualified to do it.
Why Do Fire Extinguishers Need Servicing?
In the simplest terms, fire extinguishers need servicing to ensure that they are ready for use when or if an emergency occurs. A service will look for any potential damage that could impede the use of the extinguisher. This includes general damage, like a safety clip being missing or broken.
During the service, the qualified technician will run a pressure test to ensure the extinguisher is ready to use. They will also double-check that the equipment is compliant with the law, including proper labelling and positioning.
What the Law Says About Fire Extinguisher Servicing
In the UK, the law around fire extinguisher servicing is covered in the British Standard (BS 5306-3) and states that every extinguisher needs a maintenance document, correct servicing and anything else that ensures it stays compliant with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
The law says that the monthly visual checks must be carried out by a “responsible member of staff” and any more in-depth services need to be performed by a qualified person with British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) qualifications or an equivalent.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?
The British Standard for fire extinguishers (BS 5306-3) states that different types of fire extinguishers need different levels of servicing. Our handy table below can give you the basics.
| Extinguisher Type | Visual Check | Basic Service | Extended Service | Full Overhaul |
| Powder | Once a month | Every 12 months | Every 5 years | – |
| Powder-primary sealed | Once a month | Every 12 months | Every 5 years | – |
| Water-based | Once a month | Every 12 months | Every 5 years | – |
| C02 | Once a month | Every 12 months | – | Every 10 years |
| Clean Agent | Once a month | Every 12 months | – | Every 10 years |
Who Can Service a Fire Extinguisher?
In the UK, fire extinguishers must have their extensive services carried out by someone who has the appropriate training, qualifications and experience to carry out the work safely and effectively. This requirement is laid out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which mandates that all fire safety equipment in commercial and public premises is maintained in good working order.
Typically, fire extinguisher servicing is carried out by technicians who work for companies, like Fire Safe Services, certified under schemes like BAFE SP101. BAFE is a nationally recognised registration body that certifies both organisations and individual technicians who meet strict standards in fire extinguisher servicing.
These technicians are trained to work in accordance with British Standard BS 5306-3, which covers the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. Their expertise is trustworthy as they are required to undergo regular refresher training, usually every three years, to ensure their knowledge and skills remain up-to-date.
A competent technician may also hold specific qualifications, such as the BAFE Fire Extinguisher Technician Diploma or similar certifications that involve theoretical and practical assessments. These qualifications demonstrate that the technician understands the relevant standards and can safely inspect, maintain, recharge and record extinguisher servicing tasks.
In some cases, additional qualifications may be required for specific tasks, such as servicing extinguishers that contain gases regulated under environmental laws or performing hydrostatic tests. This also includes knowledge of handling CO₂ extinguishers or systems containing substances controlled under ozone-depleting regulations.
What Does a Fire Extinguisher Service Include?
A monthly visual inspection can be made by a responsible member of your staff and can include:
- Checking there are no obstructions
- Making sure the instructions are visible
- Check that the pressure gauge is in the ‘green’ zone
- Make sure the tamper seal is unbroken, and the safety pin is in place
- Double-check when the next service is needed
- Lifting the extinguisher and feeling the weight can help you determine if there has been any unnecessary discharge
During the annual basic service, the qualified technician will perform the following checks:
- Visual inspection of the extinguisher for any damage or corrosion
- Check the safety pin and seal
- Take a pressure reading (not needed on C02 extinguishers)
- Ensure fire extinguisher instructions are clear and legible
- Check the hose for any damage or obstructions
- Weigh and wipe down the extinguisher
- Check the condition of the wall mountings
- Perform a risk assessment on the area
- Ensure all signage relating to the extinguisher conforms to current safety standards
During the extended five-year service, the checks are more thorough:
- First, they will complete every check in the basic service
- This is followed by fully discharging the extinguisher
- The pattern, distance and duration of the discharge are monitored to meet specifications
- Valves are checked and replaced if necessary
- The inside of the extinguisher is then checked for corrosion
- The head cap O-ring is replaced and reseated
- The extinguisher is then refilled and pressure tested
The extinguishers that require a 10-year check are kept at a far higher pressure for longer use. The checks are slightly different and often require being sent away to a special facility:
- Similar checks to the previous services
- Primary valves are replaced with a new one
- The body is hydrostatically tested to look for any stretching, bulging or cracking that could cause problems during its refill
Consequences of Not Getting a Fire Extinguisher Serviced
The importance of fire extinguisher servicing is both practical and legal. Failure to comply with the Regulatory Form (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is rightfully taken very seriously and can include unlimited fines and potentially imprisonment.
Failure to pass or maintain fire safety checks can also have a damaging effect on the reputation of a business, and if negligence is consistent during checks, the authorities have the power to shut a business down until those issues are resolved.
If a fire does break out, as is due process, the fire services and insurance companies can perform investigations. If the fire safety equipment is not kept in correct condition, they have the power to invalidate your insurance, which will then increase your future insurance payments.
Those are the legal consequences of fire extinguisher servicing, but the most serious problem is that it can cause life-changing injuries or loss of life. This can happen from someone attempts to use the extinguisher and it fails, causing them to be trapped by the fire or with the extinguisher blowing up due to cracks and varying pressure.
Part of the service is an informed check by the technician to see if the extinguisher is fit for your purposes, as not all extinguishers can be used on all fires.
Best Practices for Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
The top of the list for best practices for fire extinguisher maintenance is to have a member of your team conduct the monthly visual check so a repair can be booked if necessary.
Make sure that each extinguisher is refilled fully, even after a minor use and make sure the device is clear of any dirt, oil or grease.
Don’t move the fire extinguisher from the spot specified by the fire safety officers, as this is a method of non-compliance with safety regulations. Other than those tips, it is best to make sure anyone who needs to be is trained to use it, and annual services are booked correctly.
Choose Fire Safe Services for Your Fire Extinguisher Service
The importance of fire extinguisher servicing is not just a compliance checkbox; it’s a critical component of keeping your workplace safe, legal and prepared in the face of an emergency. From monthly visual checks to full 10-year overhauls, maintaining your fire safety equipment can mean the difference between a controlled incident and a catastrophic loss.
Let Fire Safe Services use our expertise to take the stress and uncertainty out of fire extinguisher maintenance. Our team of fully qualified technicians is ready to ensure your fire extinguishers meet all British Standards and legal requirements, giving you peace of mind and complete protection.
Contact Fire Safe Services today to book your annual service or schedule a consultation. Let’s keep your people, property, and business safe – together.
Call us on 01527 570 952 or send us an email at info@firesafeservices.co.uk
