Do you know if your fire extinguishers will work when you need them?

BS5306-3 advises that fire extinguishers should be serviced every 12 months and be inspected by a competent person/technician, this is known as a "basic service". BS5306-3 also advises that "user checks" should be carried out on fire extinguishers once a month. A record of the technicians report and user checks should be kept with the building/business's H&S documentation to ensure all H&S fire extinguisher compliance and legal obligations are fulfilled.

In the current climate and as a result of the lock down measures many business's have closed to the public and postponed many fire extinguisher routine maintenance inspections to assist in reducing the spread of COVID-19. It is now even more essential that business owners & managers should know how to carry out user checks. This will ensure fire extinguishers remain in operable condition in anticipation of reopening to the public.

User checks... what to look for.

1. Check the tamper seal is not broken.
2. Check the pressure gauge is in the green. (This applies to Water,Foam & Powder fire extinguishers)
3. Check the fire extinguisher for any visible damage to the fire extinguisher handle and body.
4. Check the hose or horn is not missing.
5. Record that you have completed the checks in your H&S manual.

What to do if you find any issues.

1. If you have found a broken tamper seal you should report this to Trusted Fire Protection as the fire extinguisher will require inspecting to ensure it has not been partially used.
2. If you find a fire extinguisher pressure gauge that is in the red you should report this to Trusted Fire Protection the fire extinguisher should be removed from service until an inspection can be carried out, this is also the same if you find a fire extinguisher that has damage or is missing a hose/horn.

Need more help?

For help with your fire extinguisher servicing requirements please contact our expert team today. Call 0113 880 5235 or email [email protected].