How Often Should You Service Your Fire Extinguishers?
The Fire Safety Order 2005 outlines the critical importance of maintaining your fire safety equipment. One of the most essential parts of your fire protection plan is the regular servicing of your fire extinguishers. Making sure that your fire extinguishers are in working order at all times is not only a legal requirement, but also a crucial step in safeguarding your property and the people within it. But how often should you have your fire extinguishers serviced? Find out more below.
Annual Maintenance and Servicing
In the UK, the British Standard 5306-3 requires that all fire extinguishers undergo a basic service at least once a year. This service should be carried out by a qualified person, ideally a certified technician from a reputable fire safety services provider.
During this annual service, the technician will thoroughly inspect the extinguisher for any signs of damage, corrosion or tampering. The internal pressure will also be checked, and the contents will be checked to make sure that they are still effective in the event of a fire. Any necessary repairs or replacements will be advised to keep your equipment safety compliant and functional.
Extended Service and Discharge Testing
On top of the annual service, fire extinguishers also require an extended service every five years. This is particularly crucial for water, foam and powder extinguishers. The extended service involves a more comprehensive check, including a discharge test where the extinguisher is fully discharged to check that it operates correctly. Following the discharge, the extinguisher is refilled, recharged and tested again before being returned to service.
For CO2 fire extinguishers, the extended service interval is every 10 years, at which point they undergo a pressure test. This process, known as a hydrostatic test, checks the integrity of the extinguisher’s cylinder to check it can still safely contain the pressurised contents inside.
Routine Inspections
While annual and extended services are essential, it’s also advisable to have routine visual inspections of your fire extinguishers more frequently. As a responsible business owner, you should check your extinguishers monthly to make sure they are in their designated locations, accessible and free from any obvious damage or signs of tampering. A quick visual check can prevent small issues from becoming big problems over time.
Fully Qualified Fire Safety Services
Your safety is our number one priority at Thameside Fire Protection, so we’ll do everything we can to ensure that you have the appropriate type, rating and number of fire extinguishers for your environment. We’re a BAFE-certified company with a nationwide clientele, so you can depend on us for reliable products and professional installations. Don’t wait until it’s too late: get in touch with us today.
