FAQ
Why do I need to have my extinguishers serviced annually / at all?
Its way cheaper on the internet!
Why is my annual bill higher this year?
When do my extinguishers need to be serviced?
PAT testing
Every year?
Why do you keep billing me?
How often do I have to carry out fire training?
Does my fire risk assessment need reviewing?
I have some old extinguishers that I need to dispose of. Can you help?
Why do I need to have my extinguishers serviced annually / at all?
Fire extinguishers are an integral part of the fire safety provisions within any building and as with any product with moving parts their components can start to degrade over time. To ensure that fire extinguishers are in good working order when they are need it is important that they are serviced annually in accordance with the BS 5306-3:2009. Industry figures and feedback consistently prove that around 80% of all fires are extinguished without the attendance of the Fire Services.
Its way cheaper on the internet!
It may be cheaper on the internet but is it like for like? Extinguishers look the same but they are not, Quality issues and the availability of parts vary widely. You may be looking at a cheap import. Internet firms operate on low margins. Are they going to be around next year? We were established in 1991, many years before any internet firm and we are still going strong. We supply to site, we commission on site, we show how to use, and we wall mount the equipment if possible where required. We even fit an ID sign above each extinguisher. We often take your old extinguisher way as well at no extra charge. Your internet firm WILL charge for all that. Who’s cheaper now?! The FREE 10 year warranty we give on all new extinguishers is invaluable and we know internet companies do not offer warranties like this.
Why is my annual bill higher this year?
Extinguishers are serviced annually. This is called a ‘Basic Service’. They may have to be refilled at any time. But, cyclically, they are ‘discharge tested’ every 5 years. This is known as ‘Extended Service’. This allows our technicians to observe the extinguishers and ensure they operate correctly. Assuming that they do, they are then refilled with the correct extinguishant etc, and marked as tested. If the extinguisher does not perform as expected we can either replace damaged or defective parts, or replace the whole unit at our discretion. This would be free if purchased from ourselves (and maintained annually) or a charge may be made. All firms must carry out an extended service on most types of extinguisher. CO2 extinguishers have a 10 year test period, and are treated differently. Some firms ‘exchange’ rather than test, and although this is acceptable, we feel it is wasteful of the item you bought originally.
When do my extinguishers need to be serviced?
Annually. Recent changes mean that a month either way is also acceptable.
PAT testing
People often tell us this is not required by Law and they don’t have to do it. It is however a requirement of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. Since the introduction of the no smoking laws the highest cause of accidental fires in the workplace is from faulty or the misuse of electrical equipment.
Every year?
There are many types of Portable Appliance, and each is treated differently. Some need to be tested annually, others at different intervals, depending on what they do. Some are every 3 to 5 years. However, most people for the sake of simplicity have all their items tested annually as this ensures equipment does not get forgotten and missed. Seasonal equipment (portable heaters and cooling fans) are often stored away depending on the time of year.
Why do you keep billing me?
We operate a ‘pay as you go’ service, which means we only invoice you after each job is completed satisfactorily. Our terms are 28 days.
How often do I have to carry out fire training?
Fire training should be carried out every three years. Refresher training courses are available upon request.
Does my fire risk assessment need reviewing?
Yes – fire risk assessments should be reviewed every twelve months. If there are no changes to the building or working practices then this can be done yourself. If you are not confident then we can carry out the review for you. Please contact our friendly office team for details.
I have some old extinguishers that I need to dispose of. Can you help?
Yes, bring them to us for free disposal. Or, we can arrange for collection from you.
