Complete Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist: UK & Scotland Compliance and Safety
- Denver Naguit
- Oct 9, 2025
- 8 min read
Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence against small fires, but they're only effective when properly maintained, whether you're a facility manager, safety officer, or business owner, regular fire extinguisher inspections aren't just good practice - they're legally required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and BS 5306-3 standards.
Table of Contents
Summary
What is it? A comprehensive fire extinguisher inspection checklist that covers all monthly visual inspection requirements and annual maintenance tracking compliant with UK regulations.
Who needs it? Facility managers, safety officers, building owners, business operators, responsible persons under the Fire Safety Order, and anyone responsible for fire safety compliance.
Key benefits:
Ensures compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Meets BS 5306-3 British Standard requirements
Prevents equipment failure during emergencies
Documents inspection history for HSE and fire service audits
Identifies maintenance needs before they become critical
Reduces liability and insurance costs
How to use: Conduct monthly visual inspections using the checklist, document all findings, and schedule professional annual maintenance by BAFE-registered engineers.
Print or use digitally for each extinguisher location.
Why Fire Extinguisher Inspections Matter
Portable fire extinguishers can control approximately 93% of small workplace fires when used properly and maintained correctly, this is an increase of 80% since 2003, however, research indicates that 30% of cases where fire extinguishers were present we not in a good condition or failed to properly operate - often due to poor maintenance or lack of inspection.
Beyond preventing equipment failure, proper inspection programmes protect your business from prosecution, under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person can face unlimited fines and up to two years imprisonment for serious breaches. Breaching fire safety regulations can come with serious consequences, in monetary terms it has even resulted in significant fines of over £250,000 previously with recent prosecutions having seen companies such as New Look fined £400,000 for failing to maintain adequate fire safety measures.
BS 5306-3:2017 requires two types of inspections:
Monthly visual inspections - Can be performed by trained competent staff
Annual maintenance inspections - Must be conducted by competent persons, ideally BAFE-registered engineers
Our checklist addresses both requirements, helping you maintain comprehensive documentation that satisfies the fire and rescue service, HSE inspectors, and insurance providers.
Understanding UK Inspection Requirements
Monthly Visual Inspections
These quick 2-3 minute checks ensure your extinguishers are ready for immediate use, BS 5306-3 requires these inspections to verify the extinguisher is:
In Place and Accessible - The extinguisher must be in its designated location, unobstructed, and clearly visible.
Pressure Indicator Check - For stored pressure extinguishers, the pressure gauge needle should rest in the green zone, if it's showing under or over-pressure, the extinguisher may not function properly and requires immediate service.
Physical Condition - Look for signs of damage, corrosion, leakage, or wear.
Seals and Safety Pins - Intact tamper seals and safety pins prove the extinguisher hasn't been discharged, missing or broken seals require investigation - even partial discharge necessitates professional servicing.
Annual Service and Maintenance
BAFE-registered or similarly competent engineers perform thorough internal inspections, examining components invisible during monthly checks, this includes internal cylinder examination, valve testing, agent inspection, discharge testing where appropriate, and proper documentation with dated service labels. BS 5306-3 specifies that all portable extinguishers must receive an annual service by a competent person.
How to Use the Fire Extinguisher Inspection Checklist
Step 1: Preparation
Before beginning inspections:
Create a register of all extinguisher locations (required under the Fire Safety Order)
Assign unique identification numbers to each unit
Establish a monthly inspection schedule (same date each month)
Train staff to become competent persons for basic inspections
Step 2: Conducting Monthly Inspections
Document Basic Information - Record location, date, inspector name, and extinguisher ID, this creates an audit trail essential for demonstrating compliance with the Fire Safety Order.
Work Through Each Checklist Item - Each item addresses specific safety or compliance requirements:
Accessibility: Ensure nothing blocks the extinguisher, verify mounting height is appropriate (typically between 1 and 1.5 metres from floor to carrying handle).
