Fire Extinguisher Servicing
BS 5306 Annual Servicing
Annual fire extinguisher servicing by BAFE registered engineers in accordance with BS 5306-3. Same-day replacement for failed units included.
What is Fire Extinguisher Servicing?
Fire extinguisher servicing is a structured inspection and service of every portable fire extinguisher on your premises. The purpose is to confirm each unit is charged, accessible, undamaged, and will work when someone reaches for it during a fire.
All fire extinguisher servicing in the UK must follow BS 5306-3:2017, the British Standard covering the commissioning, maintenance, and safe use of portable fire extinguishers. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the responsible person to keep firefighting equipment in working order.
What Our Fire Extinguisher Service Includes
- Visual inspection of each extinguisher for damage, corrosion, and correct placement
- Weight and pressure check against manufacturer specifications
- Hose, nozzle, and horn inspection for cracks, blockages, or deterioration
- Discharge test and recharge during extended service intervals
- Safety pin, tamper seal, and operating instructions check
- Label and signage check to confirm correct identification and BS compliance
- Wall bracket and cabinet mounting inspection
- Replacement recommendations for any unit beyond economical repair
- Service label applied to each extinguisher on completion
- Certificate of compliance issued for your records
Fire Extinguisher Service Schedule
| Frequency | What is Checked | Who Should Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Visual check: location, gauge, seals, damage | Trained on-site staff |
| Annually | Full BS 5306-3 basic service | Qualified engineer |
| Every 5 years | Extended service (water, foam, powder, wet chem) | Qualified engineer |
| Every 10 years | Extended service (CO2) | Qualified engineer |
Extinguisher Types We Service
- Water (Red label) — Class A fires: wood, paper, textiles. Extended service every 5 years.
- Foam / AFFF (Cream label) — Class A and B fires: flammable liquids. Extended service every 5 years.
- CO2 (Black label) — Class B fires and electrical equipment. Extended service every 10 years including hydraulic pressure test.
- Dry Powder (Blue label) — Class A, B, and C fires including flammable gases. Extended service every 5 years.
- Wet Chemical (Yellow label) — Class F fires: cooking oils and fats. Standard in commercial kitchens. Extended service every 5 years.
If a unit fails its service or is beyond economical repair, we replace it on the spot from our van stock. No second visit required.
Who Needs a Fire Risk Assessment?
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises must maintain all firefighting equipment in good working order.
You Need a Fire Risk Assessment If You Have:
Commercial premises
Offices, shops, warehouses, workshops, and all non-domestic buildings
Residential buildings
Blocks of flats (communal areas), HMOs, care homes, and hotels
Healthcare premises
Hospitals, GP surgeries, dental practices, and care facilities
Exemptions
Single private dwellings (houses) are exempt from commercial fire extinguisher servicing requirements. However, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), blocks of flats, and all non-domestic premises must have fire extinguishers serviced annually.
Our Fire Extinguisher Servicing Process
A structured 5-step approach to fire extinguisher servicing, from booking to BS 5306-3 compliance certification.
Book Your Service
Call us or fill in the form. We schedule around your operations to minimise disruption.
Engineer Arrives
A BAFE registered engineer arrives with all necessary testing equipment and replacement stock.
Every Unit Tested
Each extinguisher is inspected and serviced to BS 5306-3:2017 standards. Failed units replaced on the spot.
Labels Applied
Service labels fitted to every extinguisher. Any faults documented with clear recommendations.
Certificate Issued
BS 5306-3 compliance certificate issued for your records, accepted by insurers and fire authorities.
Fire Extinguisher Servicing Costs UK 2026
What you pay depends on the number of extinguishers and whether any units are due for extended service.
Factors affecting cost: Extended services cost more due to the discharge, recharge, and parts involved. Water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers need extended service every 5 years. CO2 extinguishers every 10 years. Annual maintenance contracts typically save 15-20%.
Fire Extinguisher Legislation & Standards 2026
The legal and regulatory framework governing fire extinguisher servicing in the UK.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Requires the responsible person to maintain all firefighting equipment in good working order. The foundation of UK fire safety law for non-domestic premises.
BS 5306-3:2017
The British Standard covering commissioning, maintenance, and safe use of portable fire extinguishers. Defines servicing intervals, procedures, and competency requirements.
Fire Safety Act 2021
Clarified that the Fire Safety Order applies to the structure and fire safety systems of multi-occupied residential buildings, including firefighting equipment.
Building Safety Act 2022
Enhanced requirements for fire safety documentation and equipment maintenance in higher-risk buildings.
BS EN 3 Standard Updates
Updated European Standards for portable fire extinguishers covering design, construction, and performance requirements.
PFAS Regulations
Emerging restrictions on PFAS-containing foam extinguishers (AFFF). Building owners should plan replacement of PFAS-based extinguishers with fluorine-free alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fire extinguisher servicing answered by our experts.
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
What is BS 5306 fire extinguisher servicing?
Can I service my own fire extinguishers?
How long do fire extinguishers last?
What is an extended service?
Do fire extinguishers need annual certification?
Ready to Get Your Fire Extinguisher Servicing?
Professional service from BAFE-accredited engineers. 24-hour turnaround. From £60.