In any workplace, ensuring the presence and functionality of fire extinguishers is crucial for safety. These devices can extinguish small fires before they escalate, potentially saving lives and preventing significant property damage.
However, their effectiveness depends significantly on proper maintenance and suitable type selection. To ensure they remain operable, fire extinguishers require regular checks for expiration and damage.
The Required Frequency of Fire Extinguisher Checks
Professionals are trained to identify whether any extinguishers need replacement or repair
Legal regulations mandate that fire extinguishers be serviced annually in workplaces, public buildings, and houses of multiple occupancy (HMOs). Although individuals can perform checks themselves, it is advisable to have a professional conduct these inspections.
Professionals are trained to identify whether any extinguishers need replacement or repair. Monthly visual inspections are also legally required to avoid fines and ensure functionality during emergencies.
Lifespan and Maintenance of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers typically need replacement or extensive servicing every five years, although CO2 extinguishers have a recommended replacement period of ten years.
Regular maintenance should include monthly visual inspections, supplemented by thorough annual checks performed by a trained professional.
Conducting Monthly Inspections
Inspectors should verify that the extinguisher’s gauge is full, and the pressure release valve is intact
Monthly inspections should be straightforward and minimally time-consuming. Visual checks help ensure functionality in emergencies. Inspectors should verify that the extinguisher’s gauge is full, the pressure release valve is intact, and the nozzle is unobstructed.
They should also ensure the extinguisher is free from leakage or damage, feels appropriately weighted, and is not obstructed. Furthermore, service tags should be legible and handles secure. Documenting these monthly checks can streamline annual inspections.
Annual Inspection Requirements
The law in the UK requires an annual "basic service" of all fire extinguishers, which must be conducted by a qualified engineer.
This service includes assessments of pressure, weight, integrity, and expiration date, along with ensuring proper mounting and accessibility. Engineers may replace necessary parts and update the maintenance label to reflect a completed inspection.
Extended Servicing Guidelines
Every five years, water, foam, and wet chemical extinguishers need an extended service, which thoroughly examines and tests the extinguishers, including discharging and inspecting discharge patterns.
Necessary replacements, such as corroded parts, are handled before refilling and repressurizing the extinguisher.
Special Considerations for CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Given their classification as high-pressure vessels, CO2 extinguishers require distinct servicing procedures.
Every ten years, they need an "overhaul," involving primary valve replacement and pressure testing of the extinguisher body at an approved testing center.
Dealing with Older Fire Extinguishers
On-site extinguishers that are ten years or older should generally be replaced with newer models
On-site extinguishers that are ten years or older should generally be replaced with newer models.
Extinguishers over 20 years old should be replaced regardless of condition, as manufacturing standards and availability of parts can change over time, increasing risk to fire safety plans.
The Benefits of Regular Checks
To ensure the reliability of fire extinguishers and maintain a safe workplace environment, conducting regular checks monthly, annually, and at ten-year intervals is essential.
By following these guidelines, organizations can significantly enhance the safety and preparedness of their business operations.
Businesses of all types and sizes should have fire extinguishers on-site in the event of a fire. While these devices can be lifesavers, they can also be dangerous if not used in the right way or improperly maintained. It’s important to know how often the fire extinguishers should be checked, as they are an important part of any fire-safety plan.
They can be used to put out small fires before they have a chance to spread and can help prevent serious injuries or even death. However, fire extinguishers are only effective if (a) they are properly maintained, and (b) are the right kind of fire extinguishers. It’s essential to check fire extinguishers regularly to make sure they aren’t expired or damaged.
The Legal Requirements for Checking Fire Extinguishers
For workplaces, public buildings, and even homes of multiple occupation (HMOs), it’s a legal requirement that all fire extinguishers are serviced annually. Although they can check their fire extinguishers themselves, it’s always best to have a professional check them to ensure they are in good condition and up to date. A professional will also be able to tell they if any need replacing.
If they don’t check the fire extinguishers, a lot can go wrong. As well as in-depth annual checks, the law requires that all fire extinguishers be visually checked monthly. If they don’t check them monthly, they could be subject to a fine. If they have a fire in the workplace and the fire extinguisher doesn’t work, they could be held liable.
