At Logic Fire and Security we understand that your fire extinguishers are more than just red cylinders on your wall – they’re your first line of defense against potentially devastating fires and a critical component of your legal compliance.
Professional fire extinguisher servicing ensures these vital safety devices will perform flawlessly when you need them most, protecting your people, your property, and your peace of mind.
With our team of BAFE- Registered technicians delivering meticulous inspections and maintenance to BS5306 standards, you can delegate this crucial responsibility to genuine experts while you focus on running your business. Because when it comes to fire safety, proper servicing isn’t just about ticking boxes, it’s about saving lives.
The Critical Importance of Professional Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Fire extinguishers form a crucial first line of defence in any commercial building’s fire safety strategy. Regular fire extinguisher servicing isn’t just good practice – it’s a legal obligation for UK businesses and a vital component in maintaining a safe working environment. As a business owner or facilities manager, ensuring your fire safety equipment remains in optimal working condition provides essential peace of mind and demonstrates your commitment to protecting both people and property.
At Logic Fire and Security, we understand that navigating fire safety regulations can feel overwhelming when balanced against your many other responsibilities. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to fire extinguisher servicing – to provide clear, straightforward information that helps you ensure compliance without adding unnecessary stress to to your workload, underwritten by our BAFE SP101 Third-party Accreditation.
Is It a Legal Requirement to Service Fire Extinguishers?
Yes, servicing your fire extinguishers is a legal requirement in the UK. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility on the ‘responsible person’ (typically the business owner, facilities manager, or designated fire safety officer) to ensure all fire safety equipment is properly maintained.
This legal obligation exists because:
- Extinguishers can deteriorate over time, potentially rendering them ineffective when needed
- Components may fail without regular inspection
- Pressure can be lost, making the extinguisher unable to discharge properly
- Safety pins and seals need checking to ensure they haven’t been tampered with
Non-compliance with fire extinguisher servicing requirements can result in:
- Prosecution and significant fines
- Invalidation of your business insurance
- Potential criminal charges if a fire occurs and inadequate maintenance contributed to injuries or property damage
Beyond legal compliance, regular servicing provides documented evidence that you’ve fulfilled your duty of care – crucial protection should you ever face questions about your fire safety measures.
How Often Should a Fire Extinguisher Be Serviced?
Fire extinguishers require different levels of servicing at varying intervals. According to British Standard BS5306, the servicing schedule includes:
Basic Service (Annual)
All fire extinguishers must undergo a basic service every 12 months. This involves:
- Visual inspection of external condition
- Checking pressure indicators and gauges
- Examining safety pins and tamper seals
- Ensuring clear operating instructions
- Verifying appropriate signage and positioning
- Checking for any signs of damage or corrosion
- Updating service records and certification
Extended Service
Different types of extinguishers require more comprehensive servicing at different intervals:
- Water, foam, dry powder and wet chemical extinguishers: Every 5 years
- CO2 extinguishers: Every 10 years
The extended service typically involves discharge testing and internal examination, with the extinguisher being completely emptied, inspected, and recharged.
Monthly Checks
While not a replacement for professional servicing, BS5306 also recommends that the responsible person conducts visual checks monthly to ensure:
- Extinguishers are in their designated positions
- They remain unobstructed and visible
- There’s no obvious damage
- Pressure gauges show the correct reading
- Operating instructions remain legible
These monthly checks should be recorded in your fire safety logbook to demonstrate ongoing monitoring between professional service visits.
How Much Does Fire Extinguisher Servicing Cost?
The cost of fire extinguisher servicing varies depending on several factors:
- Number of extinguishers at your premises
- Types of extinguishers requiring servicing
- Size and complexity of your site
- Whether any repairs or replacements are needed
- The service provider you choose
Many fire safety companies, including Logic Fire and Security, offer service packages that can reduce costs for businesses with multiple extinguishers or multiple sites. These packages often include:
- Fixed pricing for up to 5 years
- Discounted rates for larger quantities
- Combined servicing of different fire safety systems
- Free replacement of minor components
- Reductions for long-term contracts
When considering costs, it’s important to remember that investing in proper maintenance is substantially less expensive than the potential consequences of non-compliance or extinguisher failure during a fire emergency.
Can You Service a Fire Extinguisher Yourself?
While monthly visual checks can and should be conducted by the responsible person within your organisation, proper servicing of fire extinguishers must be carried out by a competent person with specific training and qualifications.
