What type of fire extinguisher do I need?

This depends entirely on the hazards present. Fires can be classified by the type of fuel present, for example solid combustible materials, flammable liquids or gases, and the type of extinguisher required depends on the type of fire present. The table to the right provides a quick reference guide for the compatibility of different extinguishers with different types of fires.

The correct number and rating/size of extinguishers present also needs to be determined. There are different selection methods depending on the type of fire however selection methods include assessment of floor area, maximum anticipated spill volumes and the amount of frying oils present.

Once selected, extinguishers must be sited correctly and commissioned in order to ensure that they will be safe to use.

Correctly installing fire extinguishers is therefore more complicated than buying appliances and placing them in your building!

Do my fire extinguishers actually need to be serviced every year?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Responsible Person for a premises must ensure that fire-fighting equipment is maintained in efficient working order. BS 5306-3:2017 sets out that portable fire extinguishers should receive a basic service annually, with an extended service or overhaul required at longer intervals depending on extinguisher type. Skipping this isn't just a compliance risk - an unserviced extinguisher may not discharge correctly, or at all, when someone reaches for it in an emergency. Even worse, a damaged extinguisher is potentially dangerous as most appliances are pressurised and as such a weakness in the metal body can lead to it failing in a way similar to an explosion.

Furthermore, many insurance polices stipulate that annual servicing of fire extinguishers is required as part of Policy Conditions. Always read the small print!

What does a service include?

The exact requirements of servicing vary by the type of extinguisher present and the type of servicing (basic service vs extended service vs overhaul).

Servicing can include:

• Checking the physical integrity of the fire extinguisher body and discharge hose/horn.

• Replacing O rings, a common point of failure.

• Checking that the stored pressure is at an appropriate level and that there has been no pressure loss.

• Checking that the firing mechanism works and is secured.

• Replacing failed or damaged parts.

• Remounting appliances.

Can anyone service a fire extinguisher?

No. BS 5306-3:2017 requires that servicing is carried out by a competent person - someone who has received on-the-job experience and completed a recognised training course, followed by successful invigilation. This isn't a box-ticking qualification; it covers the practical skills needed to correctly maintain, pressure test and where necessary discharge and recharge each extinguisher type safely.

What about ‘maintenance free’ extinguishers?

There’s no such thing! Although some extinguishers are described by manufacturers as maintenance free, product instructions advise that inspection is still required but that this can apparently be undertaken by anyone, following provided instructions.

Action is still required to ensure that your appliance will work when it needs to, however YOU are taking all of the risk in checking the safety of the appliance.