Fire Extinguisher Servicing, Inspection, Maintenance & Refills

Fire extinguisher servicing & maintenance in accordance with the code of practice as stipulated in British Standards BS 5306 Part 3, should be integrated into your premises fire risk assessment which is a legal requirement of the regulatory reform (fire safety) order.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Our fire extinguisher maintenance technicians are fully equipped and industry qualified to both F.E.T.A and B.F.C accreditations and strictly follow the guidelines as recommended in British standards, when we visit you for your annual fire extinguisher servicing you will be provided with a free fire safety audit, this includes but not limited to, a fire evacuation sign survey including emergency exits and escape routes, fire fighting equipment and fire equipment signage. You can also take advantage of our free fire extinguisher training.

Fire Extinguisher Refills

If you have any fire appliances that have been used or are empty for any reason and require refilling then please contact us as we also provide fire extinguisher refills whilst on site. We carry fire extinguisher parts and consumables allowing us to carry out fire extinguisher refills on all types of fire fighting appliances regardless of manufacturer.

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For a free no obligation quote please complete the form below with your request and we will provide you with a quote within 24 hours or please call us on Tel: 0800 998 7958 for assistance.

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Annual fire extinguisher inspections are normally required for premises unless, the premises are of a higher risk, such as petrochemical sites, then the fire extinguisher servicing would be more frequent. The fire extinguisher inspection involves checking each extinguisher through a series of disciplines as stated under the guidelines laid out by third party governing bodies for example F.E.T.A  (fire extinguishing trades association) or B.F.C (British fire consortium) in addition to the standards laid out in BS5306 Part3.



Servicing & maintenance information

During our fire extinguisher inspection we will provide you with a free survey during every service call, we will survey your premises noting any shortcomings or deficiencies with your fire fighting appliances, fire and means of escape signage. We will provide you with the most recent developments within the fire industry and discuss how this will affect your business in the future, providing you with the best solutions to proceed.

In the UK, three types of maintenance are required:

  • Basic Service:

    All types of extinguishers require a basic inspection annually to check weight, correct pressure (using a special tool, not just looking at the gauge) and for signs of damage or corrosion, cartridge type portable appliances are opened up for internal inspection & check weighing of the cartridge, labels are checked for legibility, where possible dip tubes, hoses and mechanisms checked for clear free operation.

  • Extended Service: Water, Wet Chemical, Foam & Powder extinguishers require every five years a more detailed examination including a test discharge of the appliance and recharging- on stored pressure types this is the only opportunity to internally inspect for damage/corrosion.

    By recharging fresh agent is used as they all have a shelf life, even water goes foul inside an appliance; Note: extinguishers should be percentage tested according to total number of units in any given area. Some extinguishers contain pressure in excess of 1.38 MPa (200psi) and this internal pressure over periods of time affects each brand & make differently depending on their placement & location.

  • Overhaul: CO2 bottles, due to their high operating pressure, are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulic pressure tested, inspected internally & externally and date stamped every 10 years.

    As it cannot be pressure tested a new valve is also fitted. If replacing any part of the extinguisher (valve, horn, etc) with a part from another manufacturer then the appliance will lose its fire rating. This may invalidate insurance, as would incorrect or inadequate servicing if it were to be found.

Your obligations

Until the next fire extinguisher service visit the responsible (or nominated) person should ensure that a visual fire extinguisher inspection is carried out on all your fire extinguishers at least monthly. The reason for this requirement is that any problems with your fire extinguishers may remain undetected and uncorrected until the next service visit or you may have fire fighting appliances that need refilling that you were unaware of. It is important to document your visual checks and keep the record in your fire safety manual.

the following checklist will help you:

  • Check that the extinguisher is in it's correct location
  • Check that the anti-tamper seal is not missing
  • If stored pressure, visually check the pressure gauge
  • Check for any damage to the extinguisher
  • Confirm the operating instructions are legible
  • Ensure the extinguisher(s) are unobstructed & visible

Lack of maintenance can lead to a prtable fire fighting appliance not discharging when required, or rupturing when pressurized. Deaths have occurred, even in recent times, from corroded extinguishers exploding.





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