Submitted by editor on
Vérification Incendie
published on 09/01/2026

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

The technical maintenance of fire extinguishers is not something that should be carried out in-house. While simple visual checks, such as ensuring the pressure gauge is within the correct range or checking for visible damage, can be performed by staff, more complex tasks require a qualified professional.

These include servicing, refilling, internal inspections, and the replacement of components. Professional maintenance ensures that fire extinguishers remain safe, compliant, and fully operational in the event of a fire.

UK Regulations

In the UK, fire extinguisher maintenance is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and supported by British Standards such as BS 5306.

The Fire Safety Order requires that all fire safety equipment is:
“maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”

BS 5306 provides detailed guidance on how fire extinguishers should be commissioned, serviced, and maintained, including the frequency and scope of inspections.

Together, these ensure that fire extinguishers are regularly maintained by competent persons and remain ready for use.

Always Use a Professional

Using a qualified fire safety professional is essential for several reasons.

First, it ensures compliance with UK legislation and recognised standards, helping organisations meet their legal obligations.

Second, it guarantees that equipment is properly maintained and will function as intended in an emergency, protecting both people and property.

Finally, professional servicing provides clear documentation and traceability, demonstrating that maintenance has been carried out correctly and supporting audits, inspections, and insurance requirements.

Non-Compliant Maintenance: The Risks

Failure to maintain fire extinguishers correctly can have serious consequences.

Organisations may face legal liability if inadequate maintenance contributes to an incident. Insurance claims may also be challenged or refused if equipment is found to be non-compliant.

Most importantly, poorly maintained extinguishers may fail when needed, putting occupants and property at risk.

While basic checks can be carried out in-house, the technical maintenance of fire extinguishers must be performed by a competent professional. This ensures compliance with UK regulations, maintains the reliability of the equipment, and helps safeguard people and property in the event of a fire.

Maintain Your Extinguishers

We understand the importance of functional and compliant safety equipment. That's why we provide a team of qualified professionals to carry out the maintenance of your fire extinguishers, in full compliance with current regulations.
In summary, although some simple checks can be carried out by the owner or manager, the technical maintenance of fire extinguishers must be carried out by a qualified professional. This guarantees compliance with standards, the safety of occupants and the effectiveness of the equipment in the event of an emergency.