Early-year fire inspections across Shropshire consistently highlight one issue more than almost any other, fire extinguisher compliance. While fire extinguishers are often seen as simple, low-maintenance equipment, inspection data and real-world enforcement activity show they are one of the most common points of failure during inspections between January and April.
If you are a business owner, landlord, or Responsible Person, understanding why extinguishers are flagged early in the year can help you prevent enforcement notices, avoid unnecessary disruption, and demonstrate effective fire safety management.
This guide explains why fire extinguisher servicing inspections receive increased attention at the start of the year, why fire extinguishers fail inspections, and what you can do now to ensure your property remains inspection-ready.
Check If Your Servicing Is Still Valid
Why do early-year fire inspections focus on fire extinguishers?
Early-year fire inspections are often more maintenance-focused than inspections later in the year. Inspectors understand that the winter period places additional strain on fire safety systems and documentation.
Fire extinguishers are a priority because they are:
Highly visible and easy to assess
Subject to clear servicing standards
Supported by straightforward pass or fail criteria
A strong indicator of wider fire safety compliance that properties must maintain
Unlike complex systems such as fire alarms, extinguisher compliance can be verified quickly through physical condition and records. This makes them a practical starting point during inspections.
What changes after winter that affect extinguisher compliance?
Winter often introduces small changes that go unnoticed but matter during inspections.
Has winter usage affected your extinguishers?
During colder months, properties typically experience:
Increased heating and electrical load
Higher fire risk in kitchens and plant rooms
Greater likelihood of extinguishers being used or partially discharged
Equipment being moved or temporarily stored
Even a minor discharge or relocation can invalidate servicing if it is not recorded or followed up correctly.
Are servicing dates overlooked after the year-end period?
A common early-year issue is servicing that expired in December. There is no grace period under inspection standards. If servicing is overdue by even a short period, it can be flagged.
Inspectors regularly encounter:
Servicing completed late
Labels that have expired
Assumptions that servicing can wait until spring
This is one of the most frequent reasons fire extinguisher servicing inspections result in action points.
Why fire extinguishers fail inspections more often than expected
Understanding why fire extinguishers fail inspections helps Responsible Persons prevent repeat issues.
Are service records missing or incomplete?
Even when extinguishers have been serviced, inspections can fail if:
Service certificates are unavailable
Logbooks are incomplete
Monthly visual checks are not recorded
Labels are damaged or illegible
Inspectors require evidence, not assumptions.
Are extinguishers suitable for current risks?
Buildings change over time. New equipment, layout changes, or changes in use can mean existing extinguishers are no longer appropriate.
Common issues include:
CO2 extinguishers are missing near electrical equipment
Wet chemical extinguishers are absent from kitchen areas
Incorrect extinguisher ratings for the fire load present
Suitability is assessed against the current risk profile, not the original installation.
Are extinguishers accessible and correctly located?
Winter storage and operational changes often lead to extinguishers being:
Obstructed by furniture or stock
Moved from designated positions
Placed without appropriate signage
Accessibility is a key inspection requirement.
How British Standards influence inspection decisions
Our Professional fire extinguisher servicing in Shropshire follows BS 5306-3, which sets clear expectations for:
Annual servicing intervals
Visual inspection requirements
Maintenance actions
Record keeping
Inspectors do not expect Responsible Persons to memorise standards, but they do expect evidence that servicing is carried out by competent professionals and maintained correctly.
What inspectors expect to see during early-year fire safety inspections
During early-year fire inspections, inspectors typically assess:
Current service labels on all extinguishers
Evidence of annual servicing
Monthly visual check records
Correct extinguisher types for risks present
Clear access and signage
Any inconsistency can result in formal advice, action plans, or enforcement notices.
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How to check fire extinguisher compliance before an inspection
Preparing early significantly reduces inspection risk.
Have you reviewed service dates?
Check every extinguisher for:
Current service labels
Signs of damage or corrosion
Pressure gauge readings
If servicing is close to expiry, arranging it early prevents issues.
Are your service records accessible?
Ensure that:
Service certificates are available
Fire safety logbooks are up to date
Monthly checks are documented
Inspectors often ask to see records immediately.
Are extinguishers still appropriate for your premises?
Review whether:
New risks have been introduced
Equipment usage has changed
Layouts have been altered
If in doubt, professional advice helps confirm suitability.
The link between extinguisher servicing and fire risk assessments
Fire extinguisher servicing does not exist in isolation. It should align with your fire risk assessment.
A current fire risk assessment will identify:
Required extinguisher types
Suitable locations
Training needs
Maintenance schedules
Explore Our Commercial Fire Risk Assessments
How AMG Conducts a Fire Risk Assessment
How AMG Fire Solutions helps prevent early-year inspection issues
AMG Fire Solutions supports businesses and landlords by providing:
Professional fire extinguisher servicing
Clear, audit-ready documentation
Advice aligned with inspection expectations
Ongoing maintenance reminders
Our role is to help Responsible Persons demonstrate compliance confidently, not to act as inspectors.
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Why addressing extinguisher servicing early matters
Early action:
Reduces enforcement risk
Prevents disruption to operations
Supports wider fire safety compliance in Shropshire
Demonstrates responsible management
Addressing issues before inspections is always easier than responding to enforcement action.
Prevent inspection failure. See how we can help.
If you would like support reviewing your fire extinguisher servicing in Shropshire, speak with a qualified fire safety professional today.
Call us today on 01743 612007
Email: brendanalton@amg-firesolutions.co.uk
Or use our contact form to book your free fire extinguisher consultation.