How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?
Fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting people, property, and businesses, but only if they’re properly maintained. So, how often should fire extinguishers be serviced in the UK? Fire extinguishers must be serviced at least once every 12 months by a competent professional to remain compliant and reliable in an emergency.
Regular fire extinguisher servicing ensures extinguishers are safe to use, fully operational, and meet current British Standards. It’s also a legal and insurance requirement for most commercial premises.
The recommended fire extinguisher servicing schedule
Fire extinguisher maintenance isn’t a one-off task. It follows a clear schedule set out in BS 5306-3, the British Standard for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Monthly visual checks (in-house)
These should be carried out by a responsible person on site and include:
Checking the extinguisher is in the correct location
Ensuring it’s clearly visible and accessible
Confirming there’s no visible damage or tampering
Making sure the pressure gauge (if fitted) is within range
Any issues should be reported immediately.
Annual fire extinguisher service
Once every 12 months, extinguishers must be inspected and serviced by a competent fire safety engineer. This is the most important servicing requirement and applies to almost all commercial and public buildings.
Extended servicing (5-year / 10-year)
Some extinguishers require more in-depth servicing at longer intervals:
Water, foam and powder extinguishers usually require extended servicing every 5 years
CO₂ extinguishers typically require extended servicing every 10 years
This may involve discharge testing or replacement, depending on condition and manufacturer guidance.
What does the law say about fire extinguisher servicing?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, business owners and duty holders are responsible for ensuring appropriate fire safety measures are in place, including properly maintained fire extinguishers.
While the legislation doesn’t specify exact servicing intervals, it requires equipment to be:
Maintained in efficient working order
Fit for purpose
Inspected by a competent person
Following BS 5306-3 is widely recognised as best practice and is often expected by insurers, fire risk assessors, and enforcing authorities.
What happens during a professional fire extinguisher service?
During an annual fire extinguisher service, a qualified engineer will typically:
Check the extinguisher type is suitable for the fire risks present
Inspect the cylinder, hose, seals, and safety pin
Check internal pressure and weight
Confirm correct signage and positioning
Replace service labels and update maintenance records
Flag any units that need replacement or further testing
This process ensures each extinguisher will operate correctly if it’s ever needed.
What happens if fire extinguishers aren’t serviced?
Failing to service fire extinguishers can have serious consequences:
Extinguishers may fail during an emergency
Insurance cover may be invalidated
Fire risk assessments may be marked non-compliant
Businesses could face enforcement action or fines
More importantly, poorly maintained equipment puts lives at risk.
Do fire extinguishers ever need replacing?
Yes. Even with regular servicing, fire extinguishers have a finite lifespan. If an extinguisher fails an inspection, shows signs of corrosion, or no longer meets current standards, replacement may be required. A competent engineer will advise on the safest and most cost-effective option.
Professional fire extinguisher servicing you can rely on
GMSE Fire & Security provide professional fire extinguisher servicing for businesses across London and the surrounding areas. Our engineers ensure your equipment remains compliant, clearly documented, and ready to perform when it matters most.
If you’re unsure when your extinguishers were last serviced - or want peace of mind that everything is up to standard - we’re here to help.