Fire extinguisher servicing

What the law and the code of practice say

Fire safety law requires the responsible person for a premises to put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures, and that includes firefighting equipment such as extinguishers. The law doesn’t set out a servicing method itself. The recognised code of practice for extinguisher maintenance, BS 5306-3, recommends an inspection by the user every month and a basic service by a competent person at least once a year, and that’s the standard we work to.

The responsible person is the employer, owner, landlord, occupier, or anyone else with control of the premises, such as a facilities manager or managing agent. Where there’s more than one, they have to work together.

What an extinguisher service includes

• A service of every extinguisher on site, to BS 5306-3
• A check of type, size and siting against the risks on your premises
• Extended service and discharge testing where it has fallen due
• Refills and replacements where needed, kitemarked to BS EN 3
• Certification for your compliance records
• A reminder before your next service is due

Why type and siting matter

Servicing isn’t only about the date on the label. An in-date extinguisher of the wrong type, or in the wrong place, still leaves a gap. So as well as checking that each extinguisher works, our engineers check what you have against the risks on your premises and tell you if anything should change.

Our extinguisher engineers hold a BAFE-recognised qualification.

Extended services and replacements

Some extinguishers need more than the yearly basic service at longer intervals. Under BS 5306-3, water, foam, powder and wet chemical extinguishers have an extended service, which includes a test discharge, every five years, and carbon dioxide extinguishers are overhauled or replaced every ten years. We keep track of which of yours are due, so it doesn’t come as a surprise.

If an extinguisher fails its service or has reached the end of its life, we’ll tell you why and quote for a refill or a replacement. Replacements are kitemarked to BS EN 3 and new extinguishers come with a 12-month warranty.

Between services: your monthly check

BS 5306-3 recommends that someone on site looks over each extinguisher every month. It only takes a minute per unit:

• Is it in its proper place, visible and not blocked?
• Is the safety pin in place and the tamper seal unbroken?
• Where there’s a pressure gauge, is the needle in the green?
• Is it free of damage, corrosion or leaks, with the instructions readable?

If something isn’t right, call us rather than waiting for the next service.

What it costs

The price depends on how many extinguishers you have, their types, and whether any are due an extended service, refill or replacement this year. Tell us roughly how many you have and where you are, and we’ll send a price for the work. A photo of a service label or a copy of your last certificate helps us quote accurately.