How often do fire extinguishers need servicing in the UK?
A basic service every 12 months by a competent person, and a quick visual check every month by someone on site. Water, foam, powder and wet chemical extinguishers also need an extended service with a discharge test every 5 years; CO2 extinguishers need an overhaul every 10 years.
What is due, and how often.
Checked November 2026.
| Check | How often | Who does it | Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual inspection (in place, gauge in range, seal intact, no damage) | Every month | Responsible person or trained staff | BS 5306-3:2017 |
| Basic service | Every 12 months | Competent extinguisher technician | BS 5306-3:2017; Fire Safety Order 2005, art. 17 |
| Extended service with discharge test: water, foam, powder, wet chemical | Every 5 years | Competent extinguisher technician | BS 5306-3:2017 |
| Overhaul (pressure test) of CO2 extinguishers | Every 10 years | Competent extinguisher technician | BS 5306-3:2017 |
This is a guide, not legal advice. What your building needs depends on its use, size, risk and equipment, and standards are revised. Check with your competent people and the current official sources.
What to keep on file.
- The fire logbook, with each monthly check.
- Service labels on each extinguisher, and the contractor's service report listing every unit.
- Dates of extended services and CO2 overhauls per extinguisher, so the 5- and 10-year dates are not missed.
What catches people out.
- The 5- and 10-year dates belong to each extinguisher, not to the building. Units bought in different years fall due in different years.
- Many contractors replace a CO2 extinguisher instead of overhauling it, because the pressure test needs a workshop.
- Extinguishers used, damaged or found discharged need servicing straight away, whatever the date.
- Which extinguishers you need, and where, comes from your fire risk assessment.
Dueclear tracks every due date for every building.
Each inspection gets its interval, its rule and an owner. Dueclear reminds the owner from 60 days ahead, and your contractor uploads the new certificate from a link, no account needed.
FAQ
Is fire extinguisher servicing a legal requirement?
The Fire Safety Order requires fire-fighting equipment to be maintained in efficient working order. It sets no interval, but the yearly BS 5306-3 service is the accepted standard.
What is an extended service?
A fuller service every 5 years for water, foam, powder and wet chemical extinguishers, which includes a discharge test and refill.
How often should I check extinguishers myself?
Once a month: check each is in place, visible, undamaged, with the seal intact and the gauge in the green.
Sources: BS 5306-3 servicing intervals (Fire Protection Online) · Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, article 17
More guides: Fire alarm servicing · Emergency lighting testing · Fire door inspections