In purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), safety isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s a duty of care. With busy kitchens, shared social spaces, and a constant flow of new residents, the fire risks in student housing are higher than most people realise.
One of the most effective lines of defence is the fire extinguisher, these devices can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major blaze. At CDS, we don’t see extinguishers as just hardware on a wall. We see them as lifelines that need to be ready the moment they’re called upon. That’s why our fire extinguisher services are designed not only to meet compliance, but also to provide peace of mind for student operators and property managers.
What We Check for in Student Environments
Student living can be unpredictable, and that means fire extinguishers are exposed to more wear and tear than in many other environments. During our inspections, we look for:
- Rust and corrosion that could make an extinguisher fail at the critical moment.
- Blocked or clogged nozzles – a common issue from misuse or tampering.
- Loss of pressure or leakage, which prevents extinguishers from discharging effectively.
- Degraded seals and gaskets, particularly in damp corridors or high-traffic areas.
- Temperature extremes, from overheated kitchen corridors to cold bike storage rooms, that can compromise performance.
By catching these issues early, we ensure extinguishers stay fully functional and reliable.
Compliance, Done Right
In the student housing sector, compliance isn’t optional. We rigorously follow UK fire safety legislation, including:
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
- BS 5306 (the British Standard for fire extinguishing installations and equipment)
This means ensuring:
- Extinguishers are correctly sited, such as near exits or shared kitchens.
- They’re clearly signposted, so students know exactly where to find them in an emergency.
- The right types of extinguishers are provided for the risks at hand, from kitchen fires to electrical hazards.
The result? Equipment that isn’t just compliant but also practical, accessible, and effective when seconds matter.
How Often Should Fire Extinguishers Be Checked?
Keeping extinguishers in top condition requires a clear maintenance routine. At CDS, we recommend:
- Monthly visual checks: Spotting obvious damage, tampering, or accessibility issues.
- Annual servicing: Full inspection, testing, recharging, and certification to keep every device ready and audit-compliant.
- Long-term maintenance planning: Including scheduled overhauls to extend life and reduce unnecessary replacements.
This structured approach keeps extinguishers audit-ready and ensures no unpleasant surprises when inspections roll around.
Why This Matters for Student Safety
For students, fire extinguisher maintenance might not be top of mind but for property operators, it should be. Regular servicing isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about:
- Protecting student lives in high-risk environments.
- Safeguarding property from preventable fire damage.
- Empowering quick emergency response, so small fires don’t become life-threatening disasters.
At the end of the day, fire safety in PBSA is about reassurance. Knowing that extinguishers will work when they’re needed most gives both operators and residents peace of mind.
Raise Your Fire Safety Standards with CDS
If you’re managing student accommodation, now is the time to check: are your extinguishers truly fit for purpose?
At CDS, we help operators maintain compliance, extend equipment lifespan, and protect students when it matters most. Contact us today to ensure your extinguishers, and all your fire safety equipment, are always ready for inspection and always ready for action.
