Yes. By law, fire extinguishers in workplaces and other non-domestic premises must be properly maintained. The law doesn't say how often, or exactly how – that's where British Standards and the manufacturer's instructions come in.

What the Law Says

The person responsible for the premises must make sure fire safety equipment is kept under a suitable system of maintenance, in efficient working order and in good repair. The law that applies depends on where you are:

  • England and Wales – the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
  • Scotland – the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
  • Northern Ireland – the Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and the Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010

The duty applies to workplaces, other non-domestic premises and the common parts of blocks of flats and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). For a private home, extinguishers aren't generally required by fire safety law – but if you have them, it's worth keeping them in good order.

What British Standard BS 5306-3 Recommends

British Standards aren't law – they're recommendations. But BS 5306-3 is the accepted way to show you're meeting your legal duty for most extinguishers, and most insurers and fire risk assessors expect to see it followed:

  • Monthly – a quick visual check by you (see Monthly Checks You Can Do Yourself).
  • Every year – a basic service by a competent engineer.
  • Every 5 years – an extended service, also known as a discharge test (the extinguisher is emptied and refilled), for water, foam, powder and wet chemical extinguishers.
  • Every 10 years – an overhaul for CO2 extinguishers.

Service-Free Extinguishers (P50)

Some modern extinguishers are built differently. P50 extinguishers are Kitemarked to BS EN 3, but their bodies are made from a composite material similar to the cylinders used in fire service breathing apparatus. BS 5306-3 hasn't caught up with this type of extinguisher, so they can't be serviced to it.

Instead, they're maintained by following the manufacturer's system:

  • Every year – a simple visual check, which a competent person in your organisation can do, using the magnet supplied to test the pressure gauges.
  • At 10 years – a factory refurbishment.
  • At 20 years – replacement.

Following that system meets the legal duty to keep them maintained, without an annual engineer visit. You'll still need your fire risk assessment to decide where they go and how many you need.

Arranging a Service

Our own servicing team can service your extinguishers or advise on service-free options. Get in touch to find out more.

Worth remembering… your fire risk assessment is what decides the equipment your premises need. This guide is general advice, not a substitute for it.

Not sure what you need? Get in touch with our team – we'll be delighted to help. No pressure. No sales patter.