In the event of an emergency, it is essential to have an operational fire extinguisher to avoid risk to life and damage. Regularly checking fire extinguishers is therefore crucial to preventing the risk of fire. In this article, find out how often you need to check your fire extinguishers and all the information you need to know to ensure they are in order.
In establishments that receive members of the public, such as hotels, restaurants or shops, fire extinguishers must be checked annually. As for businesses that do not receive the public, a check every two years is required. However, we recommend an annual inspection. This inspection must be carried out by a qualified, approved professional. Other, more superficial checks should be carried out every month without the need to call in a professional.
To ensure that your fire extinguishers are compliant, it's important to check the following points every month:
The extinguishers are always in the right place and accessible.
The extinguishers are visible thanks to signage and have instructions for use.
The indicator needle on the pressure gauge is well within the green zone.
The safety seal is present in intact.
As well as setting up regular checks on your fire extinguishers, it's important to put processes in place to ensure your company's safety:
Training your employees in the use of fire extinguishers can save lives in the event of a fire and encourage a rapid response. It's also a good idea to explain the different types of extinguisher and their specific uses.
Document all inspections and interventions carried out, as this information may be required by the authorities or insurance companies in the event of an incident.
Make sure that extinguishers are not exposed to extreme conditions, such as high heat or excessive humidity, which could alter their effectiveness.
The cost of an annual fire extinguisher inspection will vary depending on several factors, including the number of extinguishers on site, the type of extinguisher and any additional maintenance requirements. A professional service typically includes a visual inspection, a thorough check of each extinguisher's condition and operation, and the replacement of any faulty or worn components where required.
Regular inspection and maintenance of fire extinguishers are essential to ensure they remain in good working order and ready for use in an emergency. In addition to annual servicing by a competent person, simple routine visual checks should also be carried out to identify any obvious signs of damage, tampering or discharge.
Organisations should also ensure that employees understand the purpose of fire extinguishers and receive appropriate fire safety awareness training, including when and how extinguishers should be used.
By maintaining a robust inspection and maintenance programme, businesses can improve fire safety, support compliance with their legal responsibilities and gain greater confidence that their fire protection equipment will perform effectively when needed most.
