Fire Extinguisher Commissioning, Annual Servicing and Maintenance
Fire Extinguishers and fire fighting equipment come in a wide range of types and it can often be difficult to determine what you need, where you need it and how many you need. That’s where Velocity Safety make it simple.
From initial site surveys, installation and commissioning to the annual maintenance and servicing or extended servicing we’ve got you covered.
Extinguishers We Service & Maintain
- Water (standard, spray, plus, mist, and anti-freeze variants for outdoor or unheated areas)
- Foam (AFFF and alcohol-resistant foam (AR-AFFF) types)
- Dry Powder (ABC and specialist powders such as Monnex, BC)
- CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide)
- Wet Chemical (kitchen and catering environments)
- Lith-Ex (for lithium battery risks)
- Specialist Units including trolley-mounted extinguishers and niche applications
How Often Do Fire Extinguishers Need Servicing?
Fire extinguishers must be kept in good working order under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5306. Regular servicing makes sure every extinguisher will actually work when it’s needed in an emergency – not just when the paperwork is checked.
At a minimum:
- Annual Basic Service – every extinguisher on site must be serviced once a year by a competent person.
- Extended Service / Overhaul – every 5 years for water, foam, dry powder, and wet chemical units; every 10 years for CO₂.
- Monthly In-House Checks – simple visual checks for damage, pressure gauge, tamper seal, and signage should be logged internally.
Staying on top of these intervals avoids non-compliance, costly fines, and worst of all – equipment that fails in an emergency.
Not sure if your extinguishers are up to date? Book a compliance check today – we cover everything from local sites in Burnley and Bolton to national contracts.
Fire Extinguisher Annual Servicing: What you need to know
It is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 (RRFSO) and BS:5306-3 that firefighting equipment is commissioned at installation, serviced and maintained in good working order by a competent person. Fire extinguishers should be manufactured to EN3 and maintained to ensure they are fit for use in the event of a fire.
Commissioning
This is completed when the fire extinguisher is first purchased and put into first potential use.
Basic Servicing
This is a basic service completed on an annual basis.
Extended Servicing/Overhaul
In addition to the annual basic service, extinguishers require an extended service at set intervals. This is to complete a visual inspection of the pressurised cylinder, service the handle assembly, valve, and replace the extinguishing media.
The majority of stored pressure water, foam, dry powder, and wet chemical extinguishers this is completed every 5 years.
CO2 extinguishers are every 10 years.
All our fire extinguisher engineers and servicing technicians have attended and successfully completed the independently assessed BAFE examination with the Fire Protection Association (FPA).
We are able to advise you on the correct selection, positioning and number of extinguishers and more importantly cross reference the necessary legislation or standard. Providing you peace of mind that you meet your legislative obligations without spending money unnecessarily.
Our Fire Extinguisher Servicing Process – Straightforward & BS 5306-Compliant
Every visit follows a clear, documented process. That way, your extinguishers aren’t just inspected – they’re traceable, logged, and proven compliant.
1. Site Survey & Extinguisher Inventory
We record each extinguisher’s type, size, location, and service history to build a complete asset list.
2. Visual Inspection & Signage Review
Our engineer checks for corrosion, dents, damaged hoses, missing pins, incorrect mounting, and ensures every extinguisher has the correct fire safety signage.
3. Weight & Pressure Checks
Each extinguisher is weighed and gauge readings are taken to confirm it’s still safe and effective.
4. Maintenance & Service Tag Updates
We replace O-rings, test hoses, clean the unit, and update maintenance labels so your records are always current.
5. Service Report & Compliance Record
You’ll receive a written record of every extinguisher serviced, plus recommendations for refills, extended servicing, or replacements. All records align with BS 5306-3 and are suitable for insurers, landlords, and auditors.
Unsure if your extinguishers will pass an audit? We’ll flag issues and give you the most cost-effective fix – no pushy sales, just straight compliance advice.
