Fire extinguishers are vital in workplaces and are a vital defence against fire. They are only worth their while if they are correctly maintained, however, and can be relied on to operate properly should a blaze break out.
Along with fire alarms Northamptonshire fitted by companies such as https://firealarmsystems.co.uk/, extinguishers are essential under the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005. Regular maintenance, therefore, ensures legal compliance, along with reliability and cost-effectiveness. Extinguishers that are well-maintained will last longer, meaning less regular maintenance.
Damaged or faulty extinguishers can also be a safety risk themselves and without regular checks, they can lose pressure, go past their lifespan, or have hidden damage.
Legal requirements
The law says that businesses must keep fire extinguishers in good working order and the British Standard BS 5306-3 has maintenance requirements. This includes monthly checks by a person made responsible for the extinguishers to ensure accessibility, proper maintenance, and that they have no damage.
Annual servicing is also required. This needs to be carried out by a qualified technician and will involve inspecting, and then certifying each unit.
Time to replace or repair
Most fire extinguishers will typically need replacing or extended servicing every five years, although this is extended to every decade for CO? extinguishers.
Failing to comply with UK legal requirements for fire extinguishers, including keeping them properly maintained, can have serious consequences. They can mean a lack of protection for property and people, which can have dire consequences, and also lead to serious legal penalties.