Stay Safe and Compliant: The Importance of Regular Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

In the UK, fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in almost all non-domestic properties — and for good reason. When used correctly and at the right time, they are one of the most effective tools for controlling or extinguishing small fires before they escalate into major incidents. However, fire extinguishers are only effective if they are well maintained and regularly checked.

Many people assume that simply having fire extinguishers on-site is enough, but neglecting proper upkeep can result in serious safety risks and legal consequences. In this blog, we’ll explore why regular fire extinguisher maintenance is so important, what the process involves, and how UK businesses and property owners can ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations.

Why Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Should Never Be Overlooked

A fire extinguisher might look fine on the outside, but if it hasn’t been serviced, there’s no guarantee it will work properly when needed. Components such as pressure gauges, hoses, seals and nozzles can deteriorate over time. In some cases, extinguishers can even leak or become depressurised without any visible signs.

Imagine a scenario where a fire breaks out in your workplace, and an employee instinctively grabs the nearest extinguisher — only to discover it doesn’t work. The fire spreads rapidly, leading to injury, property damage, or worse. This situation is entirely preventable with proper maintenance and servicing.

Legal Requirements in the UK

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person — whether it be an employer, landlord, facilities manager, or building owner — must ensure that fire safety equipment is suitable and well maintained.

In addition, fire extinguisher servicing is governed by the British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which provides detailed guidelines for the commissioning, maintenance, and servicing of portable fire extinguishers.

The key legal obligations include:

  • Annual servicing by a “competent person”

  • Weekly and monthly in-house visual inspections

  • Proper record keeping and labelling

  • Periodic extended servicing (usually every five years)

Failure to comply can lead to fines, invalidated insurance policies, prosecution, or, in the event of a serious incident, corporate manslaughter charges.

What’s Involved in Regular Fire Extinguisher Maintenance?

Annual fire extinguisher maintenance should only be carried out by a certified fire safety technician. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical service includes:

1. Visual Inspection

The technician will inspect each extinguisher for signs of corrosion, dents, leaks, or any tampering. Labels and instructions must be legible and up to date.

2. Pressure Check

The internal pressure is checked to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications. An under-pressurised extinguisher is ineffective, while an over-pressurised one may be dangerous.

3. Weighing the Unit

Especially important for CO₂ extinguishers, weighing ensures there hasn’t been any discharge or leakage of contents.

4. Hose and Nozzle Examination

These are checked for blockages, splits, and damage that could prevent the extinguisher from operating correctly.

5. Replacement of Seals and Pins

Old or damaged safety pins, seals, and tamper indicators are replaced to ensure the extinguisher hasn’t been used or tampered with.

6. Updating Maintenance Records

After inspection, service labels are updated and signed, and a formal maintenance report is issued — often required for health and safety audits or insurance claims.

Extended Servicing and Refurbishment

Depending on the type of extinguisher, extended servicing is required every five or ten years:

  • Water, foam, and powder extinguishers usually require extended servicing every 5 years, including full discharge testing and internal inspection.

  • CO₂ extinguishers must be pressure tested and refurbished every 10 years.

This ensures long-term reliability and compliance with safety standards.

Who Can Perform Fire Extinguisher Servicing?

Fire extinguisher maintenance must be carried out by a “competent person”, as defined by BS 5306. This means:

  • Proper training and certification

  • Familiarity with all fire extinguisher types

  • Understanding of fire safety legislation and standards

  • Ability to provide thorough reports and documentation

Reputable providers are often BAFE certified, offering additional assurance of their competence and commitment to high standards.

Benefits of Regular Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Aside from meeting legal obligations, regular servicing offers numerous practical and financial benefits:

1. Improved Safety

Well-maintained extinguishers give you the best possible chance to control a fire quickly, minimising risk to life.

2. Cost Savings

Proper maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your equipment, reducing the need for premature replacements.

3. Peace of Mind

You can feel confident that your fire extinguishers are ready for action if an emergency arises.

4. Insurance Compliance

Most insurers require proof of regular servicing to process fire-related claims.

5. Demonstrable Duty of Care

Keeping your extinguishers in top condition demonstrates a clear commitment to the safety of staff, visitors, and the general public.

Fire Extinguisher Placement and Signage

Maintenance isn’t just about the extinguisher itself — it also includes checking that each unit is in the correct location, is accessible, and is accompanied by the appropriate signage.

Fire extinguishers should:

  • Be wall-mounted or in designated stands

  • Be clearly signposted

  • Be free from obstruction

  • Be appropriate to the fire risk in the area

  • Be placed so that no one is more than 30 metres away from an extinguisher

How Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Fits Into Your Fire Safety Strategy

Regular fire extinguisher maintenance is not a stand-alone task — it’s a core component of your wider fire risk management plan. This should also include:

  • A comprehensive fire risk assessment

  • Adequate staff training on fire extinguisher use

  • Evacuation plans and fire drills

  • Clear signage and emergency lighting

  • Smoke alarms and fire detection systems

Together, these measures create a safe, compliant, and proactive environment that reduces the risk of harm.

Work with a Trusted Provider

At Fire Extinguisher Maintenance, we specialise in professional, reliable fire extinguisher servicing for commercial premises, landlords, educational settings, care homes, and more across the UK. Our fully trained technicians work in line with British Standards and can offer expert advice on extinguisher types, placement, and compliance.

Whether you need a one-off service or a comprehensive fire safety package, we’re here to help you stay safe and compliant.

Final Thoughts

Regular fire extinguisher maintenance is not just a legal necessity — it’s a crucial part of ensuring the safety of everyone who enters your premises. Don’t wait until an emergency to find out your equipment isn’t up to scratch.

By scheduling professional maintenance and following recommended guidelines, you’ll gain peace of mind, protect your people, and demonstrate your commitment to safety and responsibility.