Pressure Gauge: The needle should be firmly in the green zone, note that CO2 extinguishers don't have pressure gauges - check by weight instead.
Seals and Safety Pins: The tamper seal should be completely intact, any breakage requires professional inspection.
Physical Components: Examine the cylinder body for dents, rust, or corrosion, test hose flexibility and check the nozzle/horn for blockages, ensure operating instructions remain legible.
Service History: Verify the last annual service date label, extended service (internal examination) is required at 5-year intervals for water and foam extinguishers, and 10 years for powder extinguishers as per BS 5306-3.
Step 3: Documentation and Follow-Up
Complete the Notes Section - Document deficiencies clearly and specifically, instead of "hose damaged," write "7cm crack in hose near coupling."
Determine Action Required - Categorise inspection results:
Pass: No issues found, continue normal schedule
Minor Issue: Schedule maintenance within 30 days
Fail: Remove from service immediately, clearly label "DO NOT USE," and arrange professional service
Replace: Unit is beyond economic repair or has reached end of serviceable life
Maintain Records - The Fire Safety Order requires maintaining suitable records of all fire safety measures, best practice is to retain inspection records for the life of the equipment plus five years for potential enforcement investigations or insurance claims.
Common Issues Found During Inspections
Low Pressure - Often caused by slow leaks or temperature fluctuations, requires professional servicing and recharging to meet BS EN 3 standards.
Missing or Broken Seals - May indicate unauthorised use or tampering.
Corrosion - Common in humid environments, coastal locations, or near chemical storage, corrosion on the cylinder body can compromise structural integrity and requires professional assessment.
Obstruction - Equipment or supplies often accumulate near extinguishers.
Incorrect Extinguisher Type - Ensure Class F extinguishers are present in commercial kitchens, specialist extinguishers near metalworking areas, and suitable general-purpose units (water, foam, or powder) in office areas.
Missing Signage - Photoluminescent or illuminated fire extinguisher signs should be positioned above each unit as required by BS 5499-10.
Best Practices for Maintenance Programmes
Create a Rotation Schedule - Inspect different areas on different days to distribute workload and ensure comprehensive coverage across your premises.
Use BAFE-Registered Engineers - The British Approvals for Fire Equipment scheme provides third-party certification that engineers meet competency standards, many insurance policies require BAFE registration.
Train Multiple Staff Members - Cross-training ensures continuity during absences and demonstrates organisational commitment to fire safety.
Maintain Spare Extinguishers - Keep extra units to replace those removed for service, ensuring continuous fire protection coverage as required by your fire risk assessment.
Integrate with Fire Risk Assessment - Your monthly inspections should feed into your overall fire risk assessment review process, identifying patterns or recurring issues.
Compliance and Legal Considerations
Fire extinguisher inspection requirements come from multiple regulatory sources:
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 - The responsible person must ensure fire-fighting equipment is maintained in efficient working order and good repair, this is the primary legal requirement in England and Wales.
Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 / Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 - Similar requirements apply in Scotland with enforcement by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
BS 5306-3:2017 - The British Standard for fire extinguisher maintenance provides the technical specification for compliance with the Fire Safety Order, courts reference this standard in prosecution cases.
Insurance Requirements - Most commercial insurance policies require annual servicing by competent (preferably BAFE-registered) engineers, failure to maintain adequate records can void coverage.
HSE Guidance - While fire safety falls primarily under fire service enforcement, workplace fire safety intersects with Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 requirements.
Key Differences: Scotland vs England & Wales
While the fundamental fire safety principles remain consistent across the UK, there are important legislative and enforcement differences:
Legislative Framework
England & Wales: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO) consolidates fire safety law into a single piece of legislation, the "responsible person" (typically the employer, owner, or occupier) has explicit duties under this Order.
