Fire Equipment
Fire extinguisher servicing: what the law requires
Having extinguishers on the wall is not enough. The law expects them to be properly maintained and ready to work the moment they are needed. Here is what UK regulations and the British Standard actually require, in plain English.
Your legal duty to maintain equipment
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires that fire-fighting equipment, including extinguishers, is subject to a suitable system of maintenance and kept in efficient working order and good repair. In other words, the law does not just expect you to provide extinguishers, it expects you to keep them serviced and reliable.
This obligation sits alongside your wider fire safety duties. If you are unsure whether your premises are even covered by the Order, start with our guide to when your business needs a fire risk assessment, because the assessment is what determines how many extinguishers you need and where they go.
The simple version
A competent person should service every extinguisher at least once a year, and you should glance over them yourself every month. Get those two things right and you are meeting the core requirement.
The standard behind servicing: BS 5306
The Fire Safety Order tells you that equipment must be maintained, but it does not spell out the detail. That comes from the British Standard BS 5306, the recognised benchmark for fire extinguishers:
- BS 5306-8 covers the selection and positioning of extinguishers, so you have the right type in the right place.
- BS 5306-3 covers commissioning, servicing and maintenance, including how often each type is serviced.
Following BS 5306 is how you demonstrate that your maintenance system is suitable, which is exactly what an inspector or insurer wants to see.
The annual basic service
Every extinguisher should receive a basic service by a competent person at least once every 12 months. During this service the engineer checks the pressure, weight, condition, seals, hoses and signage, confirms the extinguisher is correctly sited and unobstructed, and replaces any worn parts. Once passed, the unit is labelled with the service date.
This is not a job for guesswork. A qualified engineer carries the gauges, spares and refills needed to do it properly and to certify the work.
Your monthly visual check
Between annual services, the responsible person should carry out a quick monthly visual inspection. You are simply confirming that each extinguisher is:
- In its correct location and clearly visible
- Not blocked, damaged or tampered with
- Showing a pressure gauge in the green where fitted
- Still in date from its last service
It takes a couple of minutes and shows that maintenance is ongoing, not just an annual tick in the box.
Extended service and overhaul intervals
On top of the annual service, BS 5306-3 sets longer-interval checks where the extinguisher is discharged, internally examined and refilled:
- Water, foam and powder extinguishers: an extended service every 5 years.
- CO2 extinguishers: an overhaul or replacement at 10 years, as the cylinder is pressure tested or retired.
Any extinguisher that has been used, even partially, must be recharged or replaced straight away. A discharged extinguisher offers no protection at all.
Records, labels and proof
Good record keeping is what turns compliance into evidence. Keep your service certificates, log the monthly checks, and make sure each extinguisher carries a clear service label. If a fire officer visits or your insurer asks, those records are your proof that the equipment has been properly maintained.
Frequently asked questions
How often do extinguishers need servicing by law?
They must be kept in efficient working order under the Fire Safety Order. BS 5306-3 calls for a basic service by a competent person at least every 12 months, plus a monthly visual check by the responsible person.
What is an extended service?
A deeper overhaul where the extinguisher is discharged, internally examined and refilled. Water, foam and powder units need this every 5 years, and CO2 units need a 10 year overhaul or replacement.
Can I service my own extinguishers?
You should do the monthly visual check yourself, but the annual service must be carried out by a competent engineer with the right training, spares and equipment.
What happens if they are not serviced?
It is a breach of the Fire Safety Order that can lead to enforcement and fines, may invalidate your insurance, and risks the extinguisher failing in an emergency.
Related reading
Due a service or a fresh set of extinguishers?
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