When it comes to fire safety in the workplace, many business owners see fire extinguisher servicing as a legal tick-box exercise. But what is often overlooked is how crucial annual servicing is—not only for keeping people safe, but also for staying compliant with UK insurance requirements. At Hartson Fire, we often speak to clients who are surprised to learn that neglecting extinguisher servicing could put their insurance policies at risk.
The Link Between Fire Extinguishers and Insurance Compliance
UK insurers expect businesses to demonstrate that they’ve taken every reasonable step to prevent and manage fire risks. Fire extinguishers form part of that expectation. If an incident occurs and extinguishers haven’t been properly serviced, insurers could argue that you failed to meet your duty of care—potentially invalidating your claim.
In simple terms: if your fire extinguishers don’t work because they haven’t been serviced, your insurance provider may not pay out.
Standards and Regulatory Obligations
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, businesses are required to ensure that fire safety equipment is maintained in an efficient state and is in good working order. Insurers look closely at whether you are meeting this obligation.
The British Standard BS 5306-3 further sets out the servicing requirements:
· Fire extinguishers must be serviced at least once a year by a competent person.
· Detailed records of servicing and maintenance should be kept on-site.
· Any defective or missing equipment must be replaced immediately.
Failing to follow these standards can not only put lives at risk but also jeopardise your insurance cover.
Why Annual Servicing Matters
Even if extinguishers look fine on the outside, internal components can degrade over time. Seals may perish, pressure can drop, and extinguishing agents can become ineffective. Regular servicing ensures:
· Reliability in an emergency – equipment works when you need it most.
· Compliance with insurers – reduces the risk of claims being rejected.
· Peace of mind – knowing your workplace meets legal obligations.
Hartson Fire: Helping You Stay Covered
At Hartson Fire, we don’t just service fire extinguishers—we provide full guidance to help businesses stay compliant with both fire safety regulations and insurance requirements. Our BAFE-accredited engineers ensure all work is carried out to British Standards, and we provide clear service records that insurers recognise.
By choosing Hartson Fire, you’re not only protecting your staff and premises—you’re also protecting your business from costly insurance disputes.
Final Word
Fire extinguisher servicing might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most important aspects of fire safety compliance. It protects lives, safeguards property, and ensures that when you need to rely on your insurance, you won’t be caught out by technicalities.
Don’t take the risk—book your fire extinguisher service today with Hartson Fire and ensure your business stays compliant. Call us on the number below:
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Stay compliant with UK insurance requirements. Learn why annual fire extinguisher servicing is essent
