Fire extinguishers are a staple of workplace and public safety throughout the UK. From offices and schools to restaurants and retail premises, these compact devices stand as a visible sign of readiness — a frontline defence against small fires. But behind their familiar appearance lies a stark truth: a fire extinguisher is only useful if it works, and it will only work if it is regularly serviced.

Many business owners and property managers understand the importance of having fire extinguishers on the premises. Fewer, however, realise that neglecting their maintenance can result in serious safety risks, legal consequences, and even life-threatening situations.

In this blog, we explain why servicing fire extinguishers is such a vitally important step, explore what servicing involves, and highlight how UK businesses can stay compliant with regulations — and protect their staff, customers, and assets.

Fire Extinguishers: More Than Just a Legal Obligation

Fire extinguishers are not just items to tick off on a fire safety checklist. They are potentially life-saving tools that must be ready to function at a moment’s notice. Unfortunately, fires are unpredictable — but your response to them doesn’t have to be.

If a fire were to break out in your premises today, would you feel confident that your extinguishers would work? Would your staff know which one to use and how to operate it safely? A faulty extinguisher is as good as no extinguisher at all.

Regular servicing ensures that extinguishers:

  • Are in full working order

  • Have not lost pressure or leaked contents

  • Are correctly labelled and located

  • Are free from corrosion, blockages or tampering

  • Meet all current fire safety standards

What UK Law Says About Fire Extinguisher Servicing

In the United Kingdom, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 governs fire safety obligations for businesses and non-domestic premises. It places a legal duty on the “responsible person” — typically the employer, building owner, or facilities manager — to ensure that fire-fighting equipment is maintained in an efficient working order.

To achieve this, the servicing of fire extinguishers must comply with British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which outlines best practice for inspection, maintenance, and record-keeping. Key requirements include:

  • Basic servicing every 12 months by a trained technician

  • Extended servicing every 5 years (discharge testing and internal examination) for most types

  • Hydrostatic pressure testing every 10 years for CO₂ extinguishers

  • Visual inspections carried out regularly on-site

  • Up-to-date maintenance records kept on file

Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to prosecution, invalidate insurance policies, and place lives at risk.

What Does a Fire Extinguisher Service Involve?

An annual fire extinguisher service is a thorough process designed to check the safety, functionality, and compliance of each unit. When carried out by a qualified engineer, it typically includes:

Visual Examination

The technician checks the extinguisher’s body for signs of corrosion, dents, leakage, or general wear and tear.

Component Checks

This includes inspecting the nozzle, hose, pressure gauge, safety pin, and operating lever to ensure everything is intact and working properly.

Pressure Testing and Weighing

Units are either weighed or pressure-tested to confirm they contain the correct amount of extinguishing agent and that internal pressure levels are adequate.

Service Labelling and Documentation

After servicing, the extinguisher is tagged with the date of inspection and technician details. A full report is also provided for your records, which is crucial for audits or insurance claims.

Extended Servicing

Every five years (depending on the extinguisher type), the unit is fully discharged, inspected internally, refilled or refurbished as required, and then tested before being returned to service.

Types of Fire Extinguishers and Their Specific Requirements

It’s essential to know which fire extinguishers are suitable for your premises — and what unique servicing considerations they may have. Here’s a quick summary of the main types used in the UK:

Water (Red Label)

  • For Class A fires (wood, paper, fabric)

  • Requires extended servicing every 5 years

Foam (Cream Label)

  • For Class A and B fires (solids and flammable liquids)

  • Requires extended servicing every 5 years

CO₂ (Black Label)

  • For electrical fires and flammable liquids

  • Requires pressure testing and refurbishment every 10 years

Dry Powder (Blue Label)

  • For Class A, B, and C fires, and electrical

  • Messy to use indoors; requires 5-year servicing

Wet Chemical (Yellow Label)

  • For Class F fires (cooking oils and fats)

  • Primarily used in commercial kitchens

Each extinguisher must be correctly sited, clearly labelled, unobstructed, and matched to the fire risks present in the area.

Consequences of Neglecting Servicing

Neglecting fire extinguisher servicing can have devastating implications, including:

  • Failure during an emergency

  • Invalidated insurance claims

  • Fines or prosecution from the fire authorities

  • Loss of business reputation

  • Risk of injury or fatality

It’s a small investment of time and money to ensure the safety of your premises, employees, and customers.

Why Choose Morgan Fire?

At Morgan Fire, we specialise in professional fire extinguisher servicing and maintenance across the UK. Our highly trained technicians:

  • Follow all relevant British Standards

  • Work efficiently and with minimal disruption

  • Provide full documentation and expert advice

  • Ensure compliance, safety, and peace of mind

Whether you manage a single site or multiple locations, we’ll tailor our service to meet your specific fire safety needs.

Final Thoughts

Servicing fire extinguishers may seem like a small step, but it’s one that carries enormous importance. It protects your team, your property, your business reputation — and above all, it saves lives. In a world where fire risk is an ever-present concern, ensuring that your extinguishers are regularly serviced is a responsible, legal, and vital part of running any business or organisation in the UK.

If you’re unsure about the status of your fire extinguishers or need to arrange a service, don’t wait. Contact Morgan Fire today to schedule a professional inspection and keep your fire safety measures fully up to date.