When to replace your fire extinguishers

In England and Wales, fire extinguishers are a legal requirement in non-domestic premises, so knowing when to replace them is essential. As fire extinguishers are critical to fire safety, they must always be in proper working condition. Understanding when to replace fire extinguishers will ensure you stay compliant with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO) and help keep your building’s occupants safe.

The average lifespan of a water, foam, or powder extinguisher is between five and 10 years. However, this lifespan can vary, and other factors can affect it.

Five signs that your fire extinguisher needs replacing

1. Low or no pressure

Check the pressure gauge. If the needle is in the red zone, the extinguisher may not work.

2. Physical damage

Replace the extinguisher if you notice any of the following:

• Dents, rust, or corrosion
• Leaking or cracked hose/nozzle
• Broken handle or missing pin

Any of these defects could cause the extinguisher to fail.

3. Leaking or broken seals

If the tamper seals are broken or missing, the extinguisher might have lost pressure and no longer work.

4. Expired or missing inspection tags

If regular inspections have been overlooked or the inspection tag is missing, the extinguisher may no longer be reliable.

5. The extinguisher was used

Even if only used briefly, the extinguisher should be replaced or recharged immediately.

Inspections and maintenance

Regular inspections and servicing will ensure your fire extinguishers are in good working order and prolong their lifespan. We recommend a weekly visual inspection to ensure the extinguisher is accessible, full, and in good condition.

On top of this weekly check, your extinguishers will require servicing by a certified fire safety engineer at the following intervals:

• Annually: Basic fire extinguisher service to inspect the gauges, pins, hose, and tags to ensure they are working, check the weight and pressure, and look for any visual signs of damage.
• Every five years: Extended fire extinguisher service for powder, water, foam and wet chemical extinguishers, where the extinguisher is discharged, internally inspected and refilled.
• Every 10 years: All CO2 extinguishers must undergo an overhaul involving hydraulic testing of the extinguisher body and replacing the main valve.

Even with proper maintenance, all fire extinguishers require replacement at specific points. Disposable (non-rechargeable) extinguishers require replacement every 10 years, while rechargeable models should be replaced or recharged every five years, depending on their condition and service history.

If your fire extinguishers need replacing or servicing, we can help. Please call us on 01392 368830 or complete our contact form.

admin@tamarsecurity.com

01392 368830

Tamar Security Ltd
Ulysses Park
Heron Road
Exeter
Devon
EX2 7PH