When people think about fire safety, the focus is often on protecting property. While safeguarding buildings is essential, annual fire extinguisher servicing protects far more than bricks and mortar. It plays a critical role in protecting people, businesses, reputations, and legal compliance.
At Hartson Fire, we work with organisations across multiple sectors, and we see first-hand how regular servicing makes a real difference when it matters most.
Fire extinguishers are often the first line of defence in a fire emergency. When used correctly and at the earliest stages of a fire, they can:
· Prevent a small incident from becoming a major fire
· Give occupants time to evacuate safely
· Reduce smoke and heat damage
· Protect critical escape routes
However, an extinguisher that hasn’t been properly maintained may fail when it’s needed most.
Over time, fire extinguishers can degrade without obvious signs. Pressure loss, damaged seals, internal corrosion, or blocked hoses can all render an extinguisher ineffective.
Annual servicing ensures:
· Correct internal pressure
· No hidden corrosion or damage
· Hoses, pins, and safety seals are fully operational
· The extinguisher is suitable for its environment and risk
At Hartson Fire, our engineers service extinguishers in accordance with BS 5306, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.
A serviced extinguisher can be the difference between a controlled incident and a dangerous evacuation. In workplaces, schools, healthcare settings, and public buildings, fire safety equipment supports:
· Employee safety
Annual servicing helps ensure that fire safety measures support your duty of care to everyone on-site.
Fire damage doesn’t just affect buildings — it disrupts operations. Even a small fire can lead to:
Well-maintained fire extinguishers reduce the likelihood of fires escalating, helping businesses resume normal operations faster and limit financial losses.
UK fire safety legislation requires responsible persons to ensure fire-fighting equipment is properly maintained. Failure to do so can result in:
Annual fire extinguisher servicing demonstrates compliance and shows insurers, regulators, and auditors that fire risks are being actively managed.
Modern extinguisher servicing isn’t just about safety — it’s also about sustainability. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of extinguishers, reducing unnecessary disposal and replacement.
Hartson Fire prioritises:
Ultimately, annual fire extinguisher servicing protects:
At Hartson Fire, we provide reliable, compliant, and professional fire extinguisher servicing tailored to your premises and risk profile. Our experienced engineers ensure your equipment is ready to perform when it’s needed most.
If you’d like advice or to arrange your annual fire extinguisher service, contact Hartson Fire today on the number below:
