Fire extinguishers often get forgotten about until an emergency happens. However just like any piece of safety equipment, they need regular checks to make sure they work properly.
UK law states they need to be serviced by a competent person once a year but also that visual inspections should be carried out by the Responsible Person at least once a month.
A damaged or empty extinguisher may fail when it is needed most and this is one reason why many businesses that maintain fire alarms Northamptonshire also arrange regular extinguisher servicing, as part of wider fire safety planning.
Why servicing matters
Extinguishers can lose pressure over time, or become damaged and these issues might not be obvious during a quick visual check, so regular servicing is needed to help spot these issues early and keep the equipment ready to use.
What happens during a service?
During a service, the extinguisher is checked for things like damage or corrosion, as well as pressure loss. Labels and instructions are also inspected to make sure they can still be read clearly and some extinguishers may need refilling or replacement if they are too old or damaged.
Extra guidance can be found through specialists in Fire Alarms Northamptonshire and elsewhere.
Simple checks between services
Basic visual checks can still help between professional visits by looking for dents or identifying missing safety pins. Extinguishers should also be easy to access and should never be blocked by furniture or storage.
Regular servicing helps give people peace of mind and supports safer buildings overall.