Fire Extinguisher Servicing
How often should I be servicing my fire extinguishers?
British standards regarding fire extinguishers (BS 5306-3, Clause6, Table 1) details the maintenance information for each type of fire extinguisher.
For both water and powder extinguishers, you should ensure that they are services on an annual basis, with extended service every 5 years. With powder-primary sealed extinguishers, you should also ensure they are service every 12 months, but with extended service every 10 years.
Type of Extinguisher | Standard Service | Extended Service | Extinguisher Replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
Water Based | 6 Monthly | 5 Yearly | - |
Powder | 6 Monthly | 5 Yearly | - |
Power Primary | 6 Monthly | 5 Yearly | - |
Clean Agent | 6 Monthly | - | 5 Yearly |
Halon | 6 Monthly | - | 5 Yearly |
CO2 | 6 Monthly | - | 5 Yearly |
The responsibility for the maintenance of fire safety equipment should be given to a competent person. Portable fire safety equipment is regarded as “life safety equipment” and an appropriate planned systems should be in place to ensure the equipment is in a safe and working state, in reliable working condition, in good repair for efficiency and suitable for use.
- in an efficient working state (safe);
- in working order (reliable);
- in good repair (efficient);
- suitable for the hazard (fit for purpose).”
From BS 5306-3 (6 Maintenance intervals - Clause 6)
The clause also states that visual inspections should be carried out by the person responsible once a month minimum. When required, inspections should be carried out more frequently. This is detailed in Clause 11.2. Please communicate with your fire extinguisher provider for advice.
No legal responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions.
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