An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a fire extinguisher service record is
A fire extinguisher service record documents the routine checks and the competent maintenance of portable extinguishers — their presence, pressure, seals and accessibility — so that they are ready to use if needed.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template and does not constitute servicing — competent maintenance is carried out by a suitable person, and the employer’s fire risk assessment governs what is provided.
Purpose
- Record routine checks and competent service of extinguishers.
- Confirm extinguishers are present, accessible and in good order.
- Identify those needing recharge, repair or replacement.
- Support the fire safety arrangements for the premises.
Who completes it
- A responsible person carries out the routine visual checks.
- A competent service person carries out the periodic maintenance.
- The employer arranges servicing and acts on findings.
- The fire risk assessment guides what extinguishers are provided.
When it is used
- On the routine check cycle, such as regular visual checks.
- On the periodic competent-service cycle.
- After an extinguisher is used, moved or found defective.
- The employer is responsible for keeping servicing on schedule.
Typical fields
- Extinguisher identity, type, location and capacity.
- Date of check or service and the person or firm.
- Presence, pressure, seal, signage and accessibility.
- Outcome: in service, recharge, repair or replace.
- Next due date and sign-off.
- Example fields only — adapt to the extinguishers and the premises.
Common mistakes
- Blocked or moved extinguishers that are not where they should be.
- Missing the periodic competent service.
- Not replacing an extinguisher that has been used.
- Wrong extinguisher type for the risk in the area.
Document workflow
The service record works with the fire risk assessment, the emergency lighting and alarm records, and the premises maintenance records. A used or failed extinguisher should be recharged or replaced and the record updated.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with and completed after a fire extinguisher service record.
Retention (high level)
Service records are typically kept for a period set by the employer and any applicable rules. This page does not state a required period — confirm with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Records are commonly stored as PDFs in the fire-safety file. Exporting to PDF supports the record; it does not make the service official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Provide extinguishers suited to the risks from the fire risk assessment.
- Arrange routine checks and periodic competent service.
- Keep extinguishers accessible and correctly signed.
- Keep service, alarm and emergency-lighting records together.
Worker notes
- Do not block or move extinguishers.
- Report a used, missing or damaged extinguisher.
- Only use an extinguisher if trained and it is safe to do so.
Country considerations
Requirements for fire extinguishers, servicing and the official authority vary by country. This page is general and high-level — not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee of validity.
Confirm current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer or responsible person is responsible for fire safety arrangements, including suitable, maintained extinguishers, and for compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not service anything and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
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