Fire extinguisher servicing
to British Standard.
Fire extinguishers are only effective if they are properly maintained. An extinguisher that has not been serviced may fail to operate when needed - leaving your staff, customers and premises at risk. RTF Compliance provides fire extinguisher servicing across Essex to British Standard BS 5306-3, the recognised standard for the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.
Richard services and supplies all types of extinguisher for commercial premises, landlords, offices, schools, warehouses and hospitality venues throughout Chelmsford and Essex. No long-term contracts are required - book annually and receive your service certificate on the day.
Legal requirement: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a legal duty on the Responsible Person to ensure that fire-fighting equipment is maintained in good working order. British Standard BS 5306-3 provides the recognised maintenance schedule that satisfies this duty.
Service types explained
BS 5306-3 specifies three levels of service depending on the age and type of extinguisher:
| Service type | Frequency | What's involved |
|---|---|---|
| Basic service | Annually | Full visual inspection, weight check, pressure check, tamper seal replaced, label updated |
| Extended service | Every 5 years | All of the above plus partial discharge and internal examination |
| Overhaul | Every 10 years | Full discharge, complete internal inspection, hydrostatic pressure test, recharge and refurbishment |
Where an extinguisher fails any part of the service or is beyond economic repair, RTF Compliance can supply and install a replacement of the correct type on the same visit.
Types of extinguisher serviced
RTF Compliance services all recognised types of portable fire extinguisher:
- Water extinguishers - Class A fires (solid combustibles)
- Foam extinguishers - Class A and B fires (liquids)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishers - electrical equipment and Class B fires
- Dry powder extinguishers - Class A, B and C fires (gases)
- Wet chemical extinguishers - Class F fires (cooking oils and fats)
- Water mist extinguishers - multi-class fires and electrical equipment
Supply and installation
As well as servicing existing extinguishers, RTF Compliance can supply and install new extinguishers of the correct type and size for your premises. If you are unsure which extinguisher types you need, or whether your current provision meets the requirements of your fire risk assessment, Richard can advise during the visit.
Who needs extinguisher servicing?
Any premises that holds fire extinguishers as part of its fire safety provision is legally required to have them maintained. This includes virtually all commercial and public premises in Essex:
- Offices, serviced offices and co-working spaces
- Shops, restaurants, cafes and licensed premises
- Warehouses, factories and industrial sites
- Schools, colleges and nurseries
- Hotels, care homes and residential facilities
- Landlords with commercial or HMO properties
- Churches, community halls and sports facilities