Fire Extinguisher Servicing in Cornwall — BS 5306-3

Every fire extinguisher must be serviced at least once a year by a competent person — that’s a legal requirement under BS 5306. On top of the annual service, the responsible person should carry out a brief monthly visual check (looking for damage, missing pins, and correct positioning). MC Fire and Security handles the annual service and can show you what to look for each month.

It depends on the fire risks in your building. Most offices and shops need water and CO2 extinguishers. Kitchens need wet chemical. Workshops and garages need foam or dry powder. MC Fire and Security assesses your premises and supplies the right types — call Mitch on 07498 819185 for a free site survey.

Servicing costs depend on the number and type of extinguishers on site. Annual basic servicing is typically charged per unit, with discounts for larger quantities. Replacements and extended services carry additional costs. Mitch provides clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees — call 07498 819185 for a quote.

Fire extinguishers don’t have a fixed expiry date, but they do have a finite service life. BS 5306 sets out when each type requires extended servicing or replacement. If an extinguisher fails its service, shows signs of corrosion, or is beyond economic repair, it should be condemned and replaced. MC Fire and Security handles this during the annual service visit.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the "responsible person" — usually the employer, building owner, or occupier — must ensure that fire extinguishers are provided, maintained, and accessible. That means arranging annual servicing, keeping records, and replacing any that fail inspection.

BS 5306 is the British Standard covering portable fire extinguishers. Part 3 specifically deals with commissioning and maintenance. It requires annual servicing by a competent person, extended servicing at set intervals, and clear documentation of all work carried out. MC Fire and Security services all extinguishers to BS 5306.

The number depends on your floor area, the fire risks present, and the layout of your building. As a rough guide, most premises need a minimum of two extinguishers per floor, with additional units for specific risks (kitchens, server rooms, workshops). Mitch will assess your premises and recommend the right quantity and placement during a free site survey.

The monthly visual check can be done by anyone — just look for obvious damage, check the pressure gauge, and make sure it’s in the right position. However, the annual service must be carried out by a competent person with the right training and equipment. Self-servicing the annual check doesn’t meet BS 5306 or satisfy your legal obligations.

A basic service is the annual check — a visual and functional inspection of the extinguisher’s condition, pressure, weight, and safety features. An extended service is more thorough and happens at intervals specific to each extinguisher type (typically every 5 years). It may involve discharge testing, internal inspection, and refilling. Both are required under BS 5306.

Fire extinguishers should be mounted on wall brackets or placed on stands, visible and easily accessible, near exit routes and close to identified fire risks. They should be positioned at a consistent height (the handle roughly 1 metre from the floor) and never blocked by furniture, stock, or equipment. Mitch advises on positioning during installation and checks it at every service visit.