Fire extinguishers need to be serviced at different intervals depending on the type of maintenance:
- Weekly: Visual inspection by a responsible person to check location, pressure gauge, physical condition, seals, and instructions.
- Monthly: Visual inspections are also recommended to ensure no visible damage, correct pressure, intact tamper seals, and accessibility.
- Annually: A full service by a qualified technician is required once every 12 months. This involves checking the extinguisher’s weight, pressure, internal components, hose, nozzle, seals, and compliance with manufacturer guidelines. This annual servicing for safety compliance follows British Standard BS 5306-3.
- Every 5 years: More comprehensive maintenance for water, foam, and powder extinguishers including discharge tests, internal inspections, refilling, and repressurizing.
- Every 10 years: Overhaul service for CO2 extinguishers, including specialist hydraulic testing and possibly replacement of units.
If a fire extinguisher has been used or partially discharged, it must be recharged immediately regardless of the schedule. Also, fire extinguishers over 10 years old or failing pressure tests should be replaced. In summary:
- Weekly/Monthly: Visual checks (location, pressure, seal, damage)
- Annually: Full service by a certified technician
- Every 5 years: Extended service for most types except CO2
- Every 10 years: Overhaul for CO2 extinguishers
These schedules ensure fire extinguishers remain reliable and compliant with safety standards and legal regulations.
