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Fire extinguisher servicing

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Do fire extinguishers need servicing?

Yes, fire extinguishers need regular servicing in the UK to ensure they are in proper working condition and comply with safety regulations. The key points regarding fire extinguisher servicing in the UK are as follows:

  1. Annual Inspection: Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year by a qualified professional. This inspection includes checking for any signs of damage, corrosion, or tampering, and ensuring that the extinguisher is fully charged and operational.

  2. Extended Service: Every five years for most types of fire extinguishers (water, foam, and powder) and every ten years for CO2 extinguishers, an extended service is required. This involves a more thorough check, including internal examination and possible refilling or replacement of parts.

Servicing standards continued
  1. Maintenance Tag: After each service, a maintenance tag should be attached to the extinguisher, indicating the date of the service, the next due date, and the details of the service provider.

  2. Weekly Visual Check: It is also recommended that businesses perform a visual check of their fire extinguishers weekly. This can be done by a responsible person within the business and includes ensuring that the extinguisher is in its designated place, the safety pin is intact, and there are no visible signs of damage.

  3. Compliance with British Standards: Servicing should be carried out in accordance with British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which provides detailed guidelines on the commissioning, inspection, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

Legal requirements for extinguisher servicing

Legal Requirement: In the UK, it is a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for businesses to maintain their fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers.

BS 5306-3:2017 Standard: The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 outlines the requirements for the maintenance of portable fire extinguishers. It specifies the procedures for commissioning, inspecting, and maintaining extinguishers to ensure they remain effective and reliable.

Recycling and Disposal: Old or non-serviceable fire extinguishers must be disposed of properly. Many fire safety servicing companies (like Fire Protection Shop) offer recycling and disposal services to ensure that extinguishers are safely and environmentally disposed of.