Why Buying Fire Extinguishers Online Is Risky

06/06/2025

⚠️ Why Buying Fire Extinguishers Online Can Be a Dangerous and Costly Mistake

Many businesses believe that purchasing fire extinguishers online is a quick and cost-effective alternative to using a professional fire protection company. However, after thoroughly assessing online fire extinguisher suppliers, we've found that not only can this route end up being more expensive, but it can also put lives and property at serious risk.

In this article, we'll explain why professional fire extinguisher services remain essential for safety, compliance, and long-term value.

📋 Can Online Suppliers Offer a Proper Fire Extinguisher Site Survey?

Short answer: No, they can't.

A professional fire extinguisher site survey must be carried out by a competent person who is trained and certified in accordance with British Standard BS 5306-8.

To meet this standard, a fire safety technician must undergo specialist training, obtain certification, and complete refresher courses every three years. This ensures they are up to date with the latest fire safety requirements and risk assessment procedures.

Online suppliers simply cannot replicate this level of professional service — and failing to carry out a proper survey can lead to incorrect extinguisher selection, improper placement, and serious fire safety liabilities.

🛠️ The Truth About Fire Extinguisher Commissioning

According to BS 5306-3, all fire extinguishers must be commissioned on-site before installation. This critical process must be completed by a qualified technician with the appropriate training, experience, and certification.

Here's what online sellers don't tell you:

Pre-commissioned extinguishers shipped to your door do not meet BS 5306-3 standards.
If they offer a commissioning service, it often involves a third-party subcontractor at an additional cost, turning that "cheap" extinguisher into an expensive and risky investment.
Improper commissioning can invalidate your fire safety compliance and insurance.

📜 Fire Extinguisher Compliance and Insurance Implications

If your extinguishers are not installed and maintained by a competent fire protection professional, you risk breaching the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

In the event of a fire:

Your insurance provider may refuse a claim if you cannot prove compliance.
You may be held legally liable if equipment fails or is found to be non-compliant.
Your business reputation and operational continuity could be at risk.

This is why partnering with a certified fire protection company like Kings Fire is not just a safety measure — it's a business-critical decision.

💷 Why Professional Fire Extinguisher Services Save You Money (and Lives)

While online options may seem cheaper upfront, the hidden costs of subcontractor commissioning, insurance non-compliance, and incorrect equipment selection quickly add up — both financially and in terms of risk.

Choosing a local, qualified provider like Kings Fire ensures:

A fully compliant site survey to BS 5306-8
Certified, insured professionals carrying out all works
On-site commissioning to BS 5306-3
Peace of mind that your fire safety setup is legal, effective, and insured

⚠️ The Hidden Risks of Buying Fire Extinguishers Online

Competency: Who Are You Really Buying From? 🔍

Can online fire extinguisher suppliers genuinely demonstrate competency in fire safety for portable fire extinguishers? In many cases, the answer is no.

Most online vendors are simply resellers—they bulk-buy fire extinguishers from manufacturers and sell them at cut prices without any real knowledge of what they're supplying. These businesses rarely have certified fire technicians, let alone the qualifications required under British Standards or the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Should a fire occur, Fire Authorities will investigate—and you may be asked to provide evidence that your equipment supplier is competent and compliant. Failure to do so can result in fines or even prosecution.

🔧 Are the Extinguishers Really Brand New?

Another common problem with online extinguisher purchases is that the units may not be new or undamaged, even if advertised as such. In many cases:

Extinguishers arrive 1–2 years old, shortening their effective lifespan.
Units are found damaged in transit, posing serious safety risks.

When you buy through a professional fire protection company like Kings Fire, every extinguisher is inspected, commissioned, and logged on-site by a qualified technician, giving you full peace of mind.

⚖️ CO₂ Extinguishers: The Steel vs Aluminium Problem

One of the most misleading areas of online sales is the availability of cheap CO₂ fire extinguishers. Here's what you need to know:

Steel-bodied CO₂ units are heavier, lower in quality, and harder to handle.
Aluminium CO₂ extinguishers are up to 2kg lighter and offer superior build quality—ideal for professional and commercial use.
Worse still, many "new" CO₂ extinguishers sold online are actually refurbished units, often missing:
- The British Standard Kitemark
- A valid fire rating

This is a serious issue. Without a valid fire rating, your extinguisher coverage may fall below BS 5306-8 requirements, leaving your building under-protected and non-compliant.

🔄 Warranty Claims: More Trouble Than They're Worth?

Online sellers often advertise a 5-year warranty, but how does this actually work in practice?

If an extinguisher loses pressure or is found faulty:

You may need to ship it back at your own expense.
You could be left without cover for days or weeks while waiting for a replacement.
There's no guarantee the warranty will even be honoured.

This gap in protection could have serious insurance and legal consequences if a fire occurs while you're waiting on a replacement.

🚨 Health & Safety Oversights

Do online fire extinguisher suppliers follow proper health and safety protocols?

Chances are, they don't. Most lack:

A documented Health & Safety Policy
Risk Assessments
Method Statements

Without these, you are at increased risk of liability if faulty equipment or poor handling leads to an incident on your premises.

🧰 Can Online Fire Extinguisher Providers Service My Equipment?

In some cases, online fire extinguisher companies do offer servicing — but often at a premium cost.

For example, one popular online supplier charges:

£75 + VAT just to attend your site
£10 + VAT per extinguisher serviced
£6 + VAT per fire blanket, with an additional £75 + VAT site fee

These inflated prices are usually due to their reliance on subcontractors, who operate independently and charge higher call-out rates.

By comparison, a reputable local fire extinguisher service company — like Kings Fire — can provide the same service at a significantly lower cost, with consistent pricing, qualified technicians, and no surprise add-ons.

**💰 What Is the Real Cost of Buying Fire Extinguishers Online?**

The advertised price of fire extinguishers online is rarely the full story. Consider this breakdown:

Item Cost
6L Water Fire Extinguisher £29.00
Delivery Fee £8.50
Subcontractor Attendance £35.00
Commissioning Fee £6.99
Total £79.49

That's nearly three times the advertised price — for a service that still may not meet British Standards compliance.

More importantly, the true cost only becomes apparent in an emergency. Will that extinguisher work correctly? Was it properly commissioned? Is it the right type for the risk? When it fails, the financial and legal implications could be devastating.

✔️ Should You Buy Fire Extinguishers Online or Use a Fire Protection Company?

The answer is clear: buying from a professional fire extinguisher company is safer, smarter, and often cheaper in the long run.

Here's why:

Qualified technicians provide expert site surveys and risk assessments
Equipment is installed and commissioned to BS 5306 standards
You get full insurance compliance and professional accountability
Fire extinguisher servicing includes RAMS (Risk Assessments & Method Statements)
Ongoing support and annual maintenance reminders keep you compliant

Anyone can create a website and sell extinguishers, but that doesn't make them fire safety experts. Working with a trusted fire protection specialist protects your people, your premises, and your reputation.

🤝 Speak to Kings Fire Today

Don't take risks when it comes to fire safety. If you're unsure about your fire extinguisher setup, or considering purchasing new extinguishers, talk to the experts first.

Call us today on 01462 337037

Or complete the enquiry form below

We'll ensure your fire protection is fully compliant, professionally maintained, and ready when it matters most.