Fire Safety Compliance You Can Trust
Under UK fire safety law, extinguishers must be serviced and maintained by a competent person. Velocity Safety makes this straightforward by aligning every inspection with the latest British Standards – giving you clear documentation and full traceability for insurers, landlords, and auditors.
Aligned with:
- BS 5306-3 – Commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers
- BS 5306-8 – Selection and positioning of extinguishers
- BS 5306-9 – Recharging of extinguishers
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Legal requirement for equipment to be maintained by a competent person
Every service visit is documented, logged, and labelled for full traceability – giving you a clear compliance trail for insurers, auditors, and landlords.
Why Choose Velocity Safety for Fire Extinguisher Servicing?
Keeping extinguishers compliant is about more than ticking off a checklist – it’s about working with someone who knows the standards inside out, and who you can trust not to push unnecessary costs. With Velocity Safety, you get direct access to an experienced, fully qualified engineer who keeps compliance simple and transparent.
extinguisher requirements
- Fully Qualified Engineer – Trained by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and BAFE-accredited.
- 12+ Years’ Experience – Supporting workplaces across the North West and nationwide.
- Independent & Straightforward – No upsells, just honest compliance advice.
- Standards-Driven – All work carried out to BS 5306-3, -8, and -9 Codes of Practice.
- Recognised Expertise – NEBOSH Fire & Risk Management certified.
- Trusted Equipment – Stockist of Commander fire extinguishers and spares.
- Fully Insured & Documented – With compliant labelling and service reports suitable for insurers and audits.
Built for Real Workplaces – and Real People
Fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in almost every workplace, but the risks and compliance demands vary across different environments. A factory floor faces different challenges to a care home or school – which is why Velocity Safety tailors servicing to your sector while keeping everything aligned with BS 5306.
Facilities & Estate Managers
From office blocks to multi-site estates in Manchester, Blackburn, and beyond, we make compliance straightforward with BS 5306-aligned servicing, clear reporting, and scheduled reminders.
Manufacturing & Engineering Sites
We handle large volumes of extinguishers across production floors, warehouses, and plant rooms – common in hubs like Preston, Bolton, and the wider North West – with full asset logging for insurers, HSE, and audit requirements.
Warehousing & Logistics
Busy distribution centres in Warrington, Burnley, and Manchester depend on correct extinguisher positioning. We check, tag, and certify every unit with minimal disruption to operations.
Schools, Colleges & Universities
From classrooms and labs in Bury and Rochdale to halls and kitchens across Lancashire, we keep education estates compliant – with traceable records suitable for governors, auditors, and local authorities.
Healthcare & Care Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, and care homes in Greater Manchester and across the North West demand strict compliance. We provide documented servicing with reports suitable for CQC inspections and insurer requirements.
Retail, Leisure & Hospitality
From gyms and cinemas in Preston to shops and hotels across Lancashire, we carry out servicing discreetly and efficiently, keeping customers safe without disrupting business.
Construction & Fit-Out Projects
Temporary fire points on building sites and refurbishments – from Manchester city centre to regional housing projects – need servicing too. We test, tag, and certify units so sites stay compliant from day one.
Public Sector & Local Authorities
We support councils, housing providers, and government estates across Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and the wider North West with reliable servicing across diverse building types – all with clear, auditable records.
What Others Say About Us…
From schools to workshops, businesses trust us to keep their extinguishers serviced, safe, and ready when it matters.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Fire Extinguisher Servicing Near You
We carry out BS 5306–compliant fire extinguisher servicing and annual maintenance for workplaces across the North West and Yorkshire. Every extinguisher is checked, tested, tagged and documented correctly, giving you clear records for audits, insurers and day-to-day fire safety.
Fire extinguisher servicing is regularly provided in:
FAQs – Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Fire safety compliance isn’t just about having extinguishers – it’s about keeping them in working order. Here’s what you need to know:
How often do extinguishers need servicing?
Every 12 months at minimum. Annual servicing is required under BS 5306-3 and the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order.
Who can legally service fire extinguishers?
Only a ‘competent person’ – usually someone trained and certified in BS 5306-3 servicing. Our engineers meet that standard.
