Some service providers who manage annual fire extinguisher servicing will allow you to choose certain elements yourself. It’s a little like your car insurance where you can choose a policy to suit your exact needs; be it fully comprehensive or third party. Overseeing the exact specification of your plan is important for ensuring it meets the needs of your business. But would you know what options are available to you?

Basic Level Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Basic level fire extinguisher servicing needs to be carried out annually. All extinguishers should be serviced in accordance with the current British Standard. To be fully compliant with this standard, your service provider must therefore replace a number of components at every service. Depending on the level or wear and tear or damage, some other components may also need to be replaced.

Every five years, you are obliged to carry out a more detailed service, known as an ‘Extended Service’ for low pressure extinguishers. The main element of this service is a full discharge and internal examination of the extinguisher; this applies to water, foam, and dry powder extinguishers.

Dry powder extinguishers are usually exchanged with a new or service exchange extinguisher. Powder extinguishers are not discharge tested on site anymore because of the mess and contamination risk to the replacement powder.

Similarly, foam extinguishers cannot be discharged anywhere where the foam may contaminate local water sources, therefore are usually replaced with new models.

If you have CO2 extinguishers on site, you are legally obligated to ensure that they undergo a ten-year pressure test.

Remember; all fire extinguishers should be serviced annually in order to comply with the current British Standards. Regular servicing and maintenance of your fire extinguishers is a legal requirement. It will also give you assurance that your fire extinguishers will work when they are needed most. Don’t underestimate the importance of a fully functioning fire extinguisher.

Health and safety advice from British Standards specifies that maintenance of extinguishers should be performed annually and by a qualified person. Ensuring your fire extinguishers are always in perfect working order is an employers responsibility, and Total Safe help to make sure this procedure is simple, inexpensive and above all, carried out with the highest level of care.