Why is Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Important?

Do you keep wondering why maintenance of fire extinguishers is essential? Well, not only it is effectively a legal need but as fire extinguishers play a crucial part in putting fires out before they get out of hand, it is vital that they function properly when needed.

The British Standards-which provides guidelines for fire safety-states that annual maintenance of fire equipment, including fire extinguishers must be carried out by an experienced professional that is one who has the relevant BAFE certification.

With proper maintenance and servicing carried out on a regular basis, fiore extinguishers should last for 5 to 15 years before they need to be replaced.

How often should fire extinguishers be serviced? Fire extinguishers should be maintained:

• When delivered (commissioning service)
• Monthly (on site by designated person)
• Annually (by a professional)

Commissioning service: This is an initial examination and service of the extinguisher to check for any signs of damage. It’s important that this takes place after delivery, in case of any damage caused in transit.

Monthly fire extinguisher maintenance: This is highly recommended to carry out regular fire extinguisher inspections on a monthly basis. The inspection makes sure whether or not the extinguisher is functioning properly or not. These assessments can be undertaken by a designated member of staff, no special training is needed. Records should be kept of each inspection in a special log book.

Things to look out for when carrying out a monthly fire extinguisher maintenance check:

1. The extinguisher has no visible signs of damage, wear and tear.
2. It is installed in the correct place it was intended and easily visible if needed.
3. Anti-tamper seals are present and have not been broken.
4. The needle of the extinguisher’s pressure gauge is in the green zone. (This means it is working fine).
5. Appropriate labelling and operating instructions are on the extinguisher.

How can you tell if a fire extinguisher needs servicing or replacing? If you discover any of the following during your fire extinguisher inspection you should consult a professional who will need to service and repair or replace the faulty extinguisher:

• The extinguisher is damaged, e.g. hose or nozzle is cracked, ripped or blocked.
• If the handle is wobbly or broken.
• The pressure gauge needle is outside the green zone. (This means the extinguisher will need servicing immediately).
• Locking pin is missing or anti-tamper seal is broken.
• Appropriate labelling and operating instructions are missing.

All fire extinguishers should be labelled with details of their last inspection; if this is not present you should have the extinguisher checked over by a professional.