FIREEXTINGUISHER AND

FIREBLANKETTESTING

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES

Fire extinguishers are relatively simple devices to use. They are your first point of defence when dealing with a fire hazard. Over 90% of all fires are controlled or extinguished with a portable fire extinguisher or Fire Blanket. Completing a fire extinguisher check at regular intervals will save lives.

In Australia, there are several different types of fire extinguishers. Each extinguisher has its own purpose and contains unique contents designed to smother different fires. Safety Master technicians are trained to work with each type of extinguisher as well as how often they need to be tested.

In Australia there are mainly 6 types of fire extinguishers which can be installed in company premises. These are according to different types of fire. Thus, it is essential that Australian companies have the right type of fire extinguisher installed in their workplace.

Class A: Class A Fire Extinguishers are used for fires that involve carbonaceous solids like paper products, fabrics or textiles, wood-based products, plastics, and rubber-based products.

Class B: Class B extinguishers are used to put out fires that started due to flammable or combustible liquids. In the work environment, this could include chemical-based cleaning products, electrical contact cleaner, and lubricants used for equipment.

Class C: Class C extinguishers are used for fires started by flammable gases. These extinguishers could put out the fire before pressure builds.

Class D: Class D extinguishers are used for fires started by combustible metals – often used in Laboratories

Class E: Class E extinguishers stop electrical fires. This includes events related to electrical equipment that requires electricity or circuit to operate.

Class F: Class F extinguishers manage fires caused by cooking oils and fat based products. They address fires that could occur in a kitchen setting of the workplace.

All businesses have a responsibility to protect their employees. Providing your staff with maintained fire protection equipment will ensure they have the best chance of avoiding harm in an emergency. Minimise damage to your property and remain compliant with national workplace safety standards. The servicing of fire extinguisher devices must be conducted by an experienced technician.

How often do I need fire extinguisher maintenance?

According to the AS1851, fire extinguisher test and refill services should occur at the following intervals:

All portable and wheeled fire extinguishers need to be inspected every 6 months.
Pressure testing and refills should be carried out at least once every 5 years.

Records of the tests and their dates should be kept on the metal tag attached to each extinguisher.

Inspection of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets

A thorough inspection and testing of individual units is performed according to the current Australian standards.

The following items cover the checks our technicians perform before applying fire extinguisher service tags:

Accessibility
Anti-tamper device
Service tag
External damage
External corrosion
Outlet hose assembly
Pressure indicator
Contents full charge
Signage
Support bracket
Discharge nozzle
Weight