If you’re responsible for fire safety in a business, workplace, rental property, or communal area, you’ve probably heard the term BS 5306 mentioned in relation to fire extinguishers. But what exactly is it—and what does it cover?
In short, BS 5306 is the set of British Standards that governs how portable fire extinguishers should be selected, installed, used, and maintained in the UK. It plays a key role in ensuring extinguishers are not just present, but fit for purpose and ready to work when needed most.
Let’s break it down and take a closer look at the most important parts—BS 5306-3, -8, -9 and -10—and what they mean in practice for responsible persons, landlords, and business owners in Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and beyond.
🔧 BS 5306-3: Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers
This is the core standard for ongoing maintenance—and probably the most important for most property managers and business owners.
BS 5306-3:2017 sets out the procedures for:
- Routine annual servicing
- Monthly visual checks by the responsible person
- Extended servicing intervals (typically every 5 years for most types)
- The qualifications required for competent technicians
- How to record and document servicing activity in the fire logbook
Key Points:
- All extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly for damage, accessibility, pressure, and condition
- A formal service must be carried out annually by a competent person
- Most extinguishers require extended service at year 5
- CO₂ extinguishers require pressure testing or replacement at year 10
- Any extinguisher found to be unsafe or out of date should be replaced or removed
At ESI, we use BS 5306-3 as the foundation for all extinguisher servicing across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.
BS 5306-8: Selection and Positioning of Fire Extinguishers
This section deals with how to choose the right type of fire extinguisher—and where to put it.
BS 5306-8:2012 helps ensure that the extinguishers you install are appropriate for the fire risks in your premises and positioned for easy access.
Key Points:
- Provides a risk-based approach to extinguisher selection (e.g. water for Class A fires, CO₂ for electrical)
- Sets guidelines on how many extinguishers are needed based on building size and layout
- Recommends a maximum travel distance of 30m to reach an extinguisher
- Covers mounting heights and signage requirements
- Includes specific advice for special risks such as kitchens, fuel stores, or electrical switch rooms
So, if you’ve ever wondered “Do I have enough extinguishers?” or “Are they in the right place?”, BS 5306-8 has the answer.
BS 5306-9: Recharging of Fire Extinguishers
BS 5306-9:2015 is all about how extinguishers should be safely recharged or refilled after use, discharge, or extended servicing.
This is critical, because recharging an extinguisher involves handling pressurised containers and potentially hazardous substances.
Key Points:
- Only trained technicians should carry out recharging
- Refilling must follow the manufacturer’s specifications and safety protocols
- Extinguishers should be fully discharged and inspected internally before refilling
- Pressure testing may be required depending on the type and age
- After recharging, extinguishers must be resealed, labelled, and returned to their designated location
Improper recharging can render an extinguisher unsafe or completely ineffective. That’s why we never cut corners at ESI—we follow BS 5306-9 to the letter.
BS 5306-10: Colour Coding and Identification
BS 5306-10:2009 (which replaced the earlier BS EN 3-5 references) deals with how fire extinguishers should be marked and colour coded—to ensure people can quickly identify the correct extinguisher in an emergency.
In the UK, fire extinguishers follow a system where the main body is red, with a coloured band to indicate the type of extinguishing agent.
Colour Codes:
- 🔴 Water – Red label (no additional colour)
- 🔵 Dry Powder – Blue band
- 🌫 Foam – Cream band
- ⚫ CO₂ – Black band
- 🟢 Wet Chemical – Yellow band
This section also includes guidance on clear labelling, instructions for use, and safety pictograms—so that users aren’t confused in a high-pressure situation.
Why It All Matters
BS 5306 isn’t just a set of guidelines—it’s the industry standard that Fire and Rescue Services, insurers, and enforcement officers refer to when assessing compliance.
When extinguishers are poorly selected, wrongly placed, out of date, or not properly serviced, it’s not just a regulatory issue—it could cost lives.
That’s why at ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we align everything we do with BS 5306—from the first installation through to annual maintenance, extended servicing, and replacement.
Final Thoughts
So, what is the maintenance standard for fire extinguishers?
✅ It’s BS 5306—a detailed set of standards that cover every stage of an extinguisher’s life.
✅ From servicing (Part 3) to positioning (Part 8), recharging (Part 9), and identification (Part 10), this standard underpins all responsible fire safety practice.
Need help with extinguisher servicing or installation that’s fully compliant with BS 5306?
Contact ESI today. We support small businesses, landlords, and property managers across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, and Guildford, helping you meet your legal duties and keep your people safe.
