How often to check, service and refill a fire extinguisher
Look at each extinguisher yourself once a month, have it serviced by a competent person once a year, and refill it after any use. Pressure tests and overhauls come every 5 to 12 years, depending on the type.
International codes, not Sri Lankan law
We know of no published Sri Lankan law that sets a servicing interval. The intervals below come from two international codes many firms follow: BS 5306-3 (UK) and NFPA 10 (US). Follow the manufacturer's instructions first, and ask your local council's fire service if they want more for a fire certificate.
The schedule at a glance
| When | What needs doing | Who, and which code |
|---|---|---|
| Every month | A quick look at every extinguisher, using the checklist below. | You or a named member of staff. Both codes. |
| Every year | A basic service, recorded on the service tag. | A competent person. Both codes. |
| Every 5 years | Water, foam and powder: an extended service. CO2, water, foam and wet chemical: a hydrostatic (pressure) test. | A competent person. Extended service: BS 5306-3. Pressure test: NFPA 10. |
| Every 6 years | Stored-pressure dry powder: an internal check (emptied and checked inside). | A competent person. NFPA 10. |
| Every 10 years | CO2: a full overhaul. Primary-sealed powder: an extended service. | A competent person. BS 5306-3. |
| Every 12 years | Stored-pressure dry powder: a hydrostatic (pressure) test. Disposable (non-rechargeable) units: replace, counting from the date of manufacture. | A competent person. NFPA 10. |
| After any use | Refill straight away, even after a short burst. | A competent person. |
BS 5306-3 is British and NFPA 10 is American. Neither is Sri Lankan law, and they don't match exactly, so the table shows both.
What is a pressure test?
A hydrostatic test checks that the cylinder is still strong enough to hold its pressure. The empty cylinder is filled with water and pressurised above its working pressure. A cylinder that fails is taken out of use.
Your monthly check
You need no tools. For each extinguisher, check:
- In its place: on its bracket or stand, where it belongs.
- Visible and unobstructed: nothing stacked in front of it, easy to grab in a hurry.
- Pin and seal intact: a broken tamper seal can mean someone has used it.
- Gauge in the green: CO2 extinguishers have no gauge; they are weighed at the yearly service.
- No damage: no dents, rust, leaks, or powder or damp marks. Check the base too.
- Hose and horn clear: not cracked, split or blocked with dirt or insects.
- Label readable: the instructions face outwards.
- Service tag up to date: a service within the last 12 months.
If one fails any point, note it and get it serviced or refilled before you rely on it. WhatsApp us a photo of the label and the problem, and we will tell you what it needs.
On the coast? Check more often
Salt air and humidity are hard on metal. On the Galle, Matara and Hambantota coast, an extinguisher on a veranda, by a pool or in a busy kitchen can rust at the base, valve and gauge faster than one in a dry office. As general advice, look at these more often than once a month, and keep them on a bracket or stand, not on a damp floor.
After any use: refill it
Refill any extinguisher that has been used, even for a second. A part-used one can lose its remaining pressure and fail next time. For a refill, tell us the type and size printed on the label and we will give you the price.
If a fire is spreading
An extinguisher is for a small fire you can tackle safely. If a fire is spreading, get everyone out and call the fire brigade on 110.
Set up a routine and keep a log
List every extinguisher
Note where each one is, its type and size, and the dates on its label and service tag.
Name who checks
One person does the monthly check, with a back-up for when they are away.
Write it down
For every check, service or refill: the date, who did it, which extinguisher, what was found and what was done. A notebook is enough.
Book the yearly service
Ask which extinguishers are also due an extended service, pressure test or overhaul that year.
When the fire service visits for a fire certificate, a log and up-to-date service tags show the equipment has been looked after. SLTDA-registered guest houses, boutique villas and hotels need a valid Certificate of Fire Protection at every yearly licence renewal: see what hotels and guest houses need.
Where we come in
SafeZone Fire Company services and refills fire extinguishers across the Galle, Matara and Hambantota districts: see inspection and maintenance. Not sure what type you have, or whether it still suits the risk? Our guide to extinguisher types explains each one.
Common questions
How often should fire extinguishers be serviced in Sri Lanka?
There is no single Sri Lankan legal interval that we know of. Under the international codes BS 5306-3 and NFPA 10: a check every month, a service by a competent person every year, and a refill after any use, plus pressure tests or overhauls every 5 to 12 years by type.
Can I check my own fire extinguishers?
Yes. The monthly check is meant for you or your staff. The yearly service, pressure tests and overhauls need a competent person with the right equipment.
Do fire extinguishers expire?
Under NFPA 10, disposable (non-rechargeable) extinguishers are replaced 12 years after manufacture. Rechargeable ones stay in use through servicing and pressure tests; ask the manufacturer about your model's working life. If an extinguisher has rust, dents or a damaged valve, don't rely on it until it has been checked.
How often should a car fire extinguisher be checked?
Like any other: a look every month and a service every year. Heat and vibration in a vehicle are hard on it, so also check that its bracket is tight.
Need extinguishers, a refill or training?
Call or WhatsApp us with what you need and where. We will tell you what fits and what it costs.
Updated: 27 October 2026