MAINTENANCE SERVICES
The provision of portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with BS 5306 and should be determined by your fire risk assessor as part of your fire risk assessment report.
Overview of Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
The number and locations of these appliances should be determined by your service provider but be aware of over provision and if in doubt contact your fire risk assessor fir advice.
Portable extinguishers are a requirement under the fire safety order and since the introduction of this order there is a requirement to use these appliances to extinguish small fires if safe to do so to prevent a small fire developing into a larger building fire and the loss of employment and damage to the atmosphere, in addition to the original use to protect any escape route to be used when vacating a building on fire.
All portable extinguishers should be serviced annually and depending on the type of appliance discharged at certain intervals or replaced. Documentation should be provided to confirm servicing has taken place and that there is an annual contract in place.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions.
Annually, there is a discharge test for some at 5 and 10 years.
There is a rating system within the UK that determines the numbers required but take professional advice not what your service provider may recommend as they often over provide for your needs.
Yes, if the escape routes are not well lit during the dark hours.
BS 5266 and the Governments guidance on a range of commercial buildings.