Fire Extinguisher Maintenance in Schools: A Practical Guide
Keeping your school community safe means ensuring all fire safety equipment is regularly maintained—and that includes your fire extinguishers. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, schools must appoint a Responsible Person (often the site manager, business manager, or headteacher) to oversee fire safety, including regular extinguisher servicing.
Employers are required to conduct and document a fire risk assessment to identify hazards and determine the appropriate type and placement of extinguishers. They must be able to show that the extinguishers selected are suitable for the identified risks. Additionally, the positioning of extinguishers must be justified with evidence showing they are accessible and in line with regulations.
Proper maintenance is also crucial. Employers must keep records proving that fire extinguishers are regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and safety standards. Furthermore, any employee expected to use an extinguisher must be trained, and evidence of this training must be documented and available for review.
Overall, compliance with the HSE guidance involves maintaining thorough documentation, including fire risk assessments, maintenance logs, and training records, all of which serve as proof that fire safety responsibilities are being met.
Keeping your school community safe means ensuring all fire safety equipment is regularly maintained—and that includes your fire extinguishers. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, schools must appoint a Responsible Person (often the site manager, business manager, or headteacher) to oversee fire safety, including regular extinguisher servicing.
What Does Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Involve?
Annual maintenance must be carried out by a qualified engineer, and includes:
Visual inspection for damage, tampering, or corrosion
Checking pressure levels
Testing hoses for blockages
Cleaning and weighing the extinguisher
Ensuring fixings and wall mounts are secure
These checks ensure your extinguishers are in full working order, so staff can respond effectively in an emergency.
Important Note: Even if an extinguisher looks fine from the outside, corrosion and internal faults can only be detected by a trained engineer,
How Often Should Maintenance Be Done in Schools?
British Standards (BS 5306-3:2017) outline the following schedule:
Monthly visual inspections by your designated Responsible Person
Annual basic service by a qualified engineer
Extended service:
o Every 5 years for water, foam, and powder extinguishers
o Every 10 years for sealed powder and CO₂ extinguishers
If signs of damage or pressure loss are identified during monthly checks, a basic service may be needed earlier.
Who Can Carry Out Maintenance?
Monthly checks: Can be done by the site manager or trained school staff.
Annual & extended servicing: Must be done by a BAFE-accredited engineer.
Proper servicing is vital for compliance and safety. Qualified engineers can spot hidden defects, update service records, and replace equipment where needed.
Monthly School Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist
No obvious signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage
Pressure gauge is in the correct range
Safety pins and tamper seals are intact
Instructions are clear and facing outward
The date of the last annual service is noted
The inspection is logged
Extinguishers are clearly visible and accessible (not blocked or hidden)
Special Considerations for Schools
Powder extinguishers may not be suitable for indoor school use due to the mess and visibility issues they create when discharged—consider safer alternatives like water mist or foam.
Fire extinguishers must never obstruct exits or be placed where children can tamper with them.
Always ensure extinguishers are mounted at an accessible height and that staff are trained in how to use them.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters in Schools
Fire extinguishers are a first line of defence—but only if they work. Regular maintenance:
Keeps pupils and staff safe
Supports your legal compliance under the RRO and BS 5306
Reduces the risk of failed equipment in an emergency
Gives staff peace of mind
As a school, you have a duty of care to protect your community. Regular extinguisher servicing is a key part of that commitment
Office 27, East Moons Moat Business Centre
Oxleasow Rd, Redditch B98 0RE
Phone: 0333 207 0737
