How Often Should You Service Fire Extinguishers?

Got fire extinguishers at your business property? Need to know how and when to get them serviced? Then you’re in the right place.

Fire extinguishers are a simple and effective means of stopping a fire spreading, so it’s crucial that they’re working properly to make sure your staff and building remain safe at all times. Read on to learn how often fire extinguishers serviced, what’s involved and how Midland Fire Security Services can help keep your business secure and compliant with the current fire safety regulations.

Why Fire Extinguisher Maintenance is Essential

Running a business is hectic and time consuming, we get it. But neglecting your fire extinguishers can lead to even more headaches. If the worst were to happen and your fire safety equipment is found to be non-compliant, you risk:

• Potential fines, which can be hefty.
• Legal action.
• Voided insurance claims.

And fire extinguisher maintenance isn’t just about compliance – crucially, it’s also about ensuring your equipment works when you need it most. A malfunctioning extinguisher has the potential to turn a small incident into a disaster, putting your staff and property in jeopardy. Making sure your fire extinguishers are properly positioned, serviced regularly and that your staff are trained to use them correctly is an important investment in your business and its future.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?

So let’s get to it. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the BS 5306-3 guidelines state the following maintenance intervals for fire extinguishers:

Monthly visual inspections

Each month, a visual inspection of your fire extinguishers should be carried out by the responsible person within your business. The monthly inspections should be recorded and any problems dealt with immediately. You need to do the following:

• Check for obvious damage like leakage, corrosion or signs that someone may have tampered with the extinguisher.
• Make sure they’re not obstructed so the extinguishers are visible and easy to find.
• Check their weight to make sure they feel full.
• Check the pressure dial – it should be pointing to green.
• Read the service labels to make sure they’re legible and nothing is missing.
• Check the handle and locking pins to make sure none are broken, missing or wobbly.
• Make sure the nozzle and hose aren’t blocked or torn.

Annual professional inspections

A yearly inspection needs to be carried out once a year on all your fire extinguishers – this time by a professional fire safety engineer. The key steps for this inspection are as follows:

• Visual inspection for damage, corrosion and proper signage.
• Pressure and weight checks.
• Testing of discharge mechanisms.
• Replacement or repair of faulty components where necessary.
• Full replacement of the fire extinguisher if a repair is not possible.
• Recording of inspection, with the extinguisher tagged and dated for compliance.

These checks ensure that the fire extinguishers are in proper working order and greatly reduces their risk of failure in the event of an emergency. The engineer will make sure the extinguishers are operating to the British Standard and that your business aligns with the proper fire safety compliance.

Extended servicing every 5 – 10 years

Fire extinguishers also need in-depth extended servicing at certain times based on their type. Powder, water and foam extinguishers need this service every five years, which includes a discharge test, valve overhaul, re-pressurising and refilling.

CO2 extinguishers, due to their high-pressure cylinders, require servicing every ten years. This involves sending them to an approved centre for testing, performing a hydraulic (stretch) test and replacing the main valve.

20-year overhaul

Once a fire extinguisher has reached its 20th birthday, it’s time for a replacement, regardless of its type or condition. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to fire protection.

Who Can Service Fire Extinguishers?

When looking for a fire extinguisher service provider, always choose a BAFE-certified technician or professional fire safety company. They’ll make sure your equipment is maintained to the highest standards of safety and compliance, as well as checking that it fits its stand properly and is situated in the right place. A fire safety expert will also be able to advise you on the efficiency of how you’ve grouped all your extinguishers for optimal protection of your property.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Fire Extinguisher Servicing?

Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited electrical contractor specialising in fire alarms, security and life safety systems since 1999. We provide and maintain fire extinguishers and suppression systems for businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries. We can ensure you have the right equipment in the right places at your commercial property.

We offer a full fire extinguisher maintenance and service plan, as well as expert guidance in the field. Check out our complete guide to fire extinguishers to learn more about the different types of fire extinguishers as well as fire extinguisher colour codes in the UK.

Our clients stick with us thanks to our experienced team of fully qualified fire alarm engineers and the reliable support we offer at every stage. With 25 years in the industry, Midland Fire is a name you can trust for safety and peace of mind.

Looking for Fire Extinguisher Maintenance for Your Business?

As you now know, regular fire extinguisher servicing is essential for the safety and security of your business. Our friendly team is here to connect you with a local fire safety engineer who can install and maintain your fire extinguishers, no matter the size and type of business you run.

At Midland Fire WE PROTECT. Contact us today for your free consultation.

Your Burning Questions Answered

How often should fire extinguishers be visually inspected?

At least once a month by the responsible person within your business. They should look out for visual damage, check the pressure dial and make sure the extinguisher is clearly visible, amongst other checks.

What does an annual fire extinguisher service involve?

Your yearly fire extinguisher service should include visual checks, pressure tests and discharge mechanism testing. Repairs and replacements should also be made where necessary.

What is extended servicing for fire extinguishers?

Extended servicing is an additional comprehensive check conducted every 5-10 years, including valve overhaul and re-pressurisation.

Can fire extinguishers be serviced in-house?

No, they must be serviced by a qualified technician. Choose a BAFE-accredited professional fire security company like Midland Fire for the best peace of mind.