Why Regular Fire Extinguisher Servicing Matters More Than Most Businesses Realise

Most businesses assume their fire extinguishers will work in an emergency. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

At Midland Fire, we’ve heard countless stories of extinguishers that failed when they were needed most – the reason being that they hadn’t been properly serviced or maintained.

This is a reminder that regular inspections aren’t just a compliance requirement, they’re also an essential part of your business’s fire safety strategy. Regular fire extinguisher services help ensure your equipment remains safe, compliant and ready to protect your people and property in case of an emergency.

Read on to learn more about the importance of fire extinguisher servicing, what you need to do to fulfill your legal obligations, and how our expert team at Midland Fire can help keep your business both safe and compliant.

Why is Fire Extinguisher Maintenance So Important?

While most business owners will know that fire extinguishers in commercial properties, many aren’t aware that, according to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and The British Standard for fire extinguishers, BS 5306-3, their company’s “Responsible Person” must ensure that extinguishers are kept well-maintained.

This is because a faulty or worn-out extinguisher won’t work correctly when you need it most, potentially turning a small incident into a disaster that puts your staff and property in danger. Not only that, but if an accident were to happen and your fire safety equipment is found to be non-compliant, you risk potential fines, legal action and voided insurance claims.

Making sure your fire extinguishers are properly positioned, serviced regularly, and that your staff are trained to use them correctly is therefore an important investment in your business and its future.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?

So, how should you make sure your fire extinguishers are always in top condition? By taking the following steps:

Monthly visual checks

The Responsible Person at your workplace must perform a monthly inspection which includes checking weight and pressure and whether there’s any obvious damage.

Annual professional service

An in-depth inspection needs to be carried out once a year on all your fire extinguishers – this time by a professional fire safety engineer.

Extended servicing & overhauls

An extended service is needed every 5 years for water, foam and powder extinguishers, and every 10 years for CO2 extinguishers. All extinguishers need replacing after 20 years.

By following this schedule, you’ll ensure that your fire extinguishers are in good working order and greatly reduce their risk of failure in the event of an emergency. Full documentation should be kept of all maintenance work to ensure compliance.

Common Problems Found During Fire Extinguisher Services

During your annual fire extinguisher service, your fire safety engineer will ensure that your extinguishers comply with British Standards so that your business aligns with the proper fire safety regulations. Common issues we come across that urgently need fixing to bring extinguishers up to standard are as follows:

• Blocked or inaccessible extinguishers.
• Incorrect extinguisher types in high-risk areas.
• Missing servicing labels or outdated inspection records.
• Extinguishers that are beyond their recommended lifespan.
• Damage caused by accidental knocks or environmental conditions.
• Leaking valves or broken tamper seals.
• Low pressure readings.
• Extinguishers still in position even though they’ve already been used.

Businesses are often unaware that these issues exist until a professional inspection takes place. That makes it all the more important that every business keeps a strict maintenance schedule so fire extinguishers never miss a service.

What to Look for in a Fire Extinguisher Service Provider

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.

We can do all of the above and more at Midland Fire.

Why Choose Midland Fire for Fire Extinguisher Servicing?

Midland Fire is a BAFE-accredited electrical contractor that has specialised in fire alarms and fire safety equipment since 1999. We provide and maintain fire extinguishers for businesses of all sizes, across a range of industries. Our job is to ensure you have the right extinguishers in the right places at your commercial property.

We also offer a full fire extinguisher maintenance and service plan, as well as expert guidance in the field. Midland Fire is a name you can trust for safety and peace of mind, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of fully qualified fire alarm engineers.

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, and the relevant documentation provided.

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.

What happens if my fire extinguishers are non-compliant?
Non-compliance can result in fines, insurance invalidation and, of course, an increased risk of damage due to fire if they’re not working correctly.

Can fire extinguishers be serviced in-house?
No, they must be serviced by a qualified technician. Choose a BAFE-accredited professional fire safety company like Midland Fire for the best peace of mind.