Fire Extinguisher Servicing in South Africa

Fire Extinguisher Servicing is the periodic inspection and maintenance of portable extinguishers so they work when needed. It is for any home, body corporate, business or site with extinguishers, especially where an insurer, landlord or fire inspector asks for proof of service.

• Say how many extinguishers you have, and the types and sizes.
• Say where they are and when they were last serviced.
• Refilling after use and pressure testing are separate jobs, see the related services below.

What a Service Includes

1. Visual check. Cylinder, valve, hose, nozzle, pin and seal, label and mounting.
2. Pressure check. Gauge reading on stored-pressure units, weighing on CO2 units.
3. Maintenance. Agent condition checked and parts such as O-rings, hoses or seals replaced where needed.
4. Tagging. A service label or tag on each unit showing the date and the service provider.
5. Report. A list of every unit, its location and condition, and any unit that failed.

Extinguisher Types Commonly Serviced

Who Services Extinguishers

Under the Pressure Equipment Regulations, extinguishers may only be serviced by an authorised person employed by a permit holder, for example an SAQCC Fire registered technician working for a company that holds a permit for SANS 1475-1. Ask to see both before you appoint anyone.

Several municipal fire by-laws, including Johannesburg and eThekwini, require extinguishers to be serviced at least every 12 months.

Fire Extinguisher Servicing Prices

What Affects the Price

• Number of units: per-unit prices drop on larger sites.
• Types and sizes of extinguishers.
• Parts, refills or replacements found during the service.
• Call-out or travel fee for small jobs.
• Access: multi-storey buildings and spread-out sites take longer.

What to Include in Your Request

• Town or suburb.
• Number of extinguishers by type and size.
• Date of last service, from the tag.
• Building type: home, complex, office, shop, workshop, factory.
• Whether you want a once-off service or an annual contract.
• Photos of the tags or labels, if you have them.

Where It Applies

Residential

Homes and sectional title schemes with extinguishers in common areas, garages and kitchens.

Commercial

Offices, shops, restaurants, schools, clinics and guesthouses with insurance or lease conditions.

Industrial

Factories, warehouses, workshops and vehicle fleets with many units and site-wide records.

Choosing a Provider

• Check the company's SABS permit for SANS 1475-1 and the technician's SAQCC Fire registration card.
• Ask what the per-unit price includes, and how parts and refills are charged.
• Ask for a written report listing every unit and its condition.
• Ask how they handle a unit that fails: repair, replace or condemn.

How the Enquiry Works

1. Request. Send your site details and what you need through the form.
2. Match. Your enquiry goes to independent extinguisher service providers that may serve your area.
3. Assess. Providers ask questions or arrange a site visit before a firm price.
4. Compare. Check scope, standards, registrations, documents and price side by side.
5. Appoint or decline. There is no obligation.

Use Fire Protection South Africa to send one request to independent extinguisher service companies and compare per-unit prices.

Fire Extinguisher Servicing FAQs

How often must fire extinguishers be serviced?

At least every 12 months under several municipal by-laws, such as Johannesburg and eThekwini, and after use or damage. Check your insurer's and landlord's conditions as well.

Is servicing the same as refilling?

No. A service checks and maintains the extinguisher. Refilling recharges a unit that has been used or lost pressure, and is quoted separately.

Do I get a certificate?

You get a service label on each unit and usually a written report or certificate. The Johannesburg by-law, for example, requires the servicer to give the owner a written certificate. Ask the provider exactly what they issue.

Can I service my own extinguishers?

You can do visual checks between services, but the formal service should be done by a permitted company using registered technicians.

Related Services