Site survey
Identify fire classes, special hazards, floor area, travel distances, users and suitable positions.
Selection, siting and maintenance
Fire extinguisher servicing in London and Surrey
Arrange suitable extinguisher provision, commissioning or maintenance for your premises and request a service quote across London and Surrey.
Service overview
What fire extinguisher servicing involves
Portable fire extinguishers can help trained people deal with a small fire or support escape, but only when the equipment is appropriate to the hazard, safely located and maintained. They do not replace detection, warning, safe escape routes or calling the fire and rescue service.
The type and quantity should follow the fire risk assessment and a competent survey. Adding unsuitable units can introduce danger—for example, using water on live electrical equipment or selecting an extinguisher that is impractical for the intended users.
Start with the fire risk assessment. It should identify the precautions needed for the actual premises and explain how this service fits the emergency plan and wider fire-safety arrangements. Read the fire risk assessment guide.
Scope of work
Services you may need
A quotation should state exactly which parts of the work are included and who is responsible for design decisions, access, certification and any remedial work.
Supply and commissioning
Provide suitable equipment, confirm correct assembly and pressure, install identification signs and record commissioning.
Basic service
Inspect condition, components, pressure or weight, operating instructions, location and service history.
Extended service or overhaul
Carry out the deeper maintenance appropriate to the extinguisher type and age, or replace where this is safer or more economical.
Refilling and replacement
Deal with discharged, damaged, condemned or obsolete equipment and provide suitable temporary cover where required.
Records and asset labels
Update service labels, asset schedules and the premises fire-safety logbook.
Building-specific requirements
Common extinguisher types and uses
The examples below are a guide, not a specification. The appropriate solution must follow the premises risk, use, relevant standards and any existing fire strategy.
Water-based
Commonly used for Class A fires involving solid materials; variants include water additive, foam and water mist.
Carbon dioxide
Often provided for electrical risks and some flammable-liquid risks; it leaves no residue but has specific handling and enclosure hazards.
Dry powder
Can cover several fire classes but may impair visibility, affect breathing and contaminate equipment, so indoor use needs careful justification.
Wet chemical
Designed principally for high-temperature cooking-oil and fat risks, commonly in commercial kitchens.
Law and recognised guidance
Requirements and standards
British Standards are codes of practice rather than legislation in themselves. They can nevertheless provide recognised evidence of good practice and may be referenced by fire strategies, contracts, insurers and enforcing authorities.
Fire Safety Order 2005
Requires appropriate firefighting equipment where necessary and a suitable maintenance system for equipment provided for safety.
BS 5306-8:2023
Current code of practice for selecting and positioning portable fire extinguishers.
BS 5306-3:2017
Current code of practice, under review, for commissioning and maintaining portable fire extinguishers.
Product and environmental requirements
Equipment and servicing must also account for product standards, pressure safety, extinguishing media and lawful disposal.
Testing and maintenance
How often should fire extinguishers be checked and serviced?
Intervals vary by equipment, condition and risk. The responsible person should combine routine visual checks with competent-person maintenance and act immediately after discharge or damage.
- 1
Routine visual checks
Check that each unit is present, accessible, unobstructed, apparently undamaged, correctly pressurised where a gauge is fitted and has legible instructions.
- 2
Annual basic service
BAFE guidance drawing on BS 5306-3 states that all extinguishers should receive a basic service at least annually by a competent person.
- 3
Extended service or overhaul
Deeper maintenance is due at intervals that depend on the extinguisher type; many water-based, foam and powder units follow a different cycle from carbon dioxide units.
- 4
After use or damage
Any discharged, partially discharged, damaged or suspect extinguisher should be taken out of normal reliance and assessed promptly.
Common findings
Problems that should not be ignored
A failed test, damaged component or undocumented change should be assessed and dealt with according to its effect on life safety—not simply left until the next scheduled visit.
Missing or obstructed units
Equipment cannot help if it has moved, is hidden, blocked or mounted beyond practical reach.
Wrong extinguisher for the hazard
Changes to cooking, electrical equipment, fuels or processes can make earlier provision unsuitable.
Pressure loss or damage
Corrosion, dents, broken seals, missing pins, damaged hoses or gauge problems require attention.
Outdated asset records
Service labels and schedules should match the extinguishers actually present and their maintenance history.
From enquiry to records
How arranging the work normally proceeds
- 1
Describe the premises
Share the postcode, building use, size, current provision and the work or problem you need addressed.
- 2
Clarify the scope
A provider may ask for documents, photographs, asset numbers, access details or a preliminary survey.
- 3
Review the quotation
Check what is included, exclusions, standards, certification, timescale, remedial rates and reporting.
- 4
Arrange the visit
Coordinate access, occupants, isolations and any temporary precautions needed while work is underway.
- 5
Keep the records
Retain reports, certificates, asset schedules, test results and evidence that identified defects were resolved.
Planning a quotation
What affects extinguishers costs?
Useful quotations are based on the actual scope and condition, not a single headline price.
Quantity and type
The number of units and specialist media needed for the hazards.
Service condition
Whether units pass basic service or need parts, refilling, extended service or replacement.
Premises layout
Floors, separate buildings, access and travel between assets.
Documentation
Existing asset lists, labels and service history can reduce survey and reconciliation time.
Choosing a provider
Check competence for the exact work
Ask who will survey, design, install, commission, inspect or maintain the provision and what evidence supports their competence for that role. Check relevant experience, insurance, third-party certification where applicable, reporting, exclusions and how defects will be prioritised.
BAFE SP101
BAFE SP101 covers portable fire extinguisher organisations and their employed technicians. Verify that both the organisation and attending technician hold appropriate current status.
Check the relevant BAFE schemeRelated precautions
Fire safety works as a system
Changes to one measure can affect detection, escape, compartmentation, lighting, signs, equipment and the emergency plan. Keep the fire risk assessment and records aligned.
Frequently asked questions
Fire extinguisher servicing FAQs
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
A competent-person basic service is normally carried out at least annually, alongside routine visual checks by the responsible person. Extended service or overhaul intervals depend on the extinguisher type, age and current standard.
How many fire extinguishers does a business need?
There is no safe universal number. Provision depends on floor area, fire classes, layout, travel distances, special hazards and the fire risk assessment. A competent survey should confirm the selection and siting.
Do new extinguishers need commissioning?
Yes. Commissioning at the premises confirms that equipment is assembled, suitable, correctly located and ready for service; it is more than accepting a product straight from a box.
Can I service my own extinguishers?
Routine visual checks can be managed in-house by someone who understands what to look for. Technical servicing should be carried out by a competent extinguisher technician with suitable equipment, knowledge and access to parts and procedures.
Should powder extinguishers be used inside offices?
Powder can be effective for some hazards but can reduce visibility, affect breathing and cause widespread contamination. Its use indoors should be specifically justified rather than treated as a default.
Service-specific enquiry
Request a quote for extinguishers
Tell us about the premises and the work required. Your enquiry can be reviewed and passed to a suitable provider serving London or Surrey.
- No obligation to proceed
- Telephone number required for useful follow-up
- Use the details box for faults, deadlines or access constraints
Sources and scope
Guidance reviewed 21 July 2026
This page provides general information for premises in England. Requirements depend on the fire risk assessment, building, people at risk and work scope. It is not a design, inspection, legal opinion or substitute for competent site-specific advice.