How Long Do Fire Extinguishers Last?
The regulations about fire extinguishers recommend they are replaced or given an extensive service once every five years. For CO2 fire extinguishers, it’s recommended they are replaced every 10 years.
However, they need to be maintained more frequently than that. It’s recommended that fire extinguishers of all kinds are subject to monthly visual inspections and more thorough annual inspections. A fire extinguisher inspection must be carried out by someone trained to do so.
Monthly Fire Extinguisher Checks
Monthly checks of the fire extinguishers are simply visual checks, so they aren’t a time-consuming task, but they can save lives. A quick, visual fire-extinguisher check once a month ensures there won’t be any issues in the case of an emergency.
Simply take a few minutes to look at each extinguisher in the building to ensure they are in good working order. They should check the gauge to ensure it’s full, then the pressure release valve to make sure it is not damaged and the nozzle to ensure it’s not obstructed. By conducting these regular visual checks, they ensure their business is always prepared in case of a fire.
If they notice any problems, contact a qualified technician for further advice. With regular checks, they can be confident that the fire extinguisher will be there when they need it most. As well as the gauge, nozzle and pressure release valve, ensure the following:
- There are no signs of leakage or damage.
- Pick the fire extinguisher up and check the weight — if it feels too light, it may not be full.
- Check the area around the fire extinguisher — if it’s obstructed by anything, consider relocation or removing the obstruction.
- Ensure that service tags are present and legible.
- The handle on the fire extinguisher is secure and not wobbly/loose.
Remember to make a record of the monthly checks. This will make the annual checks much faster and easier.
Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspections
An annual fire-extinguisher inspection is a legal requirement in the UK. This is known as a “basic service”. All businesses must have their fire extinguishers checked and tagged by a qualified engineer, and the date of the last check must be displayed. The inspection should include a check of the extinguisher’s pressure, weight, integrity and expiration date.
Additionally, the engineer should check that the extinguisher is properly mounted and accessible. If any problems are found, the extinguisher should be repaired or replaced immediately. By conducting regular inspections, businesses can ensure their fire extinguishers are always in good working condition.
The person carrying out the annual inspections should be BAFE registered. They will change the seal on the headcap, ensure the headcap safety pin is working, test the pressure gauge and may have to change the O-rings in the valve, hose or horn of the extinguisher. Once the work has been completed, they will fill out the maintenance label and attach it to the fire extinguisher. It is a legal requirement to record all manual and annual inspections of the fire extinguishers.
The Extended Service
For water, foam and wet chemical fire extinguishers, extended servicing needs to be carried out every five years by a trained technician. This check is extremely detailed and goes through all the annual checks in a lot more depth. The extinguisher will then be discharged, and the inspector will check the distance, pattern and duration of the discharge.
The fire extinguisher valves will then be checked and replaced as needed. Corrosion will also be looked at, with particular attention paid to the lining and headcap O-ring. The entire headcap may be replaced before the extinguisher is refilled and pressurised.
CO2 Fire Extinguisher Checks
CO2 fire extinguishers are a bit different. They’re classed as high-pressure vessels, as they have a much higher pressure than the other types of extinguishers. As such, they are subject to a few different regulations, and their servicing is a little different too. Every 10 years, CO2 extinguishers need an extended service, often referred to as an overhaul.
During these 10-year inspections, the primary valve will be replaced, and the extinguisher’s body will be pressure tested. While monthly and annual checks and servicing can be carried out on-site, the 10-year extended servicing of CO2 extinguishers requires they be sent to an approved testing centre.
Older Fire Extinguishers
Of course, if they’ve had a fire extinguisher on-site for 10 years, it may be more cost-effective to simply replace older extinguishers with new ones. Certainly, if they’ve got fire extinguishers older than 20 years, replace them even if they seem fine and pass inspections.
Replacement parts may not be available, and even manufacturing standards can change over time. To leave an older fire extinguisher in place is a risk that harms the overall fire-safety plan.
Make the Workplace Safer
All fire extinguishers should be checked monthly, annually, and every 10 years to ensure they work properly and meet safety standards. Those checks can save lives and will keep the business safer too.
