If you’ve got fire extinguishers in your building or workplace (and you should!), you might be wondering:
“How often do these actually need to be serviced?”
Is it once a year? Every few months? Only if they’re used?
Let’s clear up the confusion. Keeping your fire extinguishers in good working order isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement under UK fire safety law. It could also make all the difference in a real emergency.
Here’s what you need to know, whether you run a business, manage a property, or are the responsible person for fire safety in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, or anywhere across Hampshire, Surrey, or Berkshire.
The Short Answer
✅ Fire extinguishers should be serviced once a year by a competent person.
✅ You should also do visual checks monthly to make sure they haven’t been damaged or moved.
This servicing should follow the British Standard BS 5306-3, which sets out how extinguishers should be maintained and by whom.
Why Servicing Is So Important
Fire extinguishers are there to deal with a fire in its very early stages—when quick action could stop a small incident from becoming a disaster.
But if your extinguisher doesn’t work properly because it hasn’t been maintained, you could be putting lives, property, and your legal standing at serious risk.
Servicing:
- Ensures the extinguisher still works and hasn’t lost pressure
- Checks the safety pin, hose, and seals are all intact
- Confirms the extinguisher is in the correct place and accessible
- Replaces any worn or damaged parts
- Keeps you compliant with fire safety legislation
The Legal Requirements
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, you are required to:
- Provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment (like extinguishers)
- Maintain it in an efficient working order and good repair
- Ensure regular servicing is carried out by a competent person
Failing to do this could lead to:
🚫 Enforcement notices
🚫 Invalidated insurance
🚫 Prosecution if someone is harmed in a fire due to faulty equipment
So this isn’t just a tick-box exercise—it’s essential protection for your people and your premises.
What Does an Annual Service Include?
A qualified technician (like our team at ESI) will carry out a full inspection and maintenance check, including:
- Confirming the correct type of extinguisher is in place for the risks present
- Checking the pressure gauge
- Inspecting for rust, leaks, or physical damage
- Weighing the extinguisher to check it hasn’t leaked or discharged
- Checking safety pins and tamper seals
- Ensuring the wall bracket or stand is secure
- Updating the service label and log
All this should be recorded in your fire safety logbook.
What About Extended Servicing?
Some extinguishers need more than just a basic check.
🔧 Every 5 years, most water, foam, and powder extinguishers should undergo an extended service—which includes discharging, internal inspection, and refilling.
🔧 CO₂ extinguishers require a hydraulic pressure test every 10 years, or they must be replaced.
We track all of this for our clients across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford—so you never miss a deadline or risk falling foul of fire regulations.
What Should I Be Checking Monthly?
As the Responsible Person, you should carry out a quick monthly check to ensure:
- Extinguishers are in their correct place
- They are clearly visible and accessible
- Pressure gauges (if fitted) are in the green zone
- Seals and pins are intact
- There are no signs of tampering or damage
It only takes a few minutes, but it’s a valuable habit to build into your routine or premises checks.
Final Thoughts
Fire extinguishers don’t need a lot of fuss—but they do need proper care.
✅ Annual servicing keeps you compliant
✅ Monthly checks keep you prepared
✅ Extended servicing ensures long-term reliability
Need help getting your extinguishers serviced or unsure what type you need?
📞 Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections today. We provide fire extinguisher servicing and fire risk assessments across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire, helping small businesses and landlords stay safe, legal, and ready for inspection.
