Is It Time to Review Your Fire Extinguisher Servicing Schedule?

Fire extinguishers are one of the most important safety measures any business can have on-site. They provide a first line of defence in the event of a fire, helping to control or even extinguish flames before they spread. But just having extinguishers in place isn’t enough. Without proper servicing and maintenance, they may not work when you need them most.

That’s why every business should take time to review their fire extinguisher servicing schedule. Regular inspections, testing, and professional servicing are vital for both safety and compliance. In this blog, we’ll explain why fire extinguisher servicing is essential, how often it should be carried out, and the signs that it’s time to review your schedule.

Why Fire Extinguisher Servicing Matters

Fire extinguishers are subject to wear and tear just like any other piece of equipment. Over time, seals can deteriorate, gauges can fail, and extinguishing agents may become less effective. If left unchecked, these issues can render the extinguisher useless in an emergency.

Servicing ensures that:

  • Extinguishers are in full working order.

  • They are correctly located and clearly accessible.

  • The right type of extinguisher is available for the specific risks in your workplace.

  • Your business remains compliant with fire safety regulations.

A well-maintained fire extinguisher could save lives and prevent catastrophic damage to your property.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?

The British Standard BS 5306-3 sets out the recommended maintenance schedule for portable fire extinguishers. The key requirements are:

  • Monthly checks: Basic visual inspections to ensure extinguishers are undamaged, unobstructed, and have not been tampered with.

  • Annual servicing: A qualified engineer should inspect and service each extinguisher once every 12 months. This involves checking the pressure, weight, seals, and components.

  • Extended servicing: Certain extinguishers (such as water, foam, and powder types) require more detailed servicing every five years, including discharge tests and refills.

  • Replacement: Most extinguishers have a lifespan of around 10 years. After this point, they should be replaced with new units.

If your business isn’t following this schedule, it’s time to review your fire extinguisher maintenance plan.

Signs Your Servicing Schedule Needs Updating

Even if you already have a servicing plan in place, there are situations where you may need to review and update it:

1. Business Changes

Have you recently moved premises, renovated, or changed how your building is used? Any changes in layout, occupancy, or equipment could affect the fire risks on site—and the type, quantity, and servicing needs of your extinguishers.

2. Expired or Missing Records

If you cannot produce clear records of the last service date for each extinguisher, you may already be out of compliance. Fire safety officers will expect to see a servicing log during inspections.

3. New Fire Safety Regulations

Fire safety regulations evolve. Reviewing your schedule ensures your business is aligned with the latest standards and avoids potential penalties.

4. Staff Uncertainty

If your staff aren’t sure when extinguishers were last checked or serviced, that’s a red flag. Everyone should have confidence that safety equipment is fully functional.

5. Visible Damage

If you notice dents, corrosion, faded labels, or damaged hoses, you cannot rely on the extinguisher. Immediate servicing or replacement may be necessary.

Benefits of Regular Servicing

Sticking to a proper servicing schedule offers multiple benefits for businesses:

  • Compliance: Meeting legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

  • Insurance: Ensuring your insurer recognises that adequate fire precautions are in place.

  • Peace of mind: Confidence that equipment will work in an emergency.

  • Cost savings: Preventing small issues from escalating into full replacements.

  • Safety culture: Demonstrating a clear commitment to staff and customer wellbeing.

Partnering with Fire Safety Experts

Servicing should always be carried out by a trained and competent fire safety engineer. At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, our experienced team provides professional inspections, maintenance, and replacement services to keep your business fully compliant and protected.

We offer:

  • Annual servicing packages tailored to your business.

  • Thorough testing and certification in line with British Standards.

  • Advice on extinguisher placement and suitability for your premises.

  • Emergency call-outs if issues arise between scheduled visits.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Fire extinguishers save lives—but only when they’re properly maintained. If you’re unsure when your equipment was last serviced, or if your business has gone through recent changes, now is the time to review your fire extinguisher servicing schedule.

By taking proactive steps today, you’ll not only remain compliant but also ensure that your staff, customers, and property are fully protected.

For expert fire extinguisher servicing across the UK, contact our team at Fire Extinguisher Maintenance or call us today on 0330 133 0380.