Fire extinguishers are critical fire safety equipment that must be properly maintained to ensure they function when needed. Whether in homes, offices, or industrial settings, regular servicing of fire extinguishers is essential for effective fire protection. So, how often should fire extinguishers be serviced? Plus, it is vital to know the requirements for fire extinguisher servicing, the types of inspections required, and the importance of maintaining this essential fire safety equipment.
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Why do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?
Fire extinguishers are often the first line of defence in a fire. To ensure they work effectively, they must be serviced regularly by a competent fire extinguisher engineer.
Proper fire extinguisher servicing helps prevent issues like the extinguisher’s valves failing, the pressure gauge becoming faulty, or the fire suppressant being discharged unintentionally.
Regular servicing not only ensures compliance with fire safety regulations but also helps protect lives and property by making sure the fire extinguishers are in working order when needed.
Types of fire extinguisher services
There are several types of fire extinguisher services, each tailored to the specific needs of different fire extinguishers and their environments. The main types of fire extinguisher services are:
- Basic Fire Extinguisher Service
- This is an annual service required for most fire extinguishers, including portable fire extinguishers such as foam extinguishers and wet chemical extinguishers. During the basic service, the extinguisher’s pressure gauge, body, and operating instructions are checked. Any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage will need monitoring, too.
- The maintenance label will be updated, and a written maintenance report detailing the service will be recorded in the fire safety log book.
- Extended Fire Extinguisher Service or Service Exchange
- An extended service is required every five years for certain fire extinguishers. This includes a more thorough examination, such as hydraulic testing, checking the extinguisher’s valves, and refilling or replacing the discharged fire suppressant. Wet chemical extinguishers and other fire extinguishers containing liquid or gas are typically subject to this more rigorous inspection.
- Extended fire extinguisher servicing involves additional checks and procedures compared to the basic service, ensuring the extinguisher can continue to provide effective protection.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
- Every ten years, CO2 Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers should be hydrostatically pressure tested to ensure the integrity of the extinguisher body and that the fire equipment can withstand the pressure required during operation. This is a legal requirement for all high pressure cylinders as per the Pressure Equipment Directive PED 2014/68/EU.
When should my fire extinguisher be serviced?
To comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire extinguishers must undergo regular maintenance and servicing by a qualified professional. The frequency of servicing is typically as follows:
- Monthly Fire Extinguisher Inspections: A visual inspection carried out by the responsible person (such as a business owner) or a designated individual. Monthly inspections involve checking the pressure gauge, looking for signs of damage, ensuring the extinguisher is correctly positioned, and verifying the extinguisher and instruction label are legible. If any issues are found, the extinguisher should be reported and serviced promptly.
- Annual Basic Service: A mandatory service where a competent person or competent fire extinguisher engineer thoroughly inspects the extinguisher and performs any necessary maintenance. The British Standard BS 5306 outlines the requirements for this service, which should be documented with a written maintenance report.
- Five-Year Extended Service or Service Exchange: For most extinguishers, an extended service or service exchange is required every five years. Extended service includes discharging the fire extinguisher, inspecting all internal components, refilling it and service exchange generally provides a brand new fire extinguisher(s), which comes with a new 5-year manufacturer warranty.
- Ten-Year Hydrostatic Testing: Every ten years, CO2 Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishers must undergo hydrostatic testing to ensure they can handle high pressure during a fire emergency.
Who can service fire extinguishers?
Fire extinguishers can be serviced by a competent and insured fire extinguisher engineer. This professional should have independent certification from a registration organisation like BAFE British Approvals for Fire Equipment or accredited service centre. Regular visual inspections by the responsible person can catch obvious issues promptly, but the annual inspections and extended service – if an extinguisher needs to be refilled for example – should be performed by someone with the necessary expertise.
The qualified engineer will make sure your fire extinguisher continues to provide the necessary safety and check for the following:
- Check the Pressure Gauge: Ensure the pressure dial is within the acceptable range.
- Inspect the Extinguisher Body: Look for any signs of corrosion, dents, or damage.
- Examine the Label and Instructions: Ensure the extinguisher and instruction label are legible and intact.
- Verify the Extinguisher’s Location: Ensure the fire extinguisher is correctly placed and accessible.
- Check the Discharge Mechanism: Confirm that the extinguisher can be easily operated.
For fire extinguisher servicing, contact the Cheshire Fire Extinguisher Company on 01270 350 101.
Risks of not servicing your fire extinguisher
Having your fire extinguishers serviced in accordance with British Standards and keeping a comprehensive fire safety log book with all the maintenance records is essential for both compliance and safety. Fire extinguishers are part of broader fire safety provisions, and ensuring they are annually serviced is vital for maintaining fire safety standards in any workplace or public space.
Failure to service fire extinguishers regularly can result in non-compliance with fire safety regulations and put lives at risk. If your business uses fire extinguishers, implement a servicing schedule, adhere to recommended inspection intervals, and engage a competent fire extinguisher engineer for all required services.
So, how often should fire extinguishers be serviced? At a minimum, fire extinguishers should undergo monthly inspections by a responsible person, an annual basic service by a competent engineer, a five-year extended service or service exchange, and hydrostatic pressure testing every ten years for all CO2 cylinders. Following these guidelines ensures that your fire extinguishers remain in top working order, ready to protect lives and property when needed.
Regularly servicing your fire safety equipment is not only a legal requirement under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, Fire Safety Act 2022, and your insurance requirements, but also a critical step in maintaining a fire safe working environment. Whether you are a business owner, facility manager, or responsible for a public space, ensuring that your fire extinguishers are serviced on time will help you stay compliant and prepared for any fire emergency.