Fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in virtually all non-domestic premises in the UK. But simply having them on the wall is not enough — they must be properly maintained and serviced to comply with fire safety law and to ensure they actually work when needed.
Here is a clear guide to the servicing requirements for fire extinguishers in the UK.
The Legal Requirement
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must ensure that firefighting equipment (including extinguishers) is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair. This is typically achieved by following BS 5306-3, the British Standard for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Servicing Schedule
Monthly Visual Inspections (by you)
The responsible person or a designated employee should carry out a brief monthly visual check of all extinguishers. This involves checking that:
- The extinguisher is in its correct location and clearly visible
- The operating instructions are legible and facing outward
- The safety pin and tamper seal are intact
- There is no visible damage, corrosion, or leakage
- The pressure gauge (if fitted) is in the green zone
Annual Service (by a competent person)
Every 12 months, all fire extinguishers must be serviced by a competent technician in accordance with BS 5306-3. This is a thorough inspection that includes checking the weight, condition, and operation of each unit. A service label is attached showing the date and the engineer’s details.
Extended Service (every 5 years)
Water, foam, and powder extinguishers require an extended service every 5 years. This involves a full discharge, internal inspection, and recharge. It is more involved than the annual service and is essential for ensuring the extinguisher will function reliably.
Replacement or Overhaul (every 10 years)
CO2 extinguishers require a hydraulic pressure test every 10 years. Many organisations choose to replace extinguishers at this point rather than pay for overhaul, as the cost is often comparable.
Quick Reference: Servicing Timeline
| Interval | What | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Visual inspection | You or designated staff |
| Annually | Basic service (BS 5306-3) | Competent engineer |
| Every 5 years | Extended service (water, foam, powder) | Competent engineer |
| Every 10 years | Overhaul or replacement (CO2) | Competent engineer |
What Happens If Extinguishers Are Not Serviced?
Failing to maintain fire extinguishers can result in:
- Enforcement action from the fire and rescue service, including improvement or prohibition notices
- Invalidated insurance — insurers may refuse claims if fire equipment was not properly maintained
- Prosecution — fines are unlimited, and in serious cases the responsible person can face imprisonment
- Real danger — an extinguisher that fails to operate in a fire puts lives at risk
Do Staff Need Extinguisher Training?
Yes. Having extinguishers on site is only useful if staff know how to use them safely. Our fire safety training courses include practical fire extinguisher training, covering the different types (water, foam, powder, CO2, wet chemical), colour coding, and hands-on use. This is often combined with fire warden training.
Fire Extinguisher Services in Cumbria
Our sister company Beacon Fire Protection provides fire extinguisher supply, installation, and servicing across Cumbria. Cumbria Fire & Safety Training delivers the complementary staff training. Between us, we cover the complete picture — equipment and people.
Need extinguisher training or servicing in Cumbria? Get in touch today.