When it comes to protecting your business premises, employees, and visitors, few safety measures are as vital—or as legally required—as fire extinguishers. But simply having them in place isn’t enough. Without regular servicing, fire extinguishers may fail when you need them most.

In this blog, we explore why routine fire extinguisher servicing is not only essential for workplace safety but also a critical part of maintaining compliance with UK fire safety legislation. We also explain how Morgan Fire provides expert, accredited servicing that gives business owners peace of mind.

What Are the Legal Requirements?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, every UK employer or building owner is legally obliged to ensure that their premises have appropriate fire safety equipment—and that it is maintained in good working order.

When it comes to fire extinguishers, British Standard BS 5306-3 sets out the servicing requirements. According to the standard:

  • Fire extinguishers must be visually inspected monthly

  • A basic annual service must be carried out by a competent person

  • An extended service (such as discharge testing) is required every 5 or 10 years, depending on the extinguisher type

Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in legal penalties, invalidate insurance cover, and, more importantly, endanger lives.

Why Is Regular Servicing So Important?

1. Extinguishers Can Lose Pressure Over Time

Even in the absence of use, fire extinguishers can lose pressure or become faulty. Without adequate pressure, they may not discharge properly in an emergency. Annual servicing ensures pressure levels are checked and the unit is fully functional.

2. Damage or Tampering May Go Unnoticed

Extinguishers can be accidentally knocked, vandalised, or suffer corrosion—particularly in industrial or high-humidity environments. Servicing identifies visible and hidden damage, preventing potential failure during an emergency.

3. Different Fire Risks Require Different Extinguishers

Workplaces often evolve—new equipment is installed, layouts change, or materials used may vary. A regular service ensures that the right type of extinguisher is located in the right place to deal with the current risks. For example:

  • CO₂ extinguishers for electrical fires

  • Foam or water for combustible solids like wood or paper

  • Powder for flammable gases or mixed risks

Using the wrong extinguisher can make a fire worse or pose a danger to the user.

4. It Ensures You Stay Compliant with UK Regulations

Insurance companies often demand proof of regular maintenance. In the event of a fire, if it’s discovered that extinguishers were out of date or faulty, your policy may not cover the damage. Annual servicing provides you with the necessary documentation to prove compliance.

What Does a Professional Service Involve?

At Morgan Fire, our BAFE-registered engineers conduct thorough, compliant servicing of all extinguisher types. Our process includes:

  • Visual inspection of the extinguisher body and safety pin

  • Pressure gauge check to ensure optimal pressure

  • Weight and content verification

  • Replacement of seals and tags

  • Cleaning and re-labelling where necessary

  • Checking the location and suitability of each extinguisher

  • Issuing a full service report and compliance certificate

Where extinguishers are damaged or out of date, we’ll recommend a replacement and safely dispose of the faulty units in line with environmental guidelines.

How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?

Here’s a quick overview:

Type of Service Frequency
Visual inspection (in-house) Monthly
Basic service (by technician) Annually
Extended service (discharge test) Every 5 years (for most types)
CO₂ extinguisher pressure test Every 10 years

You can carry out visual checks yourself each month, but servicing must be done by a qualified technician to remain compliant.

Can You Service Them Yourself?

In short—no. According to UK fire safety law, fire extinguisher servicing must be conducted by a “competent person”, defined as someone with the correct training, tools, and knowledge to perform maintenance in line with the British Standards. DIY maintenance puts your business at risk of non-compliance and equipment failure.

Why Choose Morgan Fire?

With over 30 years of experience, Morgan Fire is a trusted provider of fire extinguisher services to businesses across the UK. Here’s what makes us stand out:

  • BAFE-accredited engineers

  • Fully compliant with BS 5306-3 servicing standards

  • Quick response times and flexible servicing schedules

  • Servicing for all extinguisher types and brands

  • Transparent pricing and no hidden fees

  • Service certificates provided for your records and insurers

Whether you need a one-off service or a tailored maintenance contract, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thoughts

Fire extinguishers are a frontline defence in a workplace fire, but only if they’re in proper working order. Regular servicing isn’t just about ticking a legal box—it’s about ensuring your equipment will work exactly when you need it most.

By partnering with a professional, experienced team like Morgan Fire, you ensure your fire extinguishers remain reliable, compliant, and ready for action.

Need to book your annual fire extinguisher service?

Contact Morgan Fire today at www.morganfire.co.uk or give us a call to schedule a visit from one of our accredited engineers. Protect your people. Protect your property. Stay compliant.