Fire extinguishers are a critical first line of defence in fire safety, designed to quickly tackle small fires before they spread and cause serious damage or injury. However, simply having fire extinguishers on-site isn’t enough. Regular servicing and maintenance are essential to ensure they are fully functional and compliant with UK regulations.
For businesses, the legal requirements surrounding fire extinguisher maintenance are clear, and failure to comply can lead to significant consequences, including fines, legal liabilities, and increased risk of fire. This blog will explore why fire extinguisher servicing is so important and what the law requires UK businesses to do to remain compliant.
The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Servicing and Maintenance
Fire extinguishers are only useful if they work properly when needed. Over time, even without use, extinguishers can lose pressure, become damaged, or malfunction, rendering them ineffective during an emergency. Regular servicing and maintenance ensure that:
- Extinguishers are fully operational: Proper servicing checks the pressure, weight, and overall condition of the extinguisher to confirm that it’s ready for use in an emergency.
- Potential faults are identified early: Regular inspections can spot issues like corrosion, leaks, or damaged components before they become a major problem.
- Compliance with legal standards is maintained: In the UK, businesses are legally required to keep their fire safety equipment in good working order, and fire extinguishers are no exception.
- Peace of mind is provided: Knowing that your fire extinguishers are regularly serviced gives you confidence that they will work when it matters most.
Legal Requirements for Fire Extinguisher Servicing
In the UK, fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance fall under the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation applies to all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, schools, hospitals, and rented properties. Under the Fire Safety Order, the “responsible person” for fire safety—usually the business owner or building manager—must ensure that all fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, is well-maintained and regularly inspected.
Here’s what the law specifically requires when it comes to fire extinguisher maintenance:
1. Annual Servicing
The law requires that all fire extinguishers in commercial and public buildings be serviced at least once a year by a qualified technician. This annual servicing must be conducted by a competent person, typically from a professional fire protection company accredited by a recognised body like the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).
During an annual service, a qualified technician will:
- Check the weight and pressure of the extinguisher.
- Ensure the nozzle is free from blockages.
- Inspect the condition of the cylinder for corrosion or damage.
- Ensure the tamper seal is intact.
- Refill or recharge extinguishers if necessary.
- Record the inspection date and sign off on the service tag or log book.
2. Monthly Visual Inspections
While annual servicing by a professional is mandatory, businesses are also responsible for performing monthly visual inspections of their fire extinguishers. These checks do not require technical knowledge but are important for spotting any obvious issues that could prevent the extinguisher from working correctly.
A monthly visual inspection should include:
- Ensuring the extinguisher is located in its designated place.
- Checking that it is easily accessible and not blocked by furniture or equipment.
- Confirming the pressure gauge (if present) is in the correct range.
- Inspecting the tamper seal to ensure it is still intact.
- Checking for any visible damage, such as dents, corrosion, or leakage.
If any issues are spotted during a monthly check, the extinguisher should be serviced or replaced as soon as possible.
3. Extended Service and Overhaul Every 5-10 Years
In addition to annual servicing, UK regulations also require extended servicing of fire extinguishers at regular intervals. Water, foam, and powder extinguishers must undergo an extended service every 5 years, while CO2 extinguishers require a more comprehensive overhaul every 10 years.
During an extended service or overhaul, the extinguisher is thoroughly inspected, disassembled, and tested to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards. For CO2 extinguishers, this often includes pressure testing the cylinder and replacing any seals or worn components.
Failing to comply with these extended service requirements can result in the extinguisher being deemed unfit for use, leaving your business vulnerable in the event of a fire.
4. Proper Record Keeping
UK fire safety regulations also stipulate that all fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance must be properly documented. The responsible person is required to maintain up-to-date records of all inspections, services, and any repairs or replacements. This documentation must be readily available for inspection by fire safety authorities, insurance companies, or during health and safety audits.
Proper record-keeping includes:
- Logging the date of each inspection and service.
- Recording the name of the person or company that performed the service.
- Documenting any repairs or replacements made to the equipment.
Keeping these records up to date ensures that your business can demonstrate compliance with the law and proves that you’ve taken all necessary steps to maintain your fire extinguishers.
5. Using Qualified Service Providers
The person servicing your fire extinguishers must be competent and qualified to do so. In the UK, this typically means using a technician who is accredited by a recognised fire protection body like BAFE. BAFE accreditation ensures that the technician has undergone proper training and adheres to the relevant standards for fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance.
By using accredited service providers, you can be confident that your extinguishers are being maintained according to best practices and legal requirements.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with the legal requirements for fire extinguisher servicing can have serious consequences for businesses, including:
- Fines and Legal Penalties: If your fire extinguishers are found to be non-compliant during an inspection, you could face fines or legal penalties. In severe cases, non-compliance with fire safety regulations can lead to prosecution.
- Insurance Implications: Non-compliance with fire safety regulations, including fire extinguisher maintenance, can void your business’s insurance policy. If a fire occurs and your fire safety equipment was not properly maintained, your insurer may refuse to pay out on a claim.
- Increased Fire Risk: Most importantly, failing to maintain fire extinguishers can increase the risk of fire spreading uncontrollably, putting lives, property, and livelihoods at risk.
Best Practices for Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
To ensure that your business remains compliant with fire safety laws and that your extinguishers are in peak condition, follow these best practices:
- Schedule Annual Professional Servicing: Arrange for a qualified technician to service your extinguishers every 12 months.
- Perform Monthly Visual Checks: Assign a staff member to carry out monthly visual inspections of all fire extinguishers.
- Keep Accurate Records: Maintain detailed records of all servicing, maintenance, and checks, and keep them easily accessible.
- Train Employees: Ensure that your employees know where extinguishers are located and how to use them in an emergency.
- Use Reputable Service Providers: Always hire BAFE-accredited technicians to service your fire extinguishers and handle any necessary repairs or replacements.
Fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance are not just legal obligations for businesses—they are essential to keeping people and property safe from fire. By ensuring your fire extinguishers are regularly serviced and properly maintained, you’re not only complying with the law but also significantly reducing the risk of a small fire turning into a disaster.
Don’t take chances with fire safety. Make regular fire extinguisher servicing a priority and ensure your business is fully compliant with UK regulations. When it comes to fire protection, being prepared can make all the difference.