Fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in virtually all non-domestic premises in the UK. But having them on the wall isn’t enough, they must be regularly serviced to comply with fire safety law and to actually work when needed.
Under BS 5306-3 (the British Standard for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers), there are three levels of servicing your fire extinguishers need: monthly visual inspections, annual professional servicing, and extended servicing at longer intervals depending on the type of extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers must be professionally serviced at least once every 12 months under BS 5306-3. This is the standard used to demonstrate compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Monthly visual inspections should also be carried out by the responsible person on site.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing Schedule
Monthly Visual Inspections
The responsible person (or a designated employee) should carry out a brief visual check of all fire extinguishers every month. This involves confirming that each extinguisher is:
- In its correct, designated location and clearly visible
- Accessible and not blocked by equipment, stock or furniture
- Free from obvious damage, corrosion or signs of tampering
- Showing the correct pressure on the gauge (where fitted)
- Displaying a legible operating label and up-to-date service tag
These checks should be recorded in a fire safety log book. While they don’t require a qualified technician, they’re an important part of your fire safety responsibilities and can catch small issues before they become serious problems.
Annual Basic Service
Every 12 months, all fire extinguishers must be serviced by a competent technician. This is the most important servicing requirement and applies to every type of extinguisher in every type of premises.
During an annual service, the technician will:
- Inspect the extinguisher for damage, corrosion or leaks
- Check internal pressure and weight
- Examine the hose, nozzle, pins and safety seals
- Confirm the extinguishing agent is still effective
- Replace any worn components (seals, O-rings, tamper indicators)
- Attach an updated service label with the date and engineer’s details
A written maintenance report should be provided after each service, and the details should be recorded in your fire safety log book.
Extended Service (Every 5 Years)
Water, foam, powder and wet chemical fire extinguishers require an extended service every five years, in addition to their annual service. This is a more comprehensive inspection that involves:
- Fully discharging the extinguisher
- Internally inspecting the cylinder for corrosion or damage
- Refilling and recharging the extinguisher
- Testing the unit before returning it to service
Many businesses choose to replace extinguishers at the five-year mark rather than pay for an extended service, as the cost can be comparable, particularly for smaller units. Your servicing provider can advise on whether replacement or extended servicing makes more sense for your situation.
CO2 Extinguisher Overhaul (Every 10 Years)
CO2 fire extinguishers have a different extended service interval. Every 10 years, they must undergo a hydraulic pressure test (also known as a hydrostatic test) to verify the integrity of the cylinder. Because CO2 extinguishers store their contents under very high pressure, this test is essential to confirm the cylinder can still safely contain its contents.
As with the five-year extended service, many organisations opt to replace CO2 extinguishers at the 10-year mark rather than pay for the overhaul.
Servicing Intervals by Extinguisher Type
| Extinguisher Type | Monthly Check | Annual Service | Extended Service | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Visual inspection | Every 12 months | Every 5 years (discharge test) | 5–10 years |
| Foam (AFFF) | Visual inspection | Every 12 months | Every 5 years (discharge test) | 5–10 years |
| Dry Powder | Visual inspection | Every 12 months | Every 5 years (discharge test) | 5–10 years |
| Wet Chemical | Visual inspection | Every 12 months | Every 5 years (discharge test) | 5–10 years |
| CO2 | Visual inspection | Every 12 months | Every 10 years (hydraulic pressure test) | 10 years |
No fire extinguisher should remain in service beyond 20 years, regardless of condition.
Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguisher Servicing
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the “responsible person” – typically the business owner, employer or building manager — to ensure that all firefighting equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
While the legislation itself doesn’t specify exact servicing intervals, compliance is measured against BS 5306-3, which is the standard used by fire risk assessors, enforcing authorities and insurers. In practice, this means annual servicing is a legal requirement for any premises with fire extinguishers.
Failure to maintain fire extinguishers properly can result in:
- Enforcement action from your local fire and rescue authority
- Fines and prosecution under the Fire Safety Order
- Insurance complications – insurers may refuse claims if fire safety equipment was not properly maintained
- Risk to life – a poorly maintained extinguisher may fail to discharge, leak or even rupture under pressure
Who Can Service Fire Extinguishers?
Fire extinguisher servicing must be carried out by a “competent person” – someone with the appropriate training, knowledge and experience. In practice, this means a qualified fire safety technician, ideally from a BAFE-registered (British Approvals for Fire Equipment) company.
BAFE registration provides independent third-party certification that the company meets the required standards for fire extinguisher maintenance. Choosing a BAFE-registered provider gives you confidence that your servicing meets BS 5306-3 requirements and will satisfy fire risk assessors and insurers.
When Should Fire Extinguishers Be Replaced?
There’s no single expiry date for fire extinguishers, but there are clear signs that an extinguisher should be replaced rather than serviced:
- Visible dents, rust or corrosion on the cylinder
- A leaking or clogged nozzle
- The pressure gauge needle is outside the green zone
- Broken or missing tamper seals
- Worn or illegible labels and operating instructions
- The extinguisher has been partially discharged (even briefly)
- It has reached the end of its recommended lifespan
As a general rule, water, foam and powder extinguishers are typically replaced between 5 and 10 years, and CO2 extinguishers at around 10 years. Your servicing engineer can advise during the annual service whether replacement is more cost-effective than continued maintenance.
FAQs
What is the difference between an annual service and an extended service?
An annual service is a thorough external and functional inspection carried out every 12 months. An extended service (required every 5 years for water, foam, powder and wet chemical extinguishers) involves fully discharging the extinguisher, inspecting it internally and refilling it. CO2 extinguishers require an extended service (hydraulic pressure test) every 10 years.
Can I service fire extinguishers myself?
Monthly visual inspections can be carried out by anyone on site, you don’t need a qualified technician for these. However, annual servicing and extended servicing must be carried out by a competent person with the appropriate training and qualifications. Using a BAFE-registered company is the most reliable way to ensure your servicing meets the required standards.
What happens if I don’t service my fire extinguishers?
Failing to maintain your fire extinguishers can lead to enforcement action from your local fire and rescue authority, fines and prosecution under the Fire Safety Order, and complications with your insurance. More importantly, an unserviced extinguisher may not work in an emergency, putting lives at risk.
How much does fire extinguisher servicing cost?
Basic annual servicing typically costs between £7 and £35 per extinguisher, depending on the type, size and provider. A call-out or visit fee is usually charged on top. Extended servicing costs more due to the additional work involved, which is why many businesses choose to replace extinguishers at the 5 or 10-year mark instead.
How do I know how old my fire extinguisher is?
The manufacture date is usually stamped on the body of the extinguisher or printed on the label. If it’s hard to read due to wear or dirt, try cleaning the area or checking under better lighting. Your servicing engineer will also be able to confirm the age during an annual service.
Do I need fire extinguishers in my workplace?
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, virtually all non-domestic premises in England and Wales must have appropriate firefighting equipment. Your fire risk assessment will determine the type, number and placement of extinguishers required for your specific premises.
Book Your Fire Extinguisher Service
Thameside Fire Protection is a BAFE-certified fire safety company providing fire extinguisher servicing, supply and installation to businesses nationwide. Our qualified technicians carry out annual servicing, extended servicing and full fire extinguisher audits to ensure your premises remain compliant and protected.
Whether you need a routine annual service or a complete review of your fire extinguisher provision, we can help. Get in touch today or call us on 0800 975 4888 to arrange your service.