This month…
- Have you ever wondered whether you need your fire safety equipment serviced?
- Fire safety regulations tighten for residential buildings
- How closing a door may save your life
What you need to know this month
Do you need your fire safety equipment serviced?
The short answer is YES!
Fire safety equipment is your first line of defence in an emergency but only if it works properly. Across the UK, regular servicing of fire safety systems is not just best practice, it’s a legal requirement. Whether you manage a workplace, residential building, or public premises, staying on top of maintenance can save lives, reduce risk, and ensure compliance.
Why Servicing Matters
Fire safety equipment is often out of sight and out of mind…until it’s needed. Over time, components can degrade, become damaged, or fail entirely.
Routine servicing ensures:
- Equipment functions correctly in an emergency
- Faults are identified early
- Compliance with UK fire safety regulations
- Reduced risk of costly downtime or liability
Key equipment that requires regular servicing
1. Fire Extinguishers
All portable fire extinguishers should be serviced at least once a year by a competent person. Checks include pressure levels, seals, and signs of corrosion or damage.
2. Fire Blankets
Over time, damage, contamination, or improper storage can weaken the material or make the blanket harder to deploy quickly. Regular inspection and maintenance help confirm that the blanket is intact, accessible, and ready to smother small fires or protect individuals from flames.
3. Fire Hydrants
Maintenance helps identify issues like leaks, blockages, or low water pressure that could hinder firefighting efforts. Well-maintained hydrants allow firefighters quick and reliable access to water. Routine checks also help extend the lifespan of the equipment.
4. Fire Alarm Systems
Fire alarms should be tested weekly (user checks) and professionally serviced at least every six months. This includes control panels, detectors, and sounders.
5. Emergency Lighting
In the event of power failure, emergency lighting guides occupants to safety. Monthly function tests and annual full-duration tests are required.
6. Fire Sprinkler Systems
These systems require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure valves, pumps, and water supplies are fully operational.
7. Fire Doors
Often overlooked, fire doors must be inspected regularly to ensure they close properly, seals are intact, and no unauthorised modifications have been made.
UK Legal Responsibilities
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “Responsible Person” (e.g. employer, landlord, or building manager) must ensure that all fire safety equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.
Failure to comply can result in fines, prosecution, or even imprisonment in serious cases.
Choosing a competent service provider
When selecting a fire safety servicing company, look for:
- Third-party accreditation
- Qualified and trained engineers
- Clear documentation and service records
- Transparent pricing and service schedules
Record keeping and documentation
Maintaining accurate records is essential. Keep logs of:
- Service dates and findings
- Repairs and replacements
- Weekly/monthly user checks
- Certificates of compliance
These documents may be required during inspections by fire authorities or insurers.
Top tips for staying compliant
- Create a fire safety maintenance schedule
- Assign responsibility to a trained individual
- Don’t ignore minor faults as they can escalate quickly
- Review your fire risk assessment regularly
Top Story
New evacuation laws for residential properties
The Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025, which came into force on 6 April 2026, introduce new legal duties aimed at improving the safe evacuation of residents in certain multi-occupied and high-rise residential buildings in England.
The Regulations require the “Responsible Person” (typically the building owner or manager) to identify residents who may have difficulty evacuating without assistance, such as those with physical, sensory, or cognitive impairments and to implement tailored measures to support them.
Central to this is the introduction of Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs), which involve person-centred fire risk assessments and agreed emergency evacuation statements for relevant residents.
The Regulations also require the preparation and regular review of building evacuation plans and the sharing of key information with Fire and Rescue Authorities, while ensuring resident participation is voluntary and based on consent.
Overall, the legislation represents a significant development in fire safety law following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, with a focus on protecting vulnerable occupants and ensuring more effective evacuation procedures in emergencies.
A big shout out to our brilliant customers in the photo above, who are taking part in their evacuation chair training. Well done team!
Top Tip
Close your internal doors at night
It sounds almost too simple, but it’s hugely effective.
A closed door can slow the spread of fire and smoke, sometimes by 10–20+ minutes
It keeps escape routes (like hallways) clearer for longer
It reduces toxic smoke inhalation, which is the main cause of death in house fires
UK guidance specifically highlights this as part of a night-time “close-down routine” alongside turning things off before bed.
Why this matters more than people think
A quick way to apply it tonight
Before bed, do a 30-second sweep:
- Close bedroom and living room doors
- Shut the kitchen door. This is a high-risk area.
- Make sure exits aren’t blocked
That’s it! No equipment. No cost. Big impact.
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