How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Serviced?
A practical guide for Newcastle businesses
Fire extinguishers are required by law but knowing how often they should be serviced (and what that service actually includes) can be confusing.
It’s not just a formality. An extinguisher that hasn’t been looked after properly can fail when it’s needed most.
Here’s what you should know about fire extinguisher servicing in Newcastle, from legal rules to what to watch out for between inspections.
Know What the Law Expects
UK law is clear: businesses must keep all fire safety equipment in good working order. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places that duty on a “responsible person”, usually the site manager or facilities lead.
According to BS 5306-3:2017, you’re expected to check your extinguishers monthly and have them serviced once a year by a qualified technician. Every few years, they also need deeper maintenance like pressure tests or internal checks, depending on the extinguisher type.
To make that simple:
- Monthly: basic in-house visual check
- Annually: full professional service
- Every 5–10 years: extended service or replacement
Missing those deadlines might not sound like much, but if a fire breaks out and your records aren’t up to date, it could affect your insurance and even lead to enforcement action.
Stick to a Simple Schedule
Most businesses follow a straightforward rhythm: check monthly, service yearly, and replace roughly every decade.
At your annual service, a technician inspects every extinguisher for signs of wear, corrosion, leaks, or tampering. They’ll weigh it, test the pressure, check the safety pin and seal, clean the exterior, and make sure each one is in the right place for the type of risk.
For example, a CO₂ extinguisher should be near electrical equipment, while water or foam types are used for paper and wood fires. The engineer also makes sure all labels are legible and that the extinguisher is mounted correctly and easy to reach.
How Fire Extinguisher Servicing Works in Practice
When a technician visits your site for fire extinguisher servicing in Newcastle, the process is straightforward and thorough. It usually starts with a quick walk around the building to see where extinguishers are placed and whether anything has changed since the last visit ( for example, new machinery, layout adjustments, or refurbished areas).
Each extinguisher is then checked carefully. The engineer looks for corrosion, leaks, missing pins, or damage to the hose. They test the pressure, weigh the unit, clean it, and make sure it’s the right type for that area. If anything isn’t quite right, they’ll explain why and suggest a sensible fix.
All findings are recorded in your maintenance log, so you have a clear record for inspections or audits.
| If you’re based in or around Newcastle and want to make sure your extinguishers are up to standard, Jackson Fire & Security can arrange a service visit at a time that suits you. Our local engineers are fully qualified and familiar with all types of workplaces, from offices to warehouses. Call 0191 300 5866 to get a quick quote! |
Keep an Eye Between Visits
Even with annual servicing, a lot can change during the year. That’s why monthly visual checks are worth the few minutes they take.
Look to see that extinguishers are still in their correct places, not blocked by boxes or furniture, and that the pressure gauge sits in the green zone. Check that seals and safety pins are intact and that there’s no visible rust, dents, or leaks.
If something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Make a note in your logbook and call your service provider. Catching small issues early prevents them becoming major compliance problems later.
Watch for Early Warning Signs
Many non-compliance issues are easy to miss until an inspection rolls around. Sometimes it’s as simple as a missing service tag, but that alone can make your business fail a fire safety audit.
You should get your extinguishers checked immediately if:
- There’s no visible service label or the last date is over a year old
- The pressure gauge is showing low or high
- A nozzle or hose looks damaged or blocked
- The extinguisher has been knocked over or moved
- You’ve recently rearranged furniture or equipment
Ignoring these small clues can lead to fines, failed insurance claims, or worse — equipment that doesn’t work when you need it.
Choose a Local Team You Can Rely On
Fire safety isn’t something to leave until the last minute. Partnering with a local company means faster response times and easier follow-up support.
At Jackson Fire & Security Newcastle, we look after fire extinguisher servicing for offices, schools, retail units, factories, and more.
We’re based locally, so if you need emergency replacements or a compliance check at short notice, we can be on site quickly. Our reports are clear and easy to understand, with transparent pricing and no hidden extras.
If you want peace of mind that your fire safety equipment is up to standard, let’s make it simple.
Get in touch with Jackson Fire & Security Newcastle today for a quick quote or to book your next fire extinguisher service.
CALL US NOW on 0191 300 5866