The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places legally enforceable requirements on the "responsible person" and organisations for the safety of the relevant persons within the premises in the event of a fire. The "responsible person" must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premise are subject to a system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and good repair.

British Standard 5306 Part 3 2017 recommends the annual inspection and service of fire extinguishers by a competent person. A competent person is defined as anyone appointed by the responsible person and someone who is qualified through training and experience to undertake the service and maintenance.

In addition to the annual service, it recommends that the "responsible person" carries out a visual inspection of all extinguishers and fire safety equipment on a regular basis to determine if the extinguisher has been discharged or damaged.