Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers
Servicing of fire extinguishers
Servicing is in accordance with the ‘British Standards BS5306-3:2017 – Fire extinguishing installations and equipment on premises’.
In accordance with BS5306-3:2017 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order it is the duty of the responsible person to ensure that all extinguishers are maintained regularly by a competent person. Portable fire extinguishers are regarded as ‘life safety equipment’ and a planned system of maintenance is intended to ensure that the equipment is:
- In an efficient working state (safe)
- In working order (reliable)
- In good repair (efficient)
- Suitable for the hazard (fit for purpose)
Routine Testing (BS5306-3:2017 Section 6)
After commissioning, portable fire extinguishers are subject to four types of service dependant on the age of the extinguisher which is defined in Table 1 of BS5306-3:2017. All inspections should be carried out by a competent person and include a basic service, extended service, extinguisher recharge and extinguisher overhaul. Upon completion of each inspection a full written report should be provided which provides the current state of the extinguishers along with details of any extinguishers that are deemed unsuitable for the hazard.
Inspection and Servicing by Total Integrated Solutions Ltd
The following are required by BS5306-3:2017:
6.2 Basic service
A basic service is carried out to all extinguishers at least annually and includes the following safety checks:
- The extinguisher is still safe for use and fit for purpose;
- The hazard in the location has not changed
- The extinguisher has not been tampered with or used
- The media and propellant are within tolerances
- The extinguisher will work if required.
6.3 Extended service (low pressure extinguishers)
This service should be carried out every 5 or 10 years, dependant on the type of extinguisher, which is in addition to the basic service. Should your extinguishers require an extended service we will inform you in writing with the associated costs.
The extended service includes all items identified in the basic service along with the extinguisher being discharged to check its operation, the media will then be replaced with fresh.
6.4 Recharge
This level of service will be performed whenever an extinguisher is used or partially used, has been subjected to an extended service or overhaul, or has been found to have the correct mass during an inspection. Should your extinguishers require a recharge we will inform you in writing with the associated costs.
6.5 Overhaul
An overhaul is generally only performed on high pressure extinguishers which are primarily carbon dioxide units. Should your extinguishers require an overhaul we will inform you in writing with the associated costs.