The duty of the responsible person is to ensure that fire extinguishers are consistently maintained by a competent professional, as outlined in fire safety regulations and standards. Recognized as essential ‘life safety equipment,’ portable fire extinguishers play a critical role in protecting lives and property during the early stages of a fire. To fulfill this responsibility, it is vital to implement a structured maintenance program that includes regular inspections, servicing, and testing by certified professionals. This ensures that extinguishers remain fully operational, compliant with industry standards, and reliable in emergencies.

Maintenance programs should include visual checks for physical damage, pressure level assessments, ensuring proper labeling and placement, and verifying that the extinguishers are appropriate for the specific fire risks present in the environment. Annual servicing, as recommended by industry guidelines such as BS 5306 in the UK, ensures the extinguishers’ integrity, readiness, and safety. Regular maintenance not only reduces the risk of malfunction but also demonstrates compliance with legal obligations, offering peace of mind to the responsible person and building occupants.