Ensuring that your site is safe and meets all compliance standards begins with proper servicing of fire extinguishers.
As part of our commitment to safety, Defender offers expert fire extinguisher services throughout the UK, helping businesses confidently adhere to fire safety regulations.
Certified Engineers Ensuring Safety & Compliance
If you’re in charge of fire safety on site, it’s important to know that UK law requires that all fire extinguishers are serviced at least once a year, in line with British Standard BS 5306-3.
Annual servicing of fire extinguishers helps to ensure that:
- Your equipment is ready to be used in case of an emergency.
- You comply with UK fire safety laws.
- Your insurance coverage remains valid.
Our team of fully qualified engineers, registered with BAFE, provides comprehensive fire extinguisher service and maintenance.
Every time we visit you on-site, we conduct thorough checks and supply complete documentation for your records. This ensures you can demonstrate compliance and keep your business safe.
Why is Regular Fire Extinguisher Servicing Essential?
Keeping fire extinguishers in good condition goes beyond just following the law; it’s essential for your safety and peace of mind. If you skip regular inspections, you could find yourself unprepared when it matters most.
There are several risks associated with not servicing your fire extinguishers. For starters, you could experience a loss of pressure, rendering the extinguisher ineffective when you need it. Additionally, blocked nozzles can prevent the extinguisher from discharging properly. Over time, corrosion or leaks may weaken the cylinder itself. And let’s not forget about expired chemicals, which can significantly reduce the extinguisher’s effectiveness.
By ensuring regular maintenance, you can keep your extinguishers dependable and ready to face any emergency that arises.
How We Help Keep Your Business Safe
We offer comprehensive fire extinguisher servicing throughout the whole of the United Kingdom.
When you purchase Defender fire extinguishers in bulk, our services include annual inspections that adhere to BS 5306-3 standards. Our qualified engineers will also work with your site to propose recommendations for the equipment that is legally required on your site.
We are happy to service a wide range of extinguisher types, including CO₂, foam, water, powder, and wet chemical.
Additionally, we supply certification and compliance reports that are essential for insurance purposes.
Our team can carry out on-site repairs and offer replacement parts to ensure same-day compliance. Defender also supplies fire extinguisher stands, fire trolleys and rapid response stations to securely store your extinguishers on site.
What Are the Risks of Not Servicing Fire Extinguishers?
Just because a fire extinguisher appears to be in good shape on the outside doesn’t mean it’s all set to perform when you need it the most. Several common problems can arise if these crucial devices are neglected:
For starters, you might encounter a loss of pressure, which can happen due to leaks or if the extinguisher has been used before. Additionally, corroded parts and internal damage can compromise the cylinder’s strength.
Another issue could be hoses or nozzles that are clogged with dust, insects, or other debris. It’s also important to check if the extinguishing agents inside are outdated or expired. And let’s not forget about those safety labels; if they’re faded or missing, the instructions can become confusing.
The takeaway is clear: a fire extinguisher that hasn’t been serviced is not reliable. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that your fire extinguisher remains safe, effective, and up to code.
How Are Fire Extinguishers Serviced in the UK?
Every fire extinguisher service adheres to the British Standard BS 5306-3.
Our skilled engineers conduct a variety of checks, including inspecting pressure gauges, examining tamper seals, and looking for any signs of corrosion or damage on the cylinders.
They also verify that safety labels are clear and easy to read, and check hoses and nozzles for any blockages or wear.
According to UK law, all fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified technician.
Some extinguishers may require more extensive servicing and testing every 5 to 10 years, depending on their type.
Learn more about how often maintenance must be carried out for various fire safety solutions.
Need Fire Extinguisher Service Near You?
We provide fire extinguisher servicing across:
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Glasgow
- The whole of the UK
Whether you operate a site in Hertfordshire, a business in Essex, or manage a warehouse in Wales, our skilled engineers are ready to deliver quick and professional fire extinguisher services right in your area.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing – FAQs
What is a fire extinguisher service?
A fire extinguisher service involves a thorough check to ensure your extinguishers are safe, meet regulations, and are fully operational.
The technician will examine pressure levels, seals, cylinders, hoses, and labels to confirm that the extinguisher is ready to go when needed.
How long does a fire extinguisher last?
Most fire extinguishers can remain effective for about 10 years when properly maintained.
Typically, CO₂ extinguishers should be replaced after a decade.
With regular check-ups, some extinguishers might last even longer, as long as there are no visible signs of damage or rust.
What are the UK fire extinguisher maintenance rules?
UK regulations require:
In the UK, regulations stipulate a few key requirements. Firstly, the person in charge must conduct visual inspections every month.
Secondly, an annual service needs to be performed by a qualified engineer. Lastly, there are extended servicing intervals, which occur every 5 years, and these include refilling and pressure testing.
Who is responsible for fire extinguisher servicing?
The person in charge, be it the business owner, landlord, or facilities manager, must make sure that all fire extinguishers receive servicing from a qualified technician according to the standards set by BS 5306-3.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced?
To meet the British Standard BS 5306-3, fire extinguishers need to be serviced by a certified engineer at least once a year.
Additionally, the assigned individual needs to perform monthly visual inspections.
Depending on the type of extinguisher you have, more thorough servicing, like pressure tests and refills, needs to happen every 5 years.