It’s a question many business owners and landlords in Shropshire don’t ask until it’s too late. Fire extinguishers are often seen as a “fit-and-forget” solution—but without regular maintenance, they may not work when you need them most.
If you’re unsure how often your extinguishers should be checked or what maintenance actually involves, this article will give you a clear answer. As Shrewsbury-based fire safety specialists, we’ll break down the legal requirements, industry best practices, and how AMG Fire Solutions Ltd supports businesses and homes across the region.
Why Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Matters for Shropshire Properties
Whether you're running a business in Oswestry, managing a block of HMOs in Telford, or renting out a holiday let in Ludlow, fire extinguisher maintenance isn’t optional—it’s a legal obligation and a vital safety measure.
Under BS 5306-3, all fire extinguishers in commercial and residential buildings must be regularly serviced and maintained to ensure they function correctly. A non-functional extinguisher during an emergency can lead to severe property damage, personal injury, or worse.
Important: Landlords, property managers, business owners, and facilities teams are all considered the “responsible person” under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005—and must ensure fire equipment is maintained correctly.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Checked?
The frequency of checks falls into two key categories:
1. Monthly Visual Inspections (By the Responsible Person)
These are basic in-house checks and should be carried out every month.
What to check:
✓ Pressure gauge is in the green
✓ No signs of damage, rust or tampering
✓ Pin and seal are intact
✓ Label is legible and inspection record is up to date
Tip: Assign this task to your facilities manager or trained staff member, and keep a simple logbook of monthly inspections.
2. Annual Maintenance Inspection (By a Certified Technician)
This is a formal inspection required once every 12 months, carried out by a competent professional under BS 5306-3.
What it includes:
✓ Full inspection of condition and functionality
✓ Checking weight and pressure levels
✓ Ensuring correct positioning and signage
✓ Replacing or servicing parts where needed
✓ Updating service labels and compliance records
At AMG Fire Solutions Ltd, all extinguisher servicing is carried out by BAFE-registered engineers, and we provide certification for your fire safety logbook.
3. Extended Servicing or Refurbishment
For water, foam, and powder extinguishers, an extended service is required every 5 years. For CO₂ extinguishers, it’s every 10 years.
This involves:
✓ Discharging the extinguisher
✓ Full internal inspection
✓ Pressure testing and refilling
✓ Replacing worn or damaged components
Where refurbishment isn’t cost-effective, we’ll recommend a compliant replacement.
What Happens If You Don’t Service Your Extinguishers?
The risks of neglect include:
✓ Failed insurance claims following a fire
✓ Fines or prosecution under fire safety legislation
✓ Increased danger to occupants and staff
✓ Invalidated fire risk assessments
In our work across Shropshire, we've seen expired extinguishers, misplaced units, and even fake servicing labels. These oversights are avoidable with proper maintenance.
Common Questions About Fire Extinguisher Checks
Q. Who can legally service fire extinguishers?
Only a competent person—someone with training, tools, and certification to BS 5306-3. At AMG, all work is carried out by qualified engineers trained to UK standards.
Q. Do extinguishers in residential rentals need servicing?
Yes. If you provide extinguishers in a rental, HMO, or holiday let, they must be serviced annually, just like in commercial properties.
Q. Should extinguishers be wall-mounted?
Yes. They should be securely mounted on brackets or placed on approved stands, with ID signage to identify the type and use case.
How AMG Fire Solutions Ltd Supports Fire Extinguisher Compliance in Shropshire
We offer a full range of fire extinguisher services for commercial and residential properties across Shrewsbury, Telford, Oswestry and beyond. Our services include:
✓ Annual servicing to BS 5306-3
✓ Installation of CO₂, foam, powder and water-based extinguishers
✓ Cabinet and bracket fitting
✓ Extended servicing & replacement cycles
✓ Emergency call-outs and compliance support
Take a look at our testimonials to see how we have helped homes and businesses in Shropshire.
Keep Your Property Protected – Book Your Fire Extinguisher Service Today
A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been checked is as useful as no extinguisher at all. If you’re due an inspection or unsure of your legal obligations, we’re here to help.
Our local engineers are based in Shrewsbury and work with property managers, schools, landlords, and business owners across Shropshire to ensure compliance, safety, and peace of mind.
Book a free fire safety consultation in Shrewsbury or the surrounding areas.