Fire Extinguisher Servicing
Certified maintenance and annual inspections to ensure your first-line fire defense equipment is pressurized, functional, and ready for immediate use.
Service Overview
At Greensurv, we know that a fire extinguisher is only effective if it works the second you squeeze the lever. Over time, extinguishers can lose pressure, chemicals can settle, and nozzles can become blocked, rendering them useless in an emergency. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all business premises must have their fire extinguishers serviced annually by a competent person. Our technicians provide rigorous, UK-standard maintenance following BS 5306-3 protocols. We don’t just "check the gauge"; we perform a comprehensive physical and mechanical audit of every unit on your site. Whether you have Water, CO2, Foam, or Powder extinguishers, Greensurv ensures that your equipment is compliant, visible, and capable of tackling a fire before it spreads.
Statutory Annual Maintenance and Physical Inspection
Our annual service is a deep-dive into the health of each extinguisher. We ensure that the internal contents and the external shell are in perfect condition to handle high-pressure discharge.
Testing the accuracy of the gauge to ensure the propellant hasn't leaked over time.
For water and foam units, we check the condition of the liquid; for powder units, we ensure the powder is free-flowing and not "caked."
Weighing CO2 canisters to detect even the slightest gas loss that wouldn't show on a gauge.
Checking for blockages, cracks, or perishing in the delivery tubes that could obstruct the flow.
Installing new anti-tamper seals to provide a visual guarantee that the unit hasn't been used.
Strategic Placement and Compliance Labeling
A serviced extinguisher is only useful if it’s in the right place and easy to find. We audit the "Fire Points" across your building to ensure your equipment matches the specific fire risks in each room.
Ensuring Class B risks (flammable liquids) have Foam/CO2 and electrical risks have non-conductive agents.
Checking that units are securely wall-mounted or on stands and accompanied by high-visibility ID signs.
Updating the service clothing/label on every unit with the technician's details and the next service date.
Ensuring extinguishers are not hidden behind furniture or blocked by stock, maintaining a clear path for users.
Updating your Fire Safety Logbook with a full asset register of all extinguishers and their test results.
Key Benefits
Legal Compliance
Meet the strict requirements of BS 5306-3 and stay on the right side of Fire Authority inspections.
Cost Efficiency
Regular servicing extends the life of your equipment, preventing the need for expensive premature replacements.
Life and Property Safety
Reliable extinguishers can stop a small fire from becoming a total loss, protecting lives and business assets
Insurance Validation
Insurance providers often require proof of professional annual servicing to maintain your policy coverage.
Our Process
STEP 01
Asset Inventory
Our Greensurv technician identifies and logs every extinguisher on your site, noting its type, age, and location.
STEP 02
Technical Inspection
We perform a point-by-point mechanical check, replacing small parts like O-rings, safety pins, and seals as part of the service.
STEP 03
Discharge Testing (Extended Service)
Every 5 or 10 years (depending on the type), we perform an "Extended Service" which involves test-discharging, internally inspecting, and refilling the unit.
STEP 04
Certification
Once the site is compliant, we issue a Certificate of Inspection, providing you with a legal audit trail for your fire safety records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
In the UK, a "Basic Service" is legally required every 12 months. An "Extended Service" (overhaul) is usually required every 5 years for water/foam and every 10 years for CO2.
Can I check the extinguishers myself?
You should do a monthly visual check for obvious damage, but the annual service must be carried out by a "Competent Person" with the right tools and training, like our team at Greensurv.
What does the "Red Seal" mean?
The anti-tamper seal ensures the pin hasn't been pulled. If the seal is broken, the extinguisher must be serviced and re-sealed immediately.
When should a fire extinguisher be replaced?
If the body is corroded, the weight is significantly off, or it fails a pressure test, it must be replaced. Most extinguishers have a total lifespan of 10–20 years if well-maintained.
Why is CO2 measured by weight instead of a gauge?
CO2 is stored as a high-pressure liquid; because of its physics, a gauge wouldn't show a drop in pressure until it was almost empty. Weighing it is the only accurate way to check for leaks.