Fire Extinguisher Maintenance & Tests

Yes, a fire extinguisher can expire. Specifics do change between units. Most units expire within 10-12 years, although annual maintenance is needed to keep your fire extinguisher in good condition. This is why we highly recommend annual service inspections.

The UK fire extinguisher regulations are intrinsically linked to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This order states that businesses must have a ‘Responsible Person’ responsible for fire safety. This includes ensuring the fire extinguishers are in good condition and ready to be used when the time comes - the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

You should have your fire extinguishers checked annually to ensure they are in proper working order and do not need refilling or replacement parts. Further checks should be conducted every 5 years in greater detail, including discharge testing.

Yes, fire extinguisher testing is a legal requirement. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all fire equipment should be tested either by the Responsible Person or at their request and monitored by them.

Fire extinguisher testing is straightforward to follow.

Once you've called Direct365, we will arrange a time together for our engineers to attend your premises to check your extinguishers. Upon arrival, our engineers will likely ask you for any previous fire extinguisher inspection and servicing documents.

Once they have the documents, they will systematically visit all locations with an extinguisher and check them. They will start with a visual inspection for damage, and then test the pressure and ensure all parts are in good working order. If your extinguisher needs new parts or refilling, this will happen. They’ll do what is required to get your extinguisher in good working order. Any additional parts changed will incur a charge after the service.

Once the test is complete, you will receive paperwork confirming your compliance with the regulations and the work completed.

The ‘Responsible Person’ within the business is responsible for the fire extinguisher maintenance programme. The company appoints this person to oversee the entire fire safety process. The ‘Responsible Person’ should organise a fire extinguisher inspection and testing schedule for their annual tests.

Direct365 undertakes commercial fire extinguisher checks and servicing for all businesses, schools, hospitality venues, retailers, and more. The types of fire extinguishers are: water, foam, CO2, dry powder and wet chemical spray.

There are two answers to this question. Firstly, not completing fire extinguisher testing puts unnecessary risk on your business, and puts your employees and premises under threat if a fire breaks out. The second answer is that you are breaking fire safety regulations if you do not have your fire extinguishers serviced. Ensure you are not found to have broken the law by hiring Direct365.

Yes, small businesses need fire extinguishers. This is for both legal reasons and safety reasons. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that companies should have the right fire equipment, and a ‘Responsible Person’ to take control of the fire safety procedures within the business. You should also want to do this for the safety of the people within your organisation.

Direct365 cover the entire UK. We link up with reliable suppliers from around the country to get you the best quote to keep you compliant. Fire extinguishers must be in good working order, and with Direct365’s fire extinguisher service, you can be safe in the knowledge that should a fire occur, your extinguishers will be ready and waiting.