If you work with fire extinguishers, chances are you know that the BS 5306 outlines everything from how to conduct your maintenance reports to how to prove your competency through certification.
But did you know it also says that staying certified isn’t a one-and-done deal? That’s right! Your BS 5306 qualification has an expiry date, and ignoring it could cost you your compliance (and maybe even your insurance).
Knowing exactly when and how to update your BS 5306 qualification is crucial for staying in business. Let’s break it down.
What the BS 5406 Actually Says
According to BS 5306-3 Annex I, technicians must refresh their training every three years to remain competent, compliant, and insured.
“A competent person is required either to attend a refresher training course of at least 1 day duration, or to undergo refresher training that is structured as continuing professional development [CPD] over a period that has documented outlines and training material.”
Translation? You can’t rely on your memory of the course you originally took. The standard expects you to keep your knowledge up-to-date as fire safety evolves.
The countdown starts the day you earn your BS 5306 qualification. Three years later, it’s refresher time. But if you don’t take your refresher course, you’re officially out of date; meaning you can’t be classed as a “competent person” under the British Standards and, therefore, can’t offer portable fire extinguisher services anymore.
This obviously becomes a problem for your company and your clients. So, if your certificate is starting to look vintage… it’s time to act!
How to Update Your BS 5306 Qualification
You’ve got quite a few choices (and none of them involve re-taking the full 4-day course just yet):
- Contact a training provider like Elevation Fire Training, who will check your status and guide you through the process.
- Book your refresher day course to refresh your skills and meet the BS 5306 requirement.
- Alternatively, complete a structured CPD programme designed to maintain your competency.
After completing your refresher training, you’ll sit a written exam to prove your updated knowledge. Successful completion reinstates your status as a qualified “competent person” and gives you a new certificate.
Then, you’ll need to mark your calendar for 3 years from your new certification date — and plan your next refresher in advance. This prevents any lapse in certification.
What Happens If You Miss the 3-Year Window?
Now, here’s where it can get a bit tricky.
You must book and sit your course within 6 months of your certificate’s expiry date. For example, if your certificate ends on the 13th January, you have until the 13th July to complete your refresher. And if you miss that? Then you’ll need to retake the full four-day course to regain competency. (No pressure, right?)
Six months may seem like a long period to complete it, but time does fly, people get busy, jobs take priority, and before you know it… you’re past your due date and have to take the full four day course again! Don’t believe us? Here’s what the standards say:
“It might not be possible to adhere precisely to a 3-year period, but this is acceptable provided that the refresher training has been officially booked before the 3-year anniversary and the course completed within 6 months of the 3-year anniversary. Failure to follow this procedure entails completing the initial training again.“
Which is not what you want. Unless you feel as though you need the training, which we definitely suggest if you think a refresher might not be enough.
How Elevation Fire Training Has Your Back
We specialise in BS 5306 full and refresher courses, delivered by our very own fire-guru Steve Pilfold (MIFSM). Known for his ability to make sense of tough regulations (and dare we say, make them enjoyable), Steve is here to help you stay confident, competent, and compliant in your roles.
But don’t take it from us…
“Very good course. Lots of visual references and all information came from experience. Great understanding of the regs. Would happily enrol my engineers onto this.”
“The best lecturer I’ve had bar none!”
“Brilliant teaching from Steve. He really helps you understand the different elements of the course. I appreciate the effort Steve and Elevation Fire Training have put in.”
“Steve is the best trainer I’ve had in many years. Very experienced and a nice guy. Looking forward to the next training session!”
Booking your refresher training with us is incredibly simple.
Just navigate to the course page, click which date you want to get on and book right then-and-there. Or, you can contact our sales team for more information on the course, or help with bookings:
