Fire Extinguisher Testing
BS 5306 Certified | From £60
BAFE registered engineers delivering annual servicing and extended service to BS 5306-3:2017 across the UK.
What is fire extinguisher testing?
What does fire extinguisher testing involve?
Fire extinguisher testing is a structured inspection and service of every portable fire extinguisher on your premises. The purpose is to confirm each unit is charged, accessible, undamaged, and will work when someone reaches for it during a fire.
All fire extinguisher servicing in the UK must follow BS 5306-3:2017, the British Standard covering the commissioning, maintenance, and safe use of portable fire extinguishers. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the responsible person — the building owner, landlord, or employer — to keep firefighting equipment in working order.
Testing is not a one-off task. It runs on a cycle of monthly visual checks, annual basic services, and extended services at set intervals depending on the extinguisher type.
Why fire extinguisher testing matters
It is a legal requirement
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person for any non-domestic premises must maintain all firefighting equipment in good working order. This is not guidance. It is law.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Enforcement notices requiring immediate action
- Prohibition notices that can shut your building down on the spot
- Unlimited fines for failing to comply with fire safety duties
- Up to 2 years imprisonment for serious breaches
Since Grenfell, fire safety enforcement across the UK has increased. Local fire and rescue authorities are carrying out more audits and prosecuting more frequently.
Insurance and liability
Most commercial property insurance policies require proof of regular fire extinguisher servicing. If your extinguishers have not been professionally maintained and a fire occurs, your insurer can refuse the claim. A gap in your service records can void your cover entirely.
Life safety
A fire extinguisher is often the first line of defence in a fire. A unit with a corroded valve, a slow leak, or an expired charge agent may not discharge at all — or may fail partway through use. Regular testing catches these faults before someone depends on the equipment in an emergency.
Why choose FireRisk.io?
BAFE registered engineers with 25 years of fire safety experience
BS 5306 compliance guaranteed
Every fire extinguisher service we carry out meets BS 5306-3:2017 in full. Our BAFE registered engineers follow a structured inspection covering pressure, weight, condition, and discharge readiness. You receive a compliance certificate on completion, accepted by insurers and fire authorities across the UK. No shortcuts, no gaps in your records.
Annual maintenance plans
Cover your fire extinguisher compliance for the full year with a single maintenance contract. Annual basic services and extended services are scheduled automatically, with reminders sent before each visit. Fixed pricing, no hidden charges. Contracts save 15-20% and keep your BS 5306 obligations on track without you chasing deadlines.
Same-day replacement service
If an extinguisher fails its service or is beyond economical repair, we replace it on the spot. Our engineers carry the most common types and sizes on every van. No gap in your cover, no second visit needed. Your premises stay compliant from the moment we leave site.
Fire extinguisher service schedule
BS 5306-3:2017 sets out a clear maintenance schedule for portable fire extinguishers. Missing any step puts you out of compliance.
Monthly visual checks
Once a month, a trained member of staff should visually inspect every extinguisher on site. Check that each unit is in its correct location, the pressure gauge reads normal, the safety pin and tamper seal are intact, and there is no visible damage. This takes a few minutes and does not require a professional engineer.
Annual basic service
Once a year, every extinguisher must be serviced by a competent person to BS 5306-3. The engineer checks weight, pressure, hoses, nozzles, labels, and mounting. A service label and certificate are issued on completion.
Extended service
At set intervals, each extinguisher type requires a deeper extended service — full discharge, recharge, and internal inspection. The intervals are:
- Water, foam, powder, and wet chemical extinguishers — every 5 years
- CO2 extinguishers — every 10 years
| Frequency | What is checked | Who should do it |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | Visual check: location, gauge, seals, damage | Trained on-site staff |
| Annually | Full BS 5306-3 basic service | Qualified engineer |
| Every 5 years | Extended service (water, foam, powder, wet chem) | Qualified engineer |
| Every 10 years | Extended service (CO2) | Qualified engineer |
Monthly check tip
Keep a simple log sheet next to each extinguisher or group of extinguishers. Record the date, the name of the person checking, and whether the unit passed. This takes under a minute per extinguisher and provides a paper trail if your fire authority asks for records.
Types of fire extinguishers we service
We service every type of portable fire extinguisher used across UK commercial and residential buildings
Water extinguishers
Red label. Used on Class A fires — wood, paper, textiles, and solid combustibles. We check the pressure gauge, hose and nozzle for blockages, and verify any anti-freeze additive. Extended service every 5 years.