What happens if my extinguishers fail inspection?
We’ll flag any non-compliant units and advise on replacements or refills. We never push upsells – just honest advice.
Do I need different extinguishers for different areas?
Yes. Kitchens, workshops, server rooms, and office spaces may require different extinguisher types. We can audit and advise.
Can you service all extinguisher types?
Yes – including water (standard and anti-freeze), foam (AFFF and alcohol-resistant AR-AFFF), dry powder, CO₂, and wet chemical units. We also service trolley-mounted and specialist extinguishers where required.
What’s included in a basic service?
External checks, weight and pressure tests, O-ring replacements, tamper seals, cleaning, and tagging.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes. We provide a full service report confirming compliance – suitable for insurers, landlords, and fire safety audits.
What if I have old or unused extinguishers?
We can decommission and safely dispose of out-of-date or surplus extinguishers as part of our service.
What temperatures can fire extinguishers be stored in?
Most extinguishers should be stored between +5°C and +60°C. Below freezing, water and foam units can be damaged unless antifreeze is added. In very hot conditions, pressure can rise inside the cylinder. Where extremes are likely, protective cabinets or relocation are recommended.
Do I need cabinets or covers for my extinguishers?
In exposed or high-traffic environments, cabinets and covers protect extinguishers from weather, dust, or accidental damage. Indoors, they’re often used in busy areas to prolong equipment life and ensure extinguishers remain compliant.
Can you service fire extinguishers near me?
Yes – our engineers carry out BS 5306-compliant fire extinguisher servicing across the North West, with regular visits in Accrington, Manchester, Oldham, Southport, Rossendale, Leyland, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, West Cumbria, Kendal, Carlisle, Blackpool. Chorley, Lancaster, Ormskirk & Skelmersdale, Ribble Valley, St Helens, North Wales and Burnley.
Whether you run a warehouse in Wigan, a care home in Bury, or a school in Rochdale, we’ll make sure every unit is tested, tagged, and fully compliant.
Do you provide fire extinguisher servicing outside the North West?
We do. While our core base is in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, we also support national clients with sites across the UK. From offices in London to manufacturing facilities in Birmingham and Glasgow, we provide the same BS 5306-compliant service – with clear reporting and flexible scheduling for multi-site contracts.
Other Fire Extinguisher Services Available
Our servicing work is part of a complete fire safety compliance package. We handle everything from installation to inspection, certification, and safe disposal – keeping your business covered throughout the full lifecycle of each unit.
- Fire Extinguisher Supply & Installation – Professional supply and setup of new extinguishers, fully logged and commissioned in accordance with BS 5306-3.
- Fire Extinguisher Commissioning & Decommissioning – Safe installation and compliant end-of-life removal of extinguishers, complete with documentation for your fire logbook.
- Fire Extinguisher Surveys & Compliance Audits – Independent site audits, asset registers, and BS 5306 gap analysis to verify correct coverage and positioning.
- Scaffold Fire Point Stands – Purpose-built scaffold-mounted fire points for construction sites, keeping extinguishers, alarms and emergency equipment accessible at height.
- Fire Extinguisher Cabinets, Trolleys & Accessories – Durable protective equipment to keep extinguishers visible, accessible, and ready for inspection.
- Fire Extinguisher Signage – BS 5306-8 compliant fire point and identification signage installed across all extinguisher locations.
- Fire Extinguisher Disposal – Licensed collection and recycling of expired or damaged extinguishers with full environmental traceability.
Whether you’re arranging annual servicing, installing new extinguishers, or preparing for an audit, Velocity Safety provides the expertise and compliance documentation you need to stay fully covered.
Whatever your fire extinguisher requirements, you can be sure you’re in honest, reliable and safe hands. Contact Velocity Safety today on 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Request a Fire Extinguisher Service Visit
Stay legally covered and fully protected. We inspect and service all extinguisher types in line with BS 5306 – with engineer reports, refills and replacements handled on-site.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
