Purpose
This policy sets out the procedures for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers in accordance with BS 5306-3:2017. It ensures that all extinguishers remain compliant, operational, and fit for use in an emergency.
Rationale
Fire extinguishers are essential for suppressing small fires before they escalate. However, without regular servicing, they may fail due to corrosion, damage, or pressure loss—putting lives and property at risk. This policy ensures ongoing reliability and compliance with statutory fire safety standards.
Scope
This policy applies to all types of portable fire extinguishers (water, foam, dry powder, CO₂, wet chemical) located on client premises managed under our maintenance programmes.
Maintenance Requirements
1. Periodic Servicing by a Competent Person
Extinguishers must be inspected and serviced by a competent person—defined as an individual trained, assessed, and equipped to work in compliance with BS 5306-3:2017.
Service intervals are typically annual, but BS 5306-3:2017 permits risk-based frequencies depending on the environment, criticality, or defect history.
The service shall include:
- Visual and internal inspection for corrosion, damage, or leakage
- Verification of pressure or cartridge weight
- Discharge valve and mechanism checks
- Cleaning of hoses, nozzles, and discharge paths
- Replacement of tamper seals, pins, and defective parts
- Application of a durable inspection label with service date and engineer ID
Each extinguisher is classified as:
- In service – suitable for continued use
- Out of service – requiring rectification
- Condemned – permanently removed from use
2. User Monthly Visual Inspections
The responsible person must complete a basic inspection at least monthly to ensure:
- Extinguishers are present, unobstructed, and correctly mounted
- No signs of damage, tampering, or leakage
- Pressure gauges are in the correct operating range
3. Extended Servicing and Discharge Testing
Extinguishers must be subject to complete discharge testing and overhaul at prescribed intervals:
- Water, foam, and powder extinguishers: every 5 years
- CO₂ extinguishers: every 10 years
These tests confirm correct operation and offer practical training opportunities where permitted.
4. Immediate Recharge After Use
Any extinguisher used in full or in part must be recharged immediately, inspected, and returned to service with updated labelling.
Documentation & Compliance
Each serviced extinguisher must bear a permanent inspection label, and a written service report must be issued to the responsible person. This documentation must be retained as part of the fire safety record and be available for inspection.
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