It hangs on the wall looking exactly like one that works. The difference only shows up the day you reach for it.
The difference between a small scare and a serious fire is often one working extinguisher.
It's the law
Under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 and the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005, every workplace must keep its fire equipment maintained. I.S. 291 is the standard they are measured against: a proper service at least once a year, by a competent person.
Your insurance depends on it
After a fire, one of the first things an assessor asks for is your extinguisher service records. Out-of-date labels can mean a reduced payout — or none at all.
They quietly fail
Extinguishers lose pressure, seals perish and powder compacts — all without looking any different on the wall. The only way to know yours will work is to have it tested by someone who knows what to look for.
Know your dates
What's due, when
The service schedule I.S. 291 expects for portable extinguishers. After your first visit we keep the dates on file and remind you when each one is coming up.
Monthly
Quick visual check — by you
In its place, unobstructed, pin and seal intact, gauge in the green. Takes thirty seconds per unit.
Every 12 months
Full service — by a competent person
The annual inspection and service required by I.S. 291. This is the visit we do: every unit checked, serviced, labelled and certified.
Every 5 years
Extended service — discharge test & refill
Water, foam and powder units are discharged, internally examined and refilled. Labels tell us when each unit is due.
Every 10 years
CO₂ overhaul — or replacement
CO₂ extinguishers need a complete overhaul and pressure test at ten years. Often it's more economical to replace the unit — we'll tell you straight which it is.
When was yours last serviced?
Check the label. If it's over a year old — or there's no label at all — it's time.
