How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Tested in the UK?
BS 5306-3 sets three cadences: monthly visual checks, annual basic service, 5-year extended service (10 for CO₂). Skipping any of them is one of the most common enforcement findings.
The three cadences
Under BS 5306-3, every fire extinguisher needs:
1. Monthly — Visual user inspection by the Responsible Person 2. Annual — Basic service by a competent technician 3. 5 years — Extended service (full discharge, refill, recharge) 4. 10 years — Overhaul (CO₂ extinguishers only)
The monthly visual check
A user check takes about 60 seconds per extinguisher. Look for:
- Extinguisher present in its designated location
- Pressure gauge in the green zone (if fitted)
- Tamper seal intact
- No visible damage to the body or operating mechanism
- ID sign and "fire point" signage in place
- Hose / horn unobstructed
Record the check in the logbook. Missed monthly checks are a frequent FRA action point.
The annual basic service
A competent BAFE SP101-aligned technician will:
- Weigh the extinguisher and compare to manufacturer spec
- Inspect for corrosion, damage and incorrect refilling
- Test the operating mechanism
- Replace tamper seals
- Update the service label
- Issue a certificate
If the extinguisher fails any check, it is condemned and replaced.
The 5-year extended service
Every 5 years (water, foam, powder, wet chemical) the extinguisher must be:
- Fully discharged
- Internally inspected
- Refilled with fresh extinguishing agent
- Pressure-tested
- Recharged
This is the most expensive routine intervention and the one most commonly skipped — at significant risk.
The CO₂ 10-year overhaul
CO₂ cylinders are subject to pressure vessel regulations and require:
- 10-year hydraulic pressure test, OR
- Replacement of the cylinder
This is often more economical to replace than test.
P50 service-free extinguishers
P50 composite extinguishers (10-year manufacturer guarantee) need:
- Monthly visual user checks
- Annual visual inspection (no service charge)
- 10-year overhaul
These reduce lifecycle costs but the up-front cost is higher.
What enforcement officers check
- Tamper seals intact
- Service labels in date
- Monthly visual check logbook current
- Position consistent with BS 5306-8 (30m travel distance, fire class match)
MetroFire delivers BS 5306-3 servicing, P50 supply and BS 5306-8 site surveys across London and the South East. Book a service.
