Reviewed by qualified compliance practitioners·Last updated 30 April 2026
Fire Extinguishers — Plain English Guide
Straight answers about fire extinguishers: when you need them, what types you need, how often they should be serviced, and when they should be replaced. Written for landlords, business owners, and people in charge of buildings.
Looking for the technical detail? Read the version for professionals → BS 5306-3 (commissioning and maintenance), BS 5306-8 (selection and positioning), and competence requirements.
What are fire extinguishers?
Portable devices used to put out small fires.
Are fire extinguishers a legal requirement?
In effect, yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires you to provide appropriate firefighting equipment.
For almost all premises, that means fire extinguishers. The number, type, and location is determined by your fire risk assessment.
Do I need fire extinguishers for my business?
Yes. They are the simplest way to deal with a fire early and protect people and property.
Why do businesses actually have fire extinguishers?
To stop small fires becoming big ones. They reduce damage, risk, and downtime.
Who is responsible for fire extinguishers?
You are. If you manage or control the building, it's your responsibility.
How many fire extinguishers do I need?
It depends on your building. They must be suitable for the risks and easy to access. Your fire risk assessment should specify the number, type, and location.
Where should fire extinguishers be located?
Near exits and fire risks. They should be clearly visible and easy to reach.
What types of fire extinguishers are there?
Water, foam, CO2, powder, and wet chemical.
What is a water fire extinguisher used for?
Class A fires. Materials like wood, paper, and fabric.
What is a foam fire extinguisher used for?
Liquid fires. For example: petrol or diesel.
What is a CO2 fire extinguisher used for?
Electrical fires. Safe for use on live equipment.
What is a powder fire extinguisher used for?
Multiple fire types — but it creates mess and is not ideal indoors.
What is a wet chemical extinguisher used for?
Cooking oils and fats. Typically used in kitchens.
Do I need different types of fire extinguishers?
Yes. Different fires require different extinguishers.
Do fire extinguishers need servicing?
Yes. They must be maintained to ensure they work properly.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced?
Annually. A competent engineer should inspect each extinguisher every year.
Do fire extinguishers need monthly checks?
Yes. A quick visual check to make sure they are in place and not damaged.
What is checked during a monthly inspection?
Location, pressure gauge, damage, and accessibility.
Does servicing have to be done by a professional?
Yes — unless you are competent to maintain them correctly. In practice, almost everyone uses a competent engineer.
What is BS 5306?
The British Standard for fire extinguisher provision and maintenance. Part 3 covers commissioning and maintenance; Part 8 covers selection and positioning. It's what your installer and service engineer should be working to.
What happens if fire extinguishers are not serviced?
You carry the risk. They may fail when needed, and you could be liable.
Can I be fined for not having fire extinguishers?
Yes. Failure to provide proper fire safety equipment can lead to enforcement action, fines, or prosecution.
Do I need a certificate for fire extinguishers?
Service records, yes.
Each annual service generates a record from the engineer showing what was checked and signed off. You should also have commissioning records from when the extinguishers were first installed, plus a log of your monthly checks.
Together these prove the extinguishers are properly maintained.
Why are service records important?
They prove compliance and protect you if something goes wrong. Without them, you can't show the extinguishers were maintained.
How much does fire extinguisher servicing cost?
Typically £8–£15 per extinguisher for a standard annual service.
Most businesses combine all extinguishers into one annual visit, which keeps the cost down.
Can fire extinguishers expire?
Yes. They have a working life and need replacing.
How long do fire extinguishers last?
Replace them every 5 years.
The official BS 5306 standard allows extinguishers to be discharged, refilled, and recharged at 5 years to extend their life to 20 years. In practice, the discharge-and-refill process introduces enough variability — refill quality, valve damage during recharge, residual moisture, contamination — that simple replacement at 5 years is safer.
A new extinguisher costs roughly the same as a discharge-refill service. The maths and the safety case both point to replacement.
Can a fire extinguisher fail?
Yes — if it loses pressure, is damaged, or is past its safe service life.
What should I do if an extinguisher is damaged?
Replace it immediately. Don't try to repair a damaged extinguisher yourself.
Do staff need training to use fire extinguishers?
Yes. They should know when and how to use them safely.
Should staff always use a fire extinguisher?
No.
Only if it is safe to do so and they are trained. The priority in any fire is to evacuate and call the fire service. Fighting a fire is only appropriate for small, contained fires when staff are trained and a clear escape route is behind them.
What's the real purpose of fire extinguishers?
To stop small fires quickly and keep people safe.
Need the technical version? Read the fire extinguisher guide for professionals →
This guide provides general information about UK compliance requirements. It is not legal or professional advice. For your specific situation, consult a qualified professional.