Whether you’re managing an office, warehouse, shop, or industrial facility, having the correct fire extinguishers in place — and ensuring they’re in full working order — is not only vital for safety but also a legal requirement.

At Morgan Fire Protection, we specialise in helping businesses across the UK meet their fire safety responsibilities. In this blog, we explore why regular fire extinguisher servicing is essential, what’s involved, and how it contributes to both workplace safety and legal compliance.

Why Fire Extinguisher Servicing Matters

It’s easy to assume that once fire extinguishers are installed, they’ll work whenever needed. But like any safety equipment, extinguishers degrade over time. Valves can stick, pressure can drop, and the wrong type of extinguisher might be used for the wrong type of fire.

Regular servicing ensures:

  • Each extinguisher functions correctly in the event of a fire

  • Your equipment complies with current British Standards (BS 5306-3)

  • You’re not putting staff or visitors at risk due to faulty or expired units

  • Your business avoids potential fines or enforcement from fire safety authorities

Legal Responsibilities for Businesses

UK fire safety law is clear: all commercial premises must meet the requirements set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This includes providing suitable fire-fighting equipment and ensuring it is maintained in an efficient state, in good working order, and in good repair.

Failure to comply can result in:

  • Fines running into thousands of pounds

  • Prosecution of business owners or responsible persons

  • Invalidated insurance claims if extinguishers are found to be faulty or unmaintained

  • Increased risk to life and property in the event of fire

To stay compliant, extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified engineer and replaced or pressure-tested as necessary.

What Happens During a Fire Extinguisher Service?

At Morgan Fire, our BAFE-accredited engineers follow a strict servicing process in line with BS 5306-3. A typical visit includes:

  1. Visual inspection – checking for damage, corrosion, leaks, or signs of tampering

  2. Weight check – ensuring the extinguisher still holds the correct charge

  3. Pressure gauge test – confirming that internal pressure is at safe and effective levels

  4. Hose and nozzle inspection – making sure nothing is blocked, perished or cracked

  5. Seal and pin check – replacing tamper seals and confirming the safety pin is intact

  6. Signage and placement check – ensuring the correct extinguisher is in the right place with adequate signage and accessibility

  7. Service labelling and certification – recording the service, updating maintenance logs and applying a new service label

If an extinguisher is due for extended servicing or replacement (typically every 5 or 10 years depending on type), we’ll advise accordingly and handle the replacement safely and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguishers for Your Business

Servicing is one thing — but ensuring you have the correct extinguishers installed is equally important. Different fires require different extinguishers. For example:

  • Water extinguishers – for wood, paper, and fabric fires

  • CO₂ extinguishers – ideal for electrical fires

  • Foam extinguishers – effective on flammable liquids and solid combustibles

  • Powder extinguishers – versatile but not suitable for enclosed spaces due to visibility and respiratory risks

  • Wet chemical extinguishers – designed for kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats

Morgan Fire can carry out a full site survey and advise you on the best types and placements for your business premises, ensuring total coverage and peace of mind.

When Should You Service or Replace Fire Extinguishers?

Here’s a quick guide to keeping on top of extinguisher maintenance:

  • Every month – In-house checks for visibility, pressure gauge reading, and obvious damage

  • Annually – Full service by a certified fire safety professional (as per British Standards)

  • Every 5 years – Water, foam and powder extinguishers should receive extended servicing or replacement

  • Every 10 years – CO₂ extinguishers should be pressure-tested or replaced

If an extinguisher is discharged, damaged, or used — even slightly — it must be serviced or replaced immediately.

The Benefits of a Planned Servicing Contract

Many businesses choose a planned fire extinguisher maintenance contract to ensure peace of mind and budget-friendly compliance. At Morgan Fire, our clients benefit from:

  • Annual servicing reminders so you never miss a legal check

  • On-site servicing by fully qualified, uniformed engineers

  • Flexible appointments to suit your business operations

  • Discounts for multiple sites or bundled services (e.g., fire alarms, risk assessments)

  • Full reporting and compliance documentation for your records

Protect Your People, Premises and Reputation

Regular fire extinguisher servicing isn’t just a tick-box exercise — it’s a vital part of your business’s fire safety strategy. With lives, livelihoods and legal obligations at stake, there’s no room for compromise.

Morgan Fire Protection offers reliable, expert-led servicing across London and the South East, with nationwide coverage available for multi-site businesses.

Ready to book your fire extinguisher service?

Call our friendly team to arrange your service or request a free quotation today.