Fire extinguishers may last for several years, but they don’t last forever. They also tend to become less effective over time. Like other fire safety equipment, fire extinguishers need to be replaced after a certain period of time, even if you’ve never used them. (Fire extinguisher manufacturers often recommend replacing them every 5-15 years, depending on the extinguisher.)  You’ll also need to check them regularly to make sure they’re still in good condition, with no signs of wear or damage.

For home extinguishers read the manufacturer’s directions on the extinguisher.

Fire Extinguishers

Ref (AS1851 – 2012 sect 10)

Fire extinguishers shall be serviced—

(a) six-monthly (consists of an external inspection and some measurements);

(b) yearly (same as 6 monthly but can include internal inspections in some extinguishers); and

(c) five-yearly (generally includes pressure testing the cylinder, note it is often cheaper to buy new extinguishers than to pressure test).

Upon installation and after any usage, a six-monthly service shall be carried out. The starting date for five-yearly service shall be either the date of manufacture of the extinguisher or the date of last pressure test, whichever is the later. If the date of manufacture or last pressure test cannot be reliably established, a five-yearly service procedure shall be carried out on the extinguisher.

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Adverse operating environments 

Unless protected from the effects of an adverse operating environment (any extinguisher located outdoors), extinguishers located in such environments shall be subjected to a more comprehensive service program by conducting the five-yearly inspection, test and routine service schedules, every three years

Fire Blankets

Ref (AS1851 – 2012 sect 11)

The frequency of routine servicing of fire blankets shall be in accordance with the following:

(a) At intervals not exceeding 6 months (blanket is removed and inspected for defects).

(b) When defects are suspected (if so blankets are replaced).

Hose Reels

Ref (AS1851 – 2012 sect 11)

Fire hose reels shall be serviced—

(a) six monthly (includes an external inspection and check for leaks); and

(b) yearly (as for 6 monthly plus a flow test to ensure correct flow rate).

For each of these pieces of fire equipment a Servicing Tag attached to the item will be stamped for the Month of the Year.

Summary records (a written document) must also be provided by the servicing company.

EXTINGUISHER & HOSE REEL SERVICING

To meet Australian Standards AS1851


Type

Servicing required

6

monthly

12 monthly

3 yearly

(adverse conditions)

5

yearly

ABE Dry Powder Extinguisher

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

CO2 Extinguisher

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Air Water Extinguisher

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Air Foam Extinguisher

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Wet Chemical Extinguisher

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Fire Blanket

Yes


Hose Reel

Yes

Yes



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