Self-servicing is not recommended for several key reasons:
- Technical knowledge: Proper servicing requires understanding of different extinguisher types and their specific maintenance requirements
- Specialist equipment: Professional technicians use pressure testing equipment and other specialised tools
- Certification: Only approved technicians can provide the certification needed to prove compliance
- Insurance requirements: Most insurance policies specify that extinguishers must be professionally serviced
- Personal liability: If you service extinguishers yourself and one fails during a fire, you could be personally liable
Professional fire extinguisher service technicians undergo specific training and certification. At Logic Fire and Security, all our technicians are BAFE- Registered and fully qualified to service all types of extinguishers to BS5306 standards, giving you complete confidence in both the work performed and the documentation provided.
Is It Cheaper to Recharge a Fire Extinguisher or Buy a New One?
This is a common question for businesses when extinguishers need refilling after discharge or extended service. The answer depends on several factors:
When Recharging Is Typically More Cost-Effective:
- For larger, more expensive extinguishers (9L water, 9L foam, 5kg CO2)
- When the extinguisher body is in good condition
- For specialist extinguishers that are costly to replace
- When the extinguisher is relatively new (less than 5 years old)
When Replacement Is Usually Better:
- For smaller, less expensive extinguishers (1kg powder, 2L water)
- If the extinguisher shows signs of corrosion or damage
- When the extinguisher is approaching its recommended lifespan (10-15 years)
- If parts are no longer available for older models
A professional fire safety technician can advise on the most cost-effective option during your service visit. At Logic Fire and Security, we provide honest recommendations based on safety requirements and value for money, never suggesting replacements when recharging would be suitable.
The Fire Extinguisher Servicing Process
Understanding what happens during a professional fire extinguisher service can help you appreciate the value of this essential maintenance. When Logic Fire and Security technicians visit your site, they follow a comprehensive process:
- Visual inspection: Checking for damage, corrosion, or tampering
- Pressure testing: Ensuring the pressure gauge shows the correct reading
- Weight check: For CO2 extinguishers to confirm contents
- Discharge test: When required as part of extended servicing
- Component examination: Checking hoses, nozzles, and operating mechanisms
- Safety checks: Verifying pins, seals, and safety devices
- Location assessment: Confirming extinguishers are correctly positioned and signed
- Documentation: Completing service records and certification
- Recommendations: Advising on any necessary repairs or replacements
Each extinguisher receives a service label showing the date of service and when the next service is due, providing clear visual confirmation of compliance.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher Service Provider
Selecting a reputable company for your fire extinguisher servicing is crucial. The right provider will ensure not just compliance, but genuine safety and peace of mind. Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Accreditations: Look for BAFE- Registered and relevant industry certifications
- Experience: Choose companies with proven experience in commercial fire safety
- Comprehensive service: Select providers who can handle all your fire safety needs
- Response times: Ensure they can respond quickly to emergency callouts
- Value: Consider long-term service agreements that offer better value and consistency
- Documentation: Check they provide proper certification and record-keeping
- Staff training: Ask if they offer training for your team in extinguisher use
Logic Fire and Security meets all these criteria, with over 20 years of experience providing comprehensive fire safety services across the UK. Our technicians are fully qualified and we pride ourselves on our responsive, reliable service that puts your safety first.
Beyond Basic Servicing: A Complete Fire Safety Approach
While regular fire extinguisher servicing is essential, it forms just one part of a comprehensive fire safety strategy. For complete protection, consider how servicing integrates with:
- Fire risk assessments
- Fire alarm testing and maintenance
- Emergency lighting checks
- Staff fire safety training
- Fire evacuation drills
- Fire door inspections
Logic Fire and Security can provide all these services as part of an integrated fire safety package, ensuring consistent standards and simplified management of your fire safety obligations.
Peace of Mind Through Professional Servicing
Regular, professional fire extinguisher servicing delivers multiple benefits:
- Legal compliance: Meeting your statutory obligations
- Safety assurance: Knowing equipment will work when needed
- Insurance validity: Maintaining the validity of your building and business insurance
- Due diligence: Demonstrating proper care for staff and visitors
- Cost efficiency: Identifying and addressing issues before they become expensive problems
As a business owner or facilities manager, your responsibilities for safety are significant. By partnering with experienced professionals for your fire extinguisher servicing, you can delegate this critical area of compliance to trusted experts while maintaining complete peace of mind.
Take Action Today
Don’t leave your fire safety to chance. Contact Logic Fire and Security today to arrange your fire extinguisher servicing and ensure your business remains protected and compliant.
Call our team on 0845 999 3222, email us at sales@logicfireandsecurity.com, or simply fill out the ‘How Can We Be of Service’ form below. Our friendly experts are ready to provide no-obligation advice tailored to your specific needs.
