In every workplace across the UK — from offices and factories to schools, warehouses and shops — fire extinguishers are a vital part of the fire safety setup. These familiar red cylinders are designed to be the first line of defence in the event of a fire, offering the potential to stop a small blaze from escalating into a life-threatening emergency.

However, having extinguishers present isn’t enough. Like any piece of safety equipment, they must be regularly maintained to ensure they function correctly when needed. Despite this, many businesses unintentionally neglect routine fire extinguisher maintenance, putting lives, livelihoods, and legal compliance at serious risk.

In this blog, we explore the real dangers of failing to maintain your fire extinguishers, outline the legal responsibilities UK businesses must meet, and explain why proper servicing is such an important part of your fire safety strategy.

Fire Safety Isn’t Set-and-Forget

It’s easy to see how fire extinguishers can be overlooked. They’re mounted on the wall, out of the way, and hopefully never needed. But this “out of sight, out of mind” attitude can lead to complacency — and in the case of a fire, could prove disastrous.

Fire extinguishers are pressurised units that can degrade over time. Without regular checks and servicing, they can:

  • Lose pressure

  • Leak or become damaged

  • Have blocked or cracked hoses

  • Become corroded

  • Be tampered with or moved

  • Display unclear or missing instructions

These faults might not be immediately obvious, but they can render the extinguisher useless in an emergency. If the time comes when an extinguisher is needed and it fails, the consequences could be devastating.

The Legal Requirements in the UK

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal obligation on business owners and duty holders to ensure all fire safety equipment is properly maintained. This includes the routine inspection and servicing of fire extinguishers.

Maintenance must follow British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which outlines best practices for portable fire extinguisher servicing. According to this standard, employers and those responsible for premises must:

  • Arrange annual servicing of all fire extinguishers by a competent person

  • Carry out visual inspections (often monthly) to check for signs of damage or misuse

  • Schedule extended servicing every five years (for most extinguishers)

  • Have CO₂ extinguishers pressure-tested every ten years

  • Keep accurate maintenance records for auditing and insurance purposes

Failure to comply could lead to prosecution, fines, closure notices, or — in extreme cases — charges under corporate manslaughter laws if neglect results in a fatal incident.

The Risks of Neglecting Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Neglecting your fire extinguishers isn’t just a technicality — it’s a serious oversight that can result in:

1. Increased Risk to Life

If a fire extinguisher fails to work during an emergency, the window of opportunity to control the fire quickly disappears. This increases the danger to employees, customers, and visitors, especially in crowded or high-risk environments.

2. Insurance Invalidations

Most insurers require evidence of properly maintained fire safety equipment as a condition of cover. If extinguishers are found to be out of date or unserviced, your policy may be void — leaving you liable for damage, injury, and legal costs.

3. Legal and Financial Penalties

Businesses that don’t comply with fire safety legislation can face enforcement action from the Fire and Rescue Authority, including fines or prosecution. Repeated or serious failings may result in business closure or loss of operating licences.

4. False Sense of Security

Having extinguishers in place might give staff or visitors a false sense of safety. But if the extinguishers aren’t working properly, that confidence could turn into panic and confusion during a real fire emergency.

5. Damage to Business Reputation

Health and safety failings — especially those linked to fire safety — can cause long-term reputational damage. Customers, clients, and stakeholders expect businesses to take the wellbeing of their people seriously.

What a Fire Extinguisher Service Should Include

Professional servicing, carried out by a competent fire safety technician, involves more than a cursory glance. A proper annual service will include:

  • A full visual inspection for damage, rust or leaks

  • Checking the pressure gauge or weighing the extinguisher

  • Inspection of the nozzle, hose, safety pin, and seal

  • Replacement of worn components

  • Verification that the unit is in the correct location and clearly labelled

  • Updating of the service tag and provision of a written maintenance report

Every five years (or ten years for CO₂ units), extended servicing is required. This includes complete discharge, internal inspection, and refilling or replacement if necessary.

Fire Extinguishers: A Critical Part of Your Fire Strategy

It’s easy to focus on smoke alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting — but fire extinguishers remain one of the few fire safety measures that allow immediate human intervention.

Whether it’s a kitchen fire in a café, a small electrical fire in an office, or a fuel-related fire in a workshop, the correct extinguisher — when properly maintained — can make all the difference.

Every business should ensure:

  • The correct types of extinguisher are available based on specific fire risks

  • Staff are trained in how and when to use them

  • Units are clearly signposted and accessible

  • All extinguishers are serviced regularly and fully operational

Don’t Leave It to Chance — Work With the Experts

At Morgan Fire, we offer professional fire extinguisher servicing, inspections, and advice tailored to your premises. Our fully trained technicians ensure that your extinguishers meet the latest British Standards and help you remain fully compliant with UK fire safety legislation.

Whether you’re managing a single site or multiple locations, we’re here to support your fire safety needs with:

  • Annual and extended servicing

  • Fire risk assessments

  • Emergency call-outs

  • Installation of new equipment

  • Full documentation and support

Final Thoughts

Neglecting fire extinguisher maintenance is a risk no business should take. It’s a simple step, but one with huge implications for safety, legal compliance, and business continuity. Fires can happen at any time — and when they do, your extinguishers must be ready.

Take action today. Book your fire extinguisher servicing with Morgan Fire and make sure your workplace is as safe, compliant, and prepared as it should be.