%20(1).webp)
A fire extinguisher is a vital tool when a fire breaks out, but its reliability hinges on it being in good working order. An expired fire extinguisher might not perform when you need it most, turning a controllable situation into a disaster because expiry dates are serious fire safety warnings. Understanding the different types of fire extinguishers and their maintenance is very important.
TL;DR
Using an expired fire extinguisher is dangerous because it might not work correctly, or at all, when you need to fight a type of fire it was designed for. It's always best to make sure your extinguishers are in date and properly serviced.
.png)
It's important to understand what "expiry" means for a fire extinguisher. Unlike food, extinguishers don't "spoil," but their parts can wear out, and they can lose the pressure needed to work. You'll find a few dates on an extinguisher: the manufacturing date, tags showing when it was last serviced or needs maintenance, and sometimes a date for a hydrostatic test, which checks the cylinder's strength. These dates tell you about the portable fire extinguisher's condition and when it needs attention from a professional.
You can usually find these important dates on the label of the fire extinguisher, on a service tag attached to it, or stamped directly onto the cylinder. Take a moment to find these on your extinguishers so you know their current status. Knowing the different types of fire extinguishers can also help you understand their specific maintenance needs.
Relying on an expired fire extinguisher can have very serious consequences. Here’s why it’s a risk you shouldn’t take:
The most significant danger is that an expired fire extinguisher might not work at all. Over time, seals can degrade, or tiny leaks can cause a loss of pressure. If the pressure gauge is in the red, or if internal components have failed, the extinguisher won't discharge its contents when you activate it. This leaves you with no defence against a spreading fire. Studies have shown that a high percentage of extinguishers can fail inspections due to being expired or obstructed.
Even if an old fire extinguisher does discharge, its ability to put out a fire (whether a Class A fire, Class B fire, electrical fire, or Class F cooking fire) could be severely hampered. The extinguishing agent inside, whether it's powder, foam, or another chemical, can degrade or become compromised over time. For example, dry powder can cake and become lumpy, preventing a proper discharge, or chemical solutions can separate. This reduced firefighting capability means the extinguisher might not control the blaze, allowing the fire to grow and cause more damage. Malfunctioning equipment, including expired extinguishers, is a factor in a significant number of workplace fires, with some data suggesting it's involved in about 1 in 3 incidents (Source 1,2).
An older fire extinguisher, especially one that has missed its scheduled hydrostatic testing, carries a risk of cylinder failure. Corrosion, either internal or external, can weaken the cylinder walls. If such a compromised cylinder is pressurised, it could potentially rupture or even explode when activated, which could cause serious injury to anyone nearby. This makes checking the fire extinguisher cylinder safety paramount.
For businesses, using an out-of-date fire extinguisher is more than just a safety risk; it's a compliance issue. UK fire safety regulations, like BS 5306, mandate that fire extinguishers are properly maintained and in date. Failing to meet these standards can result in hefty fines and legal penalties. Furthermore, if a fire occurs and your extinguishers are found to be non-compliant, your insurance claim could be invalidated. Businesses with non-compliant fire safety systems can face significantly worse outcomes in the event of a fire, and fines for failing inspections can be substantial, sometimes ranging from £15,000 to over £50,000. [1]
Several factors contribute to a fire extinguisher becoming unreliable or unsafe as it ages:
Over many years, moisture or even the extinguishing agent itself can cause internal corrosion within the cylinder of the fire extinguisher. This corrosion isn't always visible from the outside but can weaken the metal. External corrosion, often from being kept in damp or harsh environments, can also compromise the extinguisher's structural integrity, making it unsafe. This applies to all extinguisher types, including water based extinguishers and chemical fire extinguishers.
The rubber and plastic components of a fire extinguisher, such as seals, O-rings, and hoses, don't last forever. They can dry out, crack, or become brittle with age. Damaged seals can lead to a gradual loss of pressure, while a cracked hose could rupture when the extinguisher is used, rendering it ineffective or even dangerous. This affects the jet from the extinguisher.
The contents of a fire extinguisher can also degrade. Dry chemical powder, a common agent, can compact or clump together over time, especially if the extinguisher is subject to vibration. This prevents the powder from fluidising and discharging properly. Liquid agents in other types of extinguishers can separate or break down chemically, reducing their ability to fight fires effectively.
If you find you have an expired fire extinguisher, it's important to handle it correctly:
It might seem like a good idea to test-discharge an old fire extinguisher to see if it still works, but please don't. If the extinguisher is visibly old, damaged, or significantly past its expiry or service date, attempting to use it could be risky, especially if the cylinder integrity is compromised. Leave it to the professionals.
You shouldn't just throw an old fire extinguisher in your regular household or business bin. Extinguishers are pressurised containers and often contain chemicals that require special disposal methods to protect the environment and ensure safety. Incorrect disposal can be harmful.
If your fire extinguisher is just due for its routine service (usually annually for businesses) rather than being at its absolute end-of-life (typically 10-20 years, depending on type and condition), it can often be inspected, serviced, and recharged by a qualified technician. Look for BAFE-accredited providers, as this indicates they are competent to service your fire extinguishers correctly. They will assess if it's safe and economical to service or if replacement is necessary.
For a fire extinguisher that is truly expired, damaged, or cannot be safely serviced, you'll need to dispose of it correctly. You can contact your local council's waste services, a hazardous waste disposal facility, or a specialist fire extinguisher supplier. They can advise on the proper procedures for fire extinguisher recycling or disposal in your area. Once the old unit is dealt with, ensure you immediately replace it with a new, compliant extinguisher.
Keeping on top of fire extinguisher maintenance is key to ensuring they're ready if you ever need them.
You can do some simple checks yourself every month. For your fire extinguisher:
These monthly visual inspections can reduce equipment failure risks significantly.
Beyond your own visual checks, it's vital that every fire extinguisher in a business setting is professionally serviced at least once a year by a certified technician. This is a requirement under UK regulations like BS 5306. During a professional service, the technician will perform thorough checks, tests, and maintenance to ensure the extinguisher is in full working order. Annual professional maintenance ensures a much higher operational reliability compared to unmaintained units. This is part of good active fire protection measures.
An expired fire extinguisher is a serious liability. It can fail when you need it most, be less effective, or even pose an injury risk. Don't take chances with something as important as fire safety. Take a few minutes today to check the dates and condition of your fire extinguishers. If they are due for service, expired, or you have any doubts, take the appropriate action to get them serviced, correctly disposed of, or replaced. Your safety, and the safety of those around you, could depend on it.
If you're in London, Surrey, or the Home Counties and need advice on your fire extinguishers, or require professional servicing or replacement, please get in touch. You can call Millwood Servicing Ltd on 0208 669 0080 or email info@millwood.co.uk for expert help.
Share
.png){kind=logo}
