Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices designed to control or extinguish small fires in emergency situations. They’re a key component to keeping sites and people safe, but simply having a fire extinguisher on hand is not enough. In this blog, we cover why it’s essential fire extinguishers are regularly inspected.
In the UK, there is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, which is a legal requirement that employers, owners and occupiers of business premises must adhere to. The reform states that fire risk assessments of the site must be carried out and the appropriate measures put in place to reduce fire risks.
A key part of fire risk assessments is the provision and upkeep of fire extinguishers. The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017, which is a key document providing guidelines on the commissioning, maintaining, and recharging of portable fire extinguishers, sets out how and when inspections should be conducted. The BS 5306-3:2017 is not a legal requirement, but following it is highly recommended to be in compliance with fire safety laws.
According to the BS 5306-3:2017, businesses should carry out monthly visual inspections of their fire extinguishers, which can be carried out internally by trained employees, as well as an annual maintenance check, which should be carried out by a professional and qualified fire technician.
If your business doesn’t adhere to the legal requirements in fire safety, then you could experience fines, legal action or even imprisonment if your negligence to the law results in injury or death.
In line with the BS 5306-3:2017, annual fire extinguisher inspections should be carried out by a trained professional, who will be a certified engineer. They will carry out in-depth testing of the fire extinguishers to ensure they have not been tampered with and are still in good working order. They will also recharge any fire extinguishers if necessary.
It’s also important that monthly visual fire extinguisher checks are carried out internally by the business or nominated responsible person. These inspections should include:
There are five main reasons why regular fire extinguisher inspections are important.
A fire extinguisher is completely useless if it is not working properly. It can also create a false sense of security! If regular fire extinguisher inspections are not carried out then there is no way of knowing if they are functioning correctly, until it is too late. In an inspection, the following components should be checked to ensure proper functionality:
We’ve already mentioned the legal requirements of regular fire extinguisher inspections such as the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Businesses must remain compliant with industry standards and fire safety regulations to avoid legal consequences and to ensure they are keeping their sites and people safe.
In accordance with the BS 5306-3:2017 standard, monthly visual fire extinguisher inspections and a more comprehensive annual service by a trained professional should be carried out to remain compliant.
If a business does not comply, there may be significant penalties, e.g. void insurance claims if a fire did break out or criminal prosecution. The reality is that the legal and financial implications of neglecting fire extinguisher inspections far outweigh the relatively small cost of regular maintenance.
An often overlooked reason why fire extinguisher inspections are important is the peace of mind they can bring to many businesses and organisations, especially schools and hospitals or accommodation blocks that contain a high volume of people. Knowing that fire extinguishers are regularly checked and are in good working order will make people and occupants feel safe and secure, knowing that there are means to suppress a fire if needed.
Fire extinguishers are an investment, and they require upkeep to ensure their longevity. Regular inspections help identify potential issues early on, preventing minor problems from escalating into major repairs or replacements. A well-maintained fire extinguisher can last for many years, providing reliable protection as long as it is routinely checked.
Neglecting regular inspections can result in early deterioration, due to unnoticed issues leading to costly repairs that could have been avoided if they were just inspected regularly.
Fire extinguishers can be very effective in suppressing fire, but only if they are working properly. In fact, 93% of fires are extinguished by portable fire extinguishers. A properly maintained fire extinguisher allows for a swift and effective response, potentially preventing further escalation, damage or even death. Usually the first line of defence, regular inspections ensure that your extinguisher will be ready to perform when needed, giving users confidence in its functionality during a critical moment.
In the UK, regular fire extinguisher inspections are not only a legal requirement but an essential part of any effective fire safety strategy. Fire Safety Express, part of the BusinessWatch Group, are professionals in all things fire safety and are experienced in fire safety inspections. Trusted by leading UK organisations, we also provide effective fire extinguisher training, so your employees can feel confident carrying out your internal checks.
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