Fire Extinguisher Services: Key Maintenance for Offices

In the workplace, fire extinguishers are often the first line of defence. Yet, all too often, these vital pieces of equipment are neglected until it's too late. At EK Fire Protection, we’ve seen firsthand how proper maintenance and regular servicing can make all the difference not just in meeting legal requirements, but in safeguarding people, property, and businesses.

A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been properly maintained may fail to operate when you need it most. Whether your office is small or large, routine fire extinguisher servicing ensures every device is pressurised. Functional and positioned correctly in accordance with British Standards.

Regular maintenance also demonstrates due diligence, a key factor if you are ever subject to a fire safety audit or insurance inspection. Keeping your fire extinguishers in top condition is a commitment to safety and professionalism.

In the event of a fire, insurers often request proof of regular maintenance and servicing. Failure to provide up-to-date records can invalidate a policy or reduce the payout. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, employers are required to maintain all fire equipment in working order, making annual servicing a legal necessity, rather than an optional extra.

Understanding Fire Extinguisher Servicing Requirements

Under BS 5306-3:2017, every fire extinguisher in a commercial property must be serviced annually by a competent technician. As a responsible employer or facilities manager, you’re legally required to ensure all extinguishers remain in good working order and are regularly inspected. 

At EK Fire Protection, we recommend a three-step approach to maintenance:

Visual Inspections (Monthly)

These types of checks can be done in-house. The signs to look for are corrosion, leakage, or missing tamper seals. You need to ensure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and that the fire extinguisher is accessible, with clear signage nearby.

Basic Service (Annually)

A qualified fire extinguisher service technician should only carry out an annual inspection. This will include checking the weight, hose integrity, safety pin operation, and ensuring labelling is legible and up to date.

Extended Service (Every 5 Years)

Depending on the type of fire extinguishers, which can come in different types such as water, foam, and or powder, units must undergo extended service. This includes discharging, refilling, repressurising, and resealing. CO₂ extinguishers, meanwhile, require pressure testing every 10 years.

At EK Fire Protection, our engineers follow these standards precisely, ensuring full compliance and providing detailed service records for your peace of mind.

Key Maintenance Tasks That Keep You Safe

Our high-quality team provides an extensive fire extinguisher service. This involves more than just a quick once-over. These checks include: 

• Pressure testing and weighing to ensure cylinders meet operational standards.

• Valve and hose inspection to confirm there are no leaks or obstructions.

• Seal replacement to maintain tamper integrity, and the right extinguisher type.

• Mounting checks to ensure extinguishers are secure, visible, and easy to access in an emergency.

The team at EK Fire Protection also provides advice on fire extinguisher placement, ensuring that all escape routes, electrical areas, and kitchens have the right units in place, whether that’s CO2, foam, water, or wet chemical extinguishers.

How EK Fire Protection Supports Office Environments

EK Fire Protection works with offices across Maidstone, Canterbury, Ashford, and beyond. Offering end-to-end support, from installation and maintenance to fire extinguishers for sale and even fire extinguisher rental options for events or temporary sites.

A shared space like an office environment can come with its challenges. Equipment such as printers and other electrical equipment all have increased fire risks. That’s why we tailor our maintenance schedules and extinguisher choices to your needs.

Our expert team services include: 

• A free on-site assessment to assess your fire risks and extinguisher requirements.

• Maintenance reminder to keep you compliant year after year.

• Fully accredited engineers trained to current British Standards.

• Competitive pricing with transparent documentation after every visit.

This proactive approach means fewer surprises and smoother inspections, saving both time and cost in the long run.

Finding the Right Fire Extinguishers for Your Office

Every workplace’s office is different, and selecting the right type of extinguisher is essential. Water extinguishers are ideal for general office spaces because they are made of materials like paper and wood. Foam extinguishers are effective against solid and liquid fires, making them best suited for kitchens. However, in kitchens that use cooking oils and deep-fat fryers, wet chemical extinguishers are recommended. CO₂ extinguishers should be used on electrical equipment such as computers and printers, and dry powder extinguishers are effective against multiple types of fire. However, they are less suitable for smaller enclosed spaces due to the residue they leave behind.

Common Fire Extinguisher Issues We Identify

At EK Fire Protection, our routine servicing often reveals hidden issues that could compromise safety, from low pressure or leaks that reduce performance, to missing tamper deals, blocked access, or expired inspection labels. We also frequently find fire extinguisher types in unsuitable locations, which can pose serious risks during an emergency. Identifying and resolving these problems early helps our clients avoid costly fines, downtime, and compliance failures. 

Staying compliant year-round doesn’t have to be difficult. Our team simplifies the process by scheduling annual services in advance, providing staff guidance on regular visual checks and updating extinguishers whenever office layouts or fire risks change. We also maintain detailed service records and maintenance logs, keeping you fully prepared for inspections and audits, and providing peace of mind that your workplace remains protected.

The Benefits of Partnering with E K Fire Protection

When you partner with a trusted fire safety business like EK Fire Protection, you gain complete peace of mind. Our BAFE-certified engineers deliver expert servicing, full documentation, and tailored maintenance contracts designed to fit your office’s needs. We offer fast response times and proactive compliance management with minimal disruption. All our fire extinguishers for sale or rental meet BS EN 3 standards and are supplied with installation, signage, and certification. We also take an environmentally responsible approach to servicing.

 Expired or damaged extinguishers are fully recycled, and refilling is always prioritised over replacement to reduce waste and environmental impact. Whether you need a full safety report or just replacements from fire alarms to emergency lighting and fire door inspections, EK Fire Protection provides everything your workplace needs to stay safe, compliant, and ready for inspection. We also take an environmentally responsible approach to servicing. Expired or damaged extinguishers are fully recycled, and refilling is always prioritised over replacement to reduce waste and environmental impact.

A Safer Workplace Starts Here

Fire safety is a shared responsibility, but it should not be stressful. With EK Fire Protection as your fire safety partner, you’ll have confidence knowing every extinguisher is functional, certified, and ready when it matters most. Contact EK Fire Protection today to book your next service or to request a free fire safety assessment. Together, we’ll make sure your workplace remains fully protected and compliant, each day of the year.