Services  /  Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Fire Extinguisher Servicing.
Annual service, sorted.

Fire extinguisher servicing is the annual inspection of every portable fire extinguisher on a premises, carried out by a competent technician to BS 5306-3:2017. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure firefighting equipment is properly maintained, and an annual basic service plus monthly visual checks is the recognised standard.

British Standard BS 5306-3 requires annual basic service of all portable fire extinguishers by a competent person. RiskSorted technicians are BAFE SP101 or FIA qualified and carry stock to replace lapsed or damaged units on the first visit where possible.

Book a free health and safety check How it works

What does fire extinguisher servicing cover?

Visual inspection, weighing, pressure check, anti-tamper indicator check, signage check, replacement of any failed units (additional cost).

What do you receive after a fire extinguisher service?

Service report listing every extinguisher by location and serial number, condition assessment, next service date, replacement quote if required.

What fire extinguisher servicing costs

The price moves with the number of extinguishers, the number of floors and how spread out they are. Whether any units are due an extended service or a replacement matters too. Visits outside normal working hours cost more. If an extinguisher fails and needs replacing, we quote it separately and you decide. We never replace without asking.

We give you a fixed price before anything is booked. The quickest way to get one is a free health and safety check of the premises.

One supplier for the lot

We are the contractor. We hold the contract with you, we set the standard, and we stand behind the work. The technician who attends is an accredited local specialist we have checked for qualifications, insurance and parts traceability. They answer to us, not to you. If something goes wrong you ring us.

We only ask questions you can answer. Roughly how many extinguishers. How many floors. Anything that will not work for timing. If you are not sure, walk the building and count the red bottles. We confirm it on site.

What happens on the day

Minimal. A walk round to check, service and re-label each extinguisher. Nothing needs turning off.

We tell you this before anything is booked, not when the technician is already on site. If the timing does not work for you, say so. We ask what will not work rather than what you would prefer, so we can schedule around your business.

Service specification

Engineer qualificationBAFE SP101 or FIA Qualified Technician
Insurance requirementMinimum £1m Public Liability
Service standardBS 5306-3:2017
Average duration5 to 10 minutes per extinguisher plus mobilisation
Replacement unitsCarried in van; supplied at additional cost on confirmation
Certificate formatBranded PDF inventory report, stored in your account

What does the law say about fire extinguisher servicing?

Regulation: Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005; BS 5306-3 (Service standard); BS 5306-8 (Selection & positioning)

Recommended frequency: Annual basic service; extended service every 5 years (water, foam, powder); 10-yearly overhaul or replacement (CO2)

Engineer qualification: BAFE SP101 or FIA qualified technician

Start with a free health and safety check

We walk your premises, show you what the fire officer and your insurer expect to see, and you keep the findings whether you use us or not. If you want a price, it is fixed before anything is booked.

Book a free check

Frequently asked questions

How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
BS 5306-3 requires an annual basic service by a competent person. In addition, water, foam and powder extinguishers require an 'extended service' every 5 years, and CO2 extinguishers require an overhaul or replacement at 10 years. Monthly visual checks by the responsible person are also required between annual services.
How much does fire extinguisher servicing cost?
The price depends on the number of extinguishers, the number of floors and how spread out they are. Whether any units are due an extended service or replacement also matters. Visits outside normal working hours cost more. Replacement units are quoted separately and never fitted without asking. We give you a fixed price before anything is booked. The quickest way to get one is a free health and safety check of the premises.
Is fire extinguisher servicing a legal requirement?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to ensure firefighting equipment is 'subject to a suitable system of maintenance'. BS 5306-3 is the recognised service standard. Failure to maintain extinguishers can invalidate insurance and create personal liability for the responsible person.
What's the difference between a basic service and an extended service?
A basic service is the annual inspection — visual checks, weighing, pressure check and anti-tamper checks. An extended service is a more thorough inspection carried out every 5 years on water, foam and powder extinguishers, including a discharge test, internal examination and refill.
Can I service my own fire extinguishers?
The annual service must be carried out by a 'competent person' — in practice this means a BAFE SP101 or FIA qualified technician with the right test equipment and traceable parts. Monthly visual checks (signage, location, anti-tamper) can and should be carried out by the responsible person between services.
Do I need a fire extinguisher in every room?
No. BS 5306-8 sets out positioning requirements based on travel distance, premises type and risk class. Generally one extinguisher per 200 m² of floor area, with no more than 30 metres travel distance to the nearest extinguisher. Your fire risk assessment will specify the requirement for your premises.
Which type of fire extinguisher do I need?
Different fire classes require different extinguishers. Class A (paper, wood, fabric): water, foam or wet chemical. Class B (flammable liquids): foam, CO2 or powder. Class C (flammable gases): powder. Class D (metals): specialist powder. Class F (cooking oils — common in commercial kitchens): wet chemical specifically. Electrical fires: CO2 (preferred for offices) or powder. Most commercial premises need a combination — typically water/foam for general areas plus CO2 near IT equipment plus wet chemical in kitchens. Foam extinguishers are the most common multi-purpose choice for office environments. Your fire risk assessment specifies the right mix; we supply replacement units of the correct class when servicing identifies a need.
When does a fire extinguisher need to be replaced rather than serviced?
Several conditions trigger replacement rather than service. Age: CO2 extinguishers require a hydraulic test or replacement at 10 years. Stored-pressure extinguishers (water, foam, powder) typically have a 20-year service life with extended service every 5 years. Damage: visible corrosion, dented bodies, damaged hoses or horns require replacement, not repair. Discharge: any extinguisher that has been used (even partially) must be refilled or replaced — a partially-discharged extinguisher will not perform reliably. Pressure failure: if the gauge shows a pressure loss outside the green band, the extinguisher is replaced or refilled. RiskSorted engineers carry common replacement units in the van so identified failures can be replaced on the day of service rather than triggering a return visit.
Who carries out the work?
Accredited local specialists only. BAFE registered technicians working to BS 5306-3. RiskSorted holds the contract, sets the standard and stores every certificate in one account.

Reviewed by RiskSorted's compliance team. RiskSorted's in-house team holds collective qualifications across NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH Managing Safely, Fire Risk Assessment (PAS 79-1), and electrical compliance. All service guides are reviewed against current UK regulations and the latest editions of the relevant British and ACoP standards.

This page provides general guidance on UK compliance services and is not a substitute for professional advice. Specific compliance requirements should be confirmed with a qualified professional based on the particulars of your premises, business activities and applicable regulations.

One supplier. Every certificate.
Every renewal date.

Start with a free health and safety check of your premises. We show you what the fire officer and your insurer expect to see, and you keep the findings whether you use us or not. If you want a price, it is fixed before anything is booked.

Book a free health and safety check