A Guide to Buying Fire Extinguishers (Without Getting Burned!)
Fire extinguishers look straightforward. Red cylinder, wall bracket, job done. But the difference between a properly commissioned extinguisher and one bought off a website and bolted to the wall by whoever was free that afternoon is the difference between compliance and a potential prosecution. BS 5306-3:2009 is very clear: extinguishers must be commissioned by a competent person. That rules out most online purchases before you even open the box.
The Online Purchase Trap
Search “buy fire extinguisher” and you will find dozens of suppliers offering units from around 20 to 35 pounds each. Looks like a bargain compared to what a fire protection company charges. The problem is that buying the extinguisher is only about a third of the actual job.
BS 5306-3:2009 requires every new extinguisher to be formally commissioned. That means a competent person inspects the unit, confirms it is the correct type for the identified hazards, checks it is undamaged, positions it correctly, ensures adequate signage, and records it all. A self-adhesive commissioning label stuck on by the buyer does not count.
We have seen this go wrong in real businesses. A factory owner ordered extinguishers online, hung them at the wrong height, and never fitted the hose assemblies properly. A taxi company bought 1kg powder extinguishers because they were the cheapest option. That size is not rated for the fire risks in their depot. Both thought they were saving money. Both were non-compliant.
Real example: A multinational company trialled buying extinguishers online for one of their sites. After accounting for separate commissioning visits, staff time coordinating deliveries, and disposal of old units, the saving over using their existing fire maintenance company was just 10%. For that 10%, they lost their 5-year warranty and gained a compliance headache.
What You Actually Pay: Online vs. Professional
The sticker price is never the real price. Here is what the numbers actually look like when you factor in everything required to reach compliance.
Buying Online (True Cost)
Professional Supply & Install
That said, cost is only half the story. The real question is: who carries the liability if something goes wrong?
What to Look for in a Fire Extinguisher Supplier
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places the compliance burden on the responsible person. That is usually the employer, building owner, or managing agent. If a fire authority investigates after an incident and finds your extinguishers were not properly commissioned, that responsibility sits with you. Not the website you bought them from.
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) publishes guidance on what to expect from a competent fire extinguisher servicing company. Use it. Ask questions before you sign anything.
BAFE Registration
Look for a valid BAFE SP101 certificate. This is the recognised third-party certification scheme for portable extinguisher maintenance in the UK.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
Any company sending engineers to your site must carry current employers’ liability insurance. Ask to see the certificate.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers damage caused during installation or servicing. A minimum of £5 million is standard in the industry.
Efficacy Insurance
This is the one most people miss. Efficacy insurance covers the scenario where an extinguisher fails to perform because of a servicing or commissioning error. Without it, you are exposed.
BSi Kitemark (BS EN3)
The extinguishers themselves should carry third-party accreditation. The BSi Kitemark confirms they have been independently tested to BS EN3 standards. Avoid units with only self-certification.
No Sub-Contractors
Ask whether the company uses its own employed engineers or sub-contracts. Sub-contracting makes the competency chain harder to verify and can dilute accountability.
A properly qualified fire maintenance company delivers the extinguisher, positions it in the correct location based on your risk assessment, installs it at the right height, commissions it to BS 5306-3, provides all documentation, and backs it with a 5-year manufacturer warranty. One visit, fully compliant, nothing left for you to chase.
The thing is, most businesses do not save meaningful money buying online. They just shift the compliance burden onto their own shoulders and lose the warranty protection that comes with professional installation. For the sake of a few pounds per unit, that is a poor trade.
Looking for Properly Commissioned Extinguishers?
We supply BS EN3 accredited extinguishers across Cumbria and the Lake District. Delivered, installed, commissioned, and warranted. Give us a ring.