If you’re a business owner, landlord, or facilities manager, you’re probably aware that you need fire extinguishers in your building. But what about servicing them?
We often get asked:
“Is it actually a legal requirement to have fire extinguishers serviced?”
The short answer is: Yes.
If you’re responsible for fire safety in any non-domestic premises, you are legally required to ensure your fire extinguishers are maintained in good working order—and that means regular servicing by a competent person.
Let’s break it down, so you know exactly what’s required, why it matters, and how to stay compliant.
What the Law Says
Fire extinguisher servicing falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which applies to all non-domestic premises in England and Wales—including:
- Offices
- Shops
- Restaurants and cafés
- Warehouses and factories
- Blocks of flats (common areas)
- Holiday lets and HMOs
- Studios, salons, and workshops
The law states that the Responsible Person (this could be the business owner, landlord, or managing agent) must ensure that fire-fighting equipment is:
“subject to a suitable system of maintenance and kept in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.“
That includes fire extinguishers—even if they’ve never been used.
So Yes—Servicing Is a Legal Requirement
To meet this requirement, fire extinguishers should be:
- Serviced annually by a qualified technician
- Checked monthly by the Responsible Person (visual inspection)
- Recorded in your fire safety logbook
- Maintained in line with British Standard BS 5306-3
Failure to service extinguishers properly can leave you open to:
❌ Fire and Rescue enforcement notices
❌ Invalidated insurance policies
❌ Prosecution or liability if someone is injured in a fire
❌ Serious safety risks for staff, tenants, and the public
At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we regularly help businesses across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford stay on top of their servicing requirements—without stress or confusion.
What Does Servicing Actually Involve?
Your annual fire extinguisher service should include:
- A full inspection by a competent technician
- Pressure checks
- Visual checks for damage, rust, or tampering
- Checking the safety pin and tamper seal
- Confirming the extinguisher is correctly positioned and accessible
- Labelling and updating your fire logbook
And every 5 to 10 years (depending on the type), extinguishers need extended servicing, including discharging, internal checks, and in some cases, pressure testing.
Can I Service Them Myself?
No—you must use someone who is deemed competent under fire safety law. That means:
- They have the right training
- They follow current British Standards (BS 5306-3)
- They use the correct tools, procedures, and documentation
- They carry suitable insurance cover
At ESI, our engineers are fully qualified, insured, and experienced in working with small businesses, landlords, and managing agents throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
What About Low-Risk Premises?
Even if your building is small or low-risk, the rules still apply.
Whether it’s a one-room office, a beauty salon, or a converted workshop, the moment you have fire extinguishers on site, you are expected to maintain them properly. In fact, many local fire authorities are paying closer attention to smaller premises now, especially those in shared buildings or public-facing settings.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got fire extinguishers in your building—and you’re responsible for fire safety—then yes, servicing them is a legal requirement.
It’s not just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about:
✅ Protecting your staff, customers, or tenants
✅ Keeping your insurance valid
✅ Avoiding costly legal issues
✅ Doing the right thing in case of an emergency
Need help keeping on top of your fire extinguisher servicing?
📞 Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections today. We provide expert servicing and fire risk assessments for commercial premises, landlords, and property managers in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the surrounding areas.