Foam extinguishers (AFFF)
Cream label. Effective on Class A and Class B fires (flammable liquids such as petrol, oil, and solvents). We check foam concentrate condition, spray pattern, and pressure. Extended service every 5 years.
CO2 extinguishers
Black label. For Class B fires and electrical equipment. Testing includes a weight check against the stamped tare weight, horn and hose inspection, and valve check. Extended service every 10 years, including a hydraulic pressure test.
Dry powder extinguishers
Blue label. Covers Class A, B, and C fires (including flammable gases). Powder can compact over time, so we check for caking by inverting the unit and verifying free movement. Extended service every 5 years.
Wet chemical extinguishers
Yellow label. Purpose-built for Class F fires — cooking oils and fats — standard in commercial kitchens. We inspect the lance applicator, check the agent level, and verify mounting position. Extended service every 5 years.
All types covered
Our engineers carry the parts and agents needed for on-site servicing of every extinguisher type. If a unit fails its service, we can replace it on the spot from our van stock. No second visit required.
What is included in our fire extinguisher testing service
Every service visit follows BS 5306-3:2017. Here is what we cover:
Our service includes
- Visual inspection of each extinguisher for damage, corrosion, and correct placement
- Weight and pressure check against manufacturer specifications
- Hose, nozzle, and horn inspection for cracks, blockages, or deterioration
- Discharge test and recharge during extended service intervals
- Safety pin, tamper seal, and operating instructions check
- Label and signage check to confirm correct identification and BS compliance
- Wall bracket and cabinet mounting inspection
- Replacement recommendations for any unit beyond economical repair
- Service label applied to each extinguisher on completion
- Certificate of compliance issued for your records
Fire extinguisher testing costs
What you pay depends on the number of extinguishers and whether any units are due for extended service. Here are typical costs for an annual basic service visit:
| Premises size | Extinguishers | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small premises | 1 to 5 extinguishers | £60 – £120 |
| Medium premises | 6 to 15 extinguishers | £120 – £250 |
| Large premises | 15+ extinguishers | £250 – £450+ |
Extended services cost more due to the discharge, recharge, and parts involved. We quote these separately when your units are approaching their 5-year or 10-year interval.
We offer annual maintenance contracts that lock in fixed pricing and include a reminder service so you never miss a deadline. Contracts typically save 15-20% compared to one-off bookings.
Our fire extinguisher testing process
From booking to certificate in 5 steps
Book your service
Call us or fill in the form. We schedule around your operations to minimise disruption.
Engineer arrives
A BAFE registered engineer arrives with all necessary testing equipment and replacement stock.
Every unit tested
Each extinguisher is inspected and serviced to BS 5306-3:2017 standards. Failed units replaced on the spot.
Labels applied
Service labels fitted to every extinguisher. Any faults documented with recommendations.
Certificate issued
BS 5306-3 compliance certificate issued for your records, accepted by insurers and fire authorities.
512+
Projects Completed
25+
Years Experience
150+
UK Areas Covered
24hr
Report Turnaround
What our clients say
Trusted by 500+ UK businesses for fire safety compliance
“FireRisk.io completed our fire alarm testing within 24 hours when we were facing a compliance deadline. Professional, thorough, and the certificate was ready the same day.”
“Used this company for fire alarm testing and servicing across multiple properties. Always arrived on time and had the certificates back within 24 hours. Highly recommend.”
“Very professional and knowledgeable engineers. Great quality work on our fire alarm system and competitive pricing. Would definitely recommend.”
“Professional company, professional staff. Fire alarm testing and fire risk assessment both completed efficiently. Clear communication throughout.”
“FireRisk.io completed our fire alarm testing within 24 hours when we were facing a compliance deadline. Professional, thorough, and the certificate was ready the same day.”
“Used this company for fire alarm testing and servicing across multiple properties. Always arrived on time and had the certificates back within 24 hours. Highly recommend.”
“Very professional and knowledgeable engineers. Great quality work on our fire alarm system and competitive pricing. Would definitely recommend.”
“Professional company, professional staff. Fire alarm testing and fire risk assessment both completed efficiently. Clear communication throughout.”
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about fire extinguisher testing
Ready to book fire extinguisher testing?
BAFE registered engineers. BS 5306-3 compliant. Prices from £60. Compliance certificate included.
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Fire extinguisher testing across the UK
BAFE registered engineers available in every major region
Serving 150+ areas across England
Get a quote for fire extinguisher testing
BS 5306-3 compliant servicing from £60. Compliance certificate included.