Fire Extinguisher Servicing What This Involves

To remain compliant with British Standards Institution standard BS 5306-3:2009 all fire extinguishers within premises must be serviced every 12 months by a competent professional.

Fire extinguishers are pressurised vessels and their ability to operate effectively depends entirely on maintaining that internal pressure. Over time pressure loss, wear or unnoticed damage can affect performance. Regular servicing ensures equipment will work reliably when it’s needed most during an emergency

Who can service fire extinguishers?

Maintenance must be carried out by a competent person someone with the appropriate training, experience and technical knowledge.

Although there is no mandatory qualification set by law many reputable providers hold third party accreditations through recognised schemes such as BAFE which demonstrate consistent standards of workmanship and compliance.

Initial checks 

At the start of a service visit the technician will confirm whether the extinguisher has been used even partially.

This includes:

• Checking the safety pin and tamper seal are intact
• Inspecting the pressure gauge (where fitted) to ensure it reads within the safe operating range

If an extinguisher has been discharged or shows signs of use it will require recharging or replacement.

Visual inspection

A full external inspection is then carried out. The technician will examine:

• The cylinder body
• Valve assembly
• Hose and fittings
• Any signs of corrosion, dents or damage

Because extinguishers store high pressure any structural weakness presents a safety risk and must be addressed immediately.

Clear and legible operating instructions are also essential. Labels that have faded or deteriorated due to sunlight or wear will be replaced to ensure users can act quickly and correctly in an emergency.

Checking for blockages

Hoses and discharge horns are removed and inspected for obstructions. Debris, insects or foreign objects can restrict flow and reduce effectiveness, so ensuring a clear pathway is critical to proper operation.

Weight verification

Weighing the extinguisher is one of the most reliable ways to confirm its contents remain intact. Each unit carries a service label showing its recorded weight at every inspection.

A reduction in weight may indicate leakage. If an extinguisher has lost more than 10% of its contents, it will be investigated and typically recharged or replaced.

Extended servicing

At scheduled intervals, more comprehensive maintenance may be required. This involves:

• Fully discharging the extinguisher
• Dismantling and inspecting internal components
• Checking for corrosion or wear
• Replacing seals and O-rings
• Refilling and pressure testing

This deeper service helps extend the lifespan of the extinguisher and ensures dependable performance.

Final safety checks

Before completing the visit the technician will confirm that all wall brackets and mountings are secure. Extinguishers must be safely positioned and capable of withstanding everyday knocks or movement ensuring they remain accessible and ready for use at all times.