How often do fire extinguishers need servicing?
A basic service every twelve months by a competent person, an extended service with discharge test at five years for most types, and an overhaul at ten years for CO2 extinguishers, following BS 5306-3.
BS 5306-3
Fire Extinguisher Service Certificate (BS 5306-3)
A fire extinguisher service certificate records the commissioning and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers to BS 5306-3, confirming each extinguisher on the premises has been inspected by a competent person and is ready for use.
Free plan · No card required · Works offline on site
Under the fire safety legislation the responsible person must keep firefighting equipment maintained, and BS 5306-3 sets the recognised service regime: a basic service every year, an extended service at five years for most types, and an overhaul at ten years for CO2 extinguishers.
TradePlanr lets you log every extinguisher, its location, condition and service outcome on site and produce a clear PDF certificate for the responsible person's fire safety records.
What it covers
- Premises and responsible person or client details
- Each extinguisher's location, type, size and serial number
- Manufacture date and the service history where known
- The service carried out: commissioning, basic or extended
- Condition checks, weight or gauge readings and parts replaced
- Any extinguishers condemned, replaced or recharged
- Engineer details, signature, date and next service due
When it's required
Portable extinguishers should be commissioned when first put in place and then given a basic service every twelve months by a competent person, with the maintenance label updated at each visit.
BS 5306-3 also requires an extended service, including a discharge test, every five years for water, foam and powder extinguishers, and an overhaul at ten years for CO2 extinguishers.
The certificate gives the responsible person the evidence they need under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that firefighting equipment is being maintained, ready for inspections, audits and insurers.
How to issue it in TradePlanr
- 1
Enter the premises details
Record the site, the responsible person and the areas covered, then list each extinguisher with its location, type, size and serial number.
- 2
Service each extinguisher
Work through the BS 5306-3 checks for each unit, recording condition, readings, parts replaced and whether it passed, was recharged or was condemned.
- 3
Record the outcome
Summarise the service carried out, note any replacements recommended and set the next basic and extended service dates.
- 4
Sign and store the PDF
Capture the signature, generate the PDF service certificate and store it against the site, ready to send to the responsible person for their fire log book.
Issue this certificate from your phone or the web
TradePlanr generates this and 45+ other gas, electrical, oil, plumbing and renewables certificates as proper PDFs — filled on site, signed on screen and stored against the job. Works even with no signal. Free to start.
Frequently asked questions
Who can service fire extinguishers?
A competent person with the training, tools and access to spares that BS 5306-3 requires, commonly a technician certified under a recognised extinguisher maintenance scheme.
Is extinguisher maintenance a legal requirement?
Yes. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to keep firefighting equipment maintained and in working order, and the service certificate is the evidence.
Can I complete the certificate on site?
Yes. TradePlanr lets you log each extinguisher, its checks and outcome, capture the signature and produce the PDF before you leave the premises.
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