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The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 mandates the installation of fire extinguishers in all buildings. All buildings have Class A fire risks, and a minimum of two Class A fire extinguishers are required per floor, which must be clearly visible and accessible at all times.
Extinguishers must be available to deal with any potential fire hazard identified in your fire risk assessment. Below are our most frequently asked questions regarding London Fire Extinguisher Services.
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced?
Fire extinguishers need to be checked every year. The service is called a "basic service," and it must be done according to BS 5036-3. This service is best done by a fire extinguisher technician who has been certified by a third party and has the right tools, training, and experience.
What happens if a fire extinguisher is not serviced?
Deterioration or damage can appear in difficult-to-see areas over time. For example, aluminium, steel, and even plastic corrosion can appear inside the cylinder or operating mechanism. If this is not discovered, the extinguisher may fail when activated.
What is included in a fire extinguisher service?
As part of servicing a fire extinguisher, it must be carefully checked for corrosion and partial or complete discharge.
The following components are checked:
Safety clips
Hoses and nozzles
Pressure gauge
Safety Pin
Discharge horn seals
The weight of the extinguisher is recorded on the extinguisher's maintenance label.
An external inspection ensures no signs of corrosion, dents, or damage that could jeopardise the extinguisher's safe operation.
The operating instructions are double-checked for accuracy and legibility.
A written inspection report will be provided, informing the user of the status of the extinguisher's maintenance.
How can I tell if my fire extinguisher is expired?
Look for dates printed or stamped on the extinguisher label, cylinder, or printed on the extinguisher itself to determine the age of an extinguisher. The date stamp is sometimes hidden beneath the plastic ring around an extinguisher's neck or beneath the plastic boot.
How should fire extinguishers be stored?
All extinguishers must be fixed permanently. Extinguishers with contents of 3 kg or 3 litres and above must be wall-mounted and positioned 1 meter from the floor. This also includes the standard 2-kg CO2 extinguisher. The handles of smaller fire extinguishers must be placed 1.5 meters above the floor.
New fire extinguishers come standard with a wall mounting bracket. The back of the extinguisher will be welded with a bracket holder, and all UK models will have the same fitting. CO2 extinguishers have a small hole on the back side of the brass valve near the handles.
London Fire Extinguisher Services - Conclusion
According to British Standard 5306 Part 3, qualified engineers must inspect fire extinguishers annually. Fire extinguisher maintenance is a legal requirement with severe penalties if not done correctly.
Rather than price, choose your extinguisher service provider based on quality, reputation, and transparency. Unfortunately, hidden charges frequently accompany low prices.
Metro-PAT 247 Limited provides London Fire Extinguisher Services to all business sectors and landlords. Our prices start from just £59. We also offer Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Alarm testing, Fire Door Compliance and Emergency Lighting services to help keep you compliant.
Call us now on 020 3600 9964 or book our services online.
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