Scotland: Fire safety is governed by the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006, the terminology uses "duty holder" rather than "responsible person," though the responsibilities are largely equivalent but make sure there is an understanding of the key differences.
Enforcement Authority
England & Wales: Fire and rescue authorities enforce fire safety legislation, in England, this involves 45 separate fire and rescue services, whilst Wales has three services (North Wales, Mid and West Wales, and South Wales).
Scotland: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is a single national organisation established in 2013, providing consistent enforcement across Scotland, this centralised approach often results in more uniform guidance and interpretation.
Fire Safety Assessments
England & Wales: The FSO requires a "fire risk assessment" which must be recorded if five or more people are employed, or if a licence is required for the premises.
Scotland: The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 require a "fire safety risk assessment." Recording requirements are similar but extend to all premises where necessary for enforcement purposes - not just those with five or more employees.
Prosecution and Penalties
England & Wales: Offences under the FSO can be tried in magistrates' courts (with fines up to £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment) or Crown Court (unlimited fines and/or up to 2 years imprisonment), the responsible person can be prosecuted for failing to maintain fire-fighting equipment.
Scotland: Similar penalties apply under Scottish legislation, however, prosecution procedures follow Scots law, typically proceeding through Sheriff Courts for summary offences or the High Court for more serious cases. In practice, fine levels have been comparable, with recent cases exceeding £100,000.
Specific Requirements for Fire Extinguishers
Both jurisdictions require:
Monthly inspections by a competent person
Annual servicing by competent persons (BAFE-registered where appropriate)
Adequate records of inspections and maintenance
Suitable and sufficient fire-fighting equipment based on risk assessment
Practical Impact
For most organisations, these differences have minimal impact on day-to-day fire extinguisher inspection practices, BS 5306-3:2017 applies across the entire UK, providing consistent technical standards.
The monthly inspection checklist provided here is suitable for use throughout England, Wales, and Scotland.
However, when preparing for enforcement visits or audits, be aware of the specific legislation applicable to your location, Scottish businesses should reference the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005, whilst those in England and Wales should cite the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in their documentation and fire risk assessments.
Getting Started Today
Implementing a fire extinguisher inspection programme is straightforward:
Download the checklist and familiarise yourself with all inspection items
Conduct a baseline audit of all extinguishers, noting immediate compliance issues
Establish your monthly schedule with calendar reminders
Train your inspection team on checklist requirements and documentation standards
Begin monthly inspections using consistent documentation practices
Arrange annual servicing with BAFE-registered engineers
Review your process quarterly as part of fire risk assessment reviews
Final Thoughts
Fire extinguishers represent a critical investment in workplace safety and legal compliance, regular inspections ensure that when seconds count during an emergency, your fire protection equipment functions flawlessly.
As the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order, you have a legal duty to ensure appropriate fire-fighting equipment is available and properly maintained, don't wait until a fire service inspection or, worse, an actual fire emergency.
Download our comprehensive checklist today and establish a professional inspection programme that protects lives, property, and your organisation from prosecution.
🔥 Take Your Fire Safety Further
Become a Certified Fire Marshal
Proper fire extinguisher inspections are just one part of comprehensive workplace fire safety, our accredited Fire Marshal Training courses equip your team with the knowledge and practical skills to:
✓ Conduct effective fire risk assessments
✓ Perform confident fire extinguisher inspections
✓ Lead emergency evacuations safely
✓ Understand UK fire safety legislation
✓ Use fire extinguishers correctly in real scenarios
Next available courses: Book your place on our next Fire Marshal Training session and ensure your organisation has qualified, competent fire wardens ready to protect your people and premises.
Accredited courses available nationwide | In-person and online options | Group discounts available. Have questions about UK fire safety compliance? Contact us for expert guidance tailored to your facility's needs.
This checklist is a guidance tool only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend consulting qualified fire safety professionals for premises-specific advice. We accept no liability for any loss, damage, or prosecution arising from use of this checklist.
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