Fire extinguishers are a cornerstone of fire safety strategy in workplaces, public buildings, and commercial properties across the UK. They are often taken for granted — mounted on walls or tucked into corners — but these vital pieces of equipment could mean the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.

While many people understand the need to have fire extinguishers on the premises, fewer realise the importance of regular servicing. It’s not just about keeping the equipment functional; it’s about protecting lives, property, and legal compliance.

In this guide, we explain the different types of fire extinguishers, what each is used for, and why maintaining them properly is essential to safeguarding more than just your investment in safety equipment.

Why Fire Extinguishers Are More Than Just a Tick Box

For many business owners or facilities managers, fire extinguishers may feel like a legal requirement to simply “get out of the way”. Once installed, they’re often forgotten until needed — and by then, it might be too late.

A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been serviced may:

  • Fail to discharge properly

  • Leak contents over time

  • Become over-pressurised or under-pressurised

  • Have damaged hoses or broken nozzles

  • Have missing or illegible instructions

The consequences of a faulty extinguisher during an emergency can be catastrophic — from the spread of fire and damage to property, to injury or even loss of life.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Types in the UK

Not all fires are the same, and neither are extinguishers. Choosing the wrong extinguisher or using it incorrectly can worsen a situation. The UK uses a colour-coded system to identify different types of fire extinguishers, each suited to specific fire classes.

1. Water Extinguishers (Red Label)

Use for: Class A fires involving wood, paper, textiles, and other organic materials.
Do not use on: Electrical fires or flammable liquids.
Best suited to: Offices, schools, shops, and domestic buildings.

2. Foam Extinguishers (Cream Label)

Use for: Class A and B fires, including solid combustibles and flammable liquids like petrol and paints.
Do not use on: Electrical or deep fat fires.
Ideal for: Warehouses, garages, and commercial premises.

3. CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) Extinguishers (Black Label)

Use for: Electrical fires and Class B fires involving flammable liquids.
Do not use on: Fires involving solid materials.
Commonly found in: Offices, server rooms, and shops.

4. Dry Powder Extinguishers (Blue Label)

Use for: Class A, B, and C fires — solids, liquids, and flammable gases — as well as electrical fires.
Avoid using indoors unless absolutely necessary, as it reduces visibility and can cause respiratory issues.
Used in: Workshops, garages, and outdoor locations.

5. Wet Chemical Extinguishers (Yellow Label)

Use for: Class F fires caused by cooking oils and fats, and also suitable for Class A fires.
Specifically designed for: Kitchens, restaurants, and food production areas.

The Importance of Regular Servicing

To ensure your fire extinguishers work when it matters most, regular servicing is essential. It’s not only about safety — it’s also a legal requirement in the UK.

UK Legislation and British Standards

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 makes it clear that any fire-fighting equipment must be maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.

Further guidance is provided by British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which outlines how fire extinguishers should be commissioned and maintained. This includes:

  • Annual servicing by a competent person

  • Visual inspections carried out regularly by the responsible person on-site

  • Extended servicing every five years for most extinguisher types

  • Hydrostatic pressure testing every ten years for CO₂ extinguishers

  • Proper record keeping for audits and inspections

What Happens During a Service?

A professional fire extinguisher service involves more than just a quick once-over. A trained engineer will:

  • Check the extinguisher for signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage

  • Confirm correct pressure using a gauge or by weighing

  • Examine hoses, nozzles, and valves

  • Replace seals, pins, and tamper indicators if necessary

  • Ensure the unit is properly labelled and that operating instructions are legible

  • Confirm the extinguisher is in the correct location and not obstructed

  • Provide a service report and update the maintenance record

Extended servicing includes full discharge, internal inspection, and refilling or replacement of parts if required.

Risks of Neglecting Maintenance

Failing to service your fire extinguishers could have serious consequences, including:

  • Inoperable equipment in a life-threatening situation

  • Legal action from local fire authorities or Health and Safety Executive

  • Invalid insurance claims if fire-fighting equipment is found to be faulty

  • Damage to business reputation and trust from customers and staff

Regular servicing ensures that your fire extinguishers don’t let you down when it matters most.

Peace of Mind for Business Owners and Duty Holders

Investing in regular fire extinguisher servicing shows that your business:

  • Cares about employee and customer safety

  • Takes legal responsibilities seriously

  • Is prepared to respond effectively to an emergency

  • Is committed to maintaining a high standard of operational safety

This peace of mind can be invaluable — not just for compliance, but for staff morale and public confidence too.

Why Choose Morgan Fire for Your Servicing Needs?

At Morgan Fire, we understand the importance of reliability when it comes to life-saving equipment. We offer:

  • Fully qualified and BAFE-registered technicians

  • On-site inspections and flexible scheduling

  • Transparent reporting and clear guidance

  • Competitive pricing with no hidden fees

  • Support for businesses of all sizes, from small offices to large commercial sites

Our tailored service packages are designed to keep your fire extinguishers compliant, operational, and ready to use at all times.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers are not just a legal obligation — they’re an essential part of your safety toolkit. But their effectiveness depends entirely on regular servicing and proper care. When maintained correctly, they offer protection far beyond their price tag: safeguarding people, preserving property, and preventing devastation.

If you’re unsure when your last fire extinguisher service took place — or if you’re setting up a new business — now is the perfect time to book an inspection.

Contact Morgan Fire today to schedule your servicing or speak to our expert team about your fire safety responsibilities.