A Fire Extinguisher is an essential piece of fire safety equipment designed to control or extinguish small fires before they spread. In the UK, all non-domestic and multi-occupancy buildings are legally required to have the correct type and number of extinguishers installed, maintained, and easily accessible — in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5306 standards.
For most premises, this includes:
Ensuring your fire extinguishers are properly maintained and correctly positioned not only protects lives and property but also demonstrates full compliance with UK fire safety regulations and insurance requirements.
A fire can spread rapidly in just a few seconds. Fire extinguishers allow trained individuals to deal with small fires before they become major incidents. They are often the first line of defense in fire emergencies, especially when alarms and sprinklers may take time to activate or may not be enough on their own.
UK law requires that all commercial premises have the appropriate fire extinguishers installed and regularly maintained. This is a key part of complying with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Since 1 January 1997, all new fire extinguishers in the UK must be red with a maximum of 5% of the body colour-coded to indicate the type of extinguishing agent. This change aligns with British Standard BS EN 3.
Extinguishing Medium | Colour Code (5% of body) |
Water | Signal Red |
Foam | Cream |
Powder | Blue |
CO₂ (Carbon Dioxide) | Black |
Wet Chemical | Yellow |
Note: Extinguishers purchased before 1997 do not need to conform to the new colour standards.
Fire Extinguisher Inspection & Maintenance
Regular checks and servicing are essential for ensuring extinguishers remain effective and compliant. These procedures are guided by BS 5306.
Monthly Visual Inspection (by user)
Annual Service (by a qualified technician)
Test Discharge
Pressure Testing (Hydraulic Testing)
BS 5306-9:2015 – What It Covers
BS 5306-9:2015 outlines best practices for the servicing of portable fire extinguishers. It includes:
Different types of fires require different extinguishers. We provide and install all major types, including:
Water Extinguishers – For Class A fires (wood, paper, fabric)
Foam Extinguishers – For Class A and B fires (flammable liquids)
CO2 Extinguishers – For electrical fires and flammable liquids
Dry Powder Extinguishers – Suitable for Class A, B, and C fires
Wet Chemical Extinguishers – Specifically for kitchen and cooking oil fires
Our experts will assess your premises and recommend the correct types and locations for extinguisher placement.
Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a competent professional under BS 5306-3:2017 standards. We offer cost-effective servicing plans that include:
We also provide on-site fire extinguisher commissioning, which is required when new units are installed.
If you are responsible for any non-domestic property — including:
you are legally required to provide appropriate fire-fighting equipment.
Correct type, placement, and staff training are vital for fire safety and legal compliance.
Class A fires (wood, paper)
Class A & B (solids and flammable liquids) (5th July outdated)
Electrical and flammable liquid fires
Class A, B, C (multi-purpose)
Class F (cooking oils/fats)
We supply, install, service, and maintain fire extinguishers for businesses, landlords, and public buildings across the UK. Let us help you stay safe, compliant, and prepared.
Ensure your premises are equipped with the right fire extinguishers:
£5 Parking Charges are applicable in case of paid parking.
£15 Congestion Charge applicable in case the property is in congestion charge zone
Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, all non-domestic premises in the UK must have suitable fire-fighting equipment — including fire extinguishers — installed, maintained, and easily accessible.
The type of extinguisher depends on the fire risks in your building:
Water – For Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles)
Foam – For Class A & B (flammable liquids)
CO₂ – For electrical and flammable liquid fires
Dry Powder – For A, B, C fires (multi-purpose)
Wet Chemical – For cooking oil and fat fires (Class F)
We offer expert assessments to ensure the correct type and quantity are installed.
Fire extinguishers should be visually checked monthly and professionally serviced annually as per BS 5306-3:2017 standards. Some extinguishers also require an extended service or replacement every 5 to 10 years.
Yes. Landlords of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) or buildings with shared areas are legally responsible for fire safety in communal spaces. Certification helps demonstrate compliance with the Fire Safety Order and may be required during HMO licensing.
Annual servicing typically includes:
Yes. Most fire extinguishers have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, depending on the type. They should be replaced if they show signs of damage, lose pressure, or fail safety checks.
Extinguishers should be:
We’ll guide you on compliant placement during installation.
Yes. Under UK law, employees must receive basic fire safety training, including how to use extinguishers safely and when it’s appropriate to do so. We also offer certified fire extinguisher training on request.
While you can purchase extinguishers online, new units must be commissioned by a competent person to meet UK standards. Improper installation may lead to non-compliance and void your insurance.
