The New Fire Extinguisher Laws Are Here: Is Your Business Ready?
In 2025, key changes to UK fire safety laws are coming into effect and they will impact businesses across construction, manufacturing, warehousing, education, retail and more.
At Dalton Safety, we’re more than just a trusted provider of PPE and workplace safety products, we are a dedicated partner to businesses who prioritise protection, compliance, and care for their people. Here's what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
What's Changing in Fire Extinguisher Regulations?
The new fire extinguisher laws are designed to create safer, more accountable workplaces. Some of the biggest updates include:
- Quarterly inspections are now required as annual checks alone are no longer enough.
- Updated compliance to BS EN3 standards, affecting all portable fire extinguishers.
- Mandatory staff training on how to safely identify and operate extinguishers.
- Clear maintenance records and audit trails must be kept.
- Eco friendly disposal protocols must be followed for expired or damaged extinguishers.
Who Needs To Take Action?
The short answer? Almost every business.
These changes affect anyone responsible for fire safety under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including:
- Construction sites and industrial facilities
- Warehouses and logistics centres
- Offices, schools, retail stores, and hospitality venues
- Healthcare, education, and public sector organisations
If you manage a premises or oversee a workforce, it’s critical to review your fire safety equipment and procedures now.
The 4 Key Changes You Must Understand
1. Quarterly Fire Extinguisher Inspections
Fire extinguishers must now be inspected every three months. Qualified personnel must check for:
- Pressure loss
- Corrosion or external damage
- Signs of tampering
- Hose and nozzle blockages
2. Compliance with BS EN3 Standards
All fire extinguishers must meet BS EN3, the updated standard for portable extinguishers, covering performance, colour coding and construction requirements.
Non compliant extinguishers must be replaced immediately to avoid fines and safety risks.
3. Mandatory Practical Training for Staff
Training is no longer optional. All employees must know:
- Which extinguisher to use for different types of fires
- How to operate fire extinguishers safely and correctly
- Evacuation and escalation procedures
4. Sustainable Extinguisher Disposal
You must now use certified providers to dispose of expired or damaged extinguishers sustainably, simply "binning" them is no longer an option.
How Dalton Safety Supports Your Fire Compliance
Dalton Safety makes it easy for businesses to stay compliant, without the stress. We offer:
- Site maintenance tools and accessories for easy inspections
- Fast UK wide delivery for all critical safety supplies
Plus, our Customer Support Team is always on hand to answer compliance questions or recommend the right solutions for your specific needs.