Fire extinguishers are essential safety devices in any building, whether it’s an office, warehouse, or public space. However, to ensure they function properly in the event of a fire, regular maintenance and inspections are crucial. Fire extinguisher tags and seals play a critical role in helping property owners and managers comply with fire safety regulations and maintain safety standards.
What are they? And How Do They Work?
Fire extinguisher tags and seals are tools that track the maintenance history and status of each extinguisher. The tags provide vital information such as the date of the last inspection, the next scheduled maintenance, and the name of the servicing company. Seals, on the other hand, ensure that the extinguisher has not been tampered with or used since its last inspection.
When a fire extinguisher is inspected or serviced, a tamper evident seal is attached to the safety pin. If the seal is broken, it serves as a clear indication that the extinguisher may have been discharged or tampered with and needs further inspection or servicing.
Fire Extinguisher Tags and UK Fire Regulations
In the UK, fire extinguisher seals are an integral part of fire safety compliance. Under The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners or responsible persons are required to ensure that fire safety equipment, including extinguishers, is properly maintained. This includes ensuring that tamper evident seals are intact and that extinguishers are regularly inspected.
The British Standard BS 5306-3:2017 outlines the process for maintaining portable fire extinguishers. According to this standard, the responsible person must:
- Visually inspect extinguishers monthly to ensure they are in their correct location, have no visible damage, and that the seal is intact.
- Schedule annual professional servicing where extinguishers are inspected by a competent technician. During this service, the tamper evident seal is replaced as part of the maintenance procedure.
Ensure accountability by keeping an inspection record
Fire extinguishers must also comply with BS EN3, the European standard for portable fire extinguishers, which mandates that tamper evident seals be used to clearly indicate whether the extinguisher has been interfered with since its last maintenance.
Why Regular Inspections Matter
Seals and tags play a crucial role in ensuring that fire extinguishers are ready for use in an emergency and compliant with fire safety regulations. A missing or broken seal indicates that the extinguisher may have been used, and therefore, it needs immediate attention. Tags allow for quick checks and maintain a clear record of inspections.
Here are some key reasons why inspections and proper use of seals and tags are essential:
Quick Visual Status: Monthly inspections allow building staff to quickly verify that the extinguisher is in place, undamaged, and that the seal is intact, signalling that it hasn’t been used or tampered with.
Accountability: The fire extinguisher tag provides a clear record of the last inspection and service date, ensuring legal compliance and making it easy to track the maintenance schedule.
Ideal for High-Security Areas: In critical environments, tamper evident seals provide additional assurance that fire extinguishers are fully functional and untouched.
Legal Compliance: Regular checks are required under UK fire safety laws. Failure to ensure proper maintenance can lead to fines, insurance complications, and increased risk during an emergency.
Enhancing Security with Tamper Evident Seals
Tamper evident seals offer an additional layer of security by making any unauthorized access immediately visible. If a seal has been tampered with, it leaves clear evidence, ensuring that only authorized personnel can handle the fire extinguisher. This is particularly important in high-traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, or industrial sites, where the misuse of safety equipment can pose serious risks.
Seals ensure that the extinguisher remains untouched until needed, and any interference is detected early, allowing for immediate action.
Versapak’s Solution for Fire Extinguishers
Versapak offers a range of tamper evident fire extinguisher tags and seals designed to meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. Our seals provide clear indicators of tampering, while our durable tags ensure inspection records remain intact and legible. With Versapak, you can rest assured that your fire extinguishers are not only compliant with UK fire safety regulations but also provide enhanced security and sustainability.
