If you are a business owner in Australia, chances are you have at least one fire extinguisher in your establishment. The question is, is it up to code?
Fire extinguisher is an active fire protection device and it must comply with Australian Standards to ensure that it is at its working condition. Fire extinguisher installation must be carried out in accordance with Australian Standards AS 2444.
As a business owner, here are five things you need to know about fire extinguishers:
What You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers and Their Types
When learning about fire extinguishers, it is important to understand that different types of extinguishers contain different extinguishing agents designed for specific classes of fire. Grease fires, electrical fires, and combustible material fires all have unique characteristics, which means each requires a different type of fire extinguisher to safely and effectively suppress the fire.
Another important fact about fire extinguishers is that selecting the correct extinguisher for your workplace is essential for both safety and compliance. Choosing the wrong type of extinguisher can be ineffective and may even increase the risk of injury or property damage. The following are the most common types of fire extinguishers and the situations they are designed to handle.
- ABE or Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers: are used for putting out Class A (ordinary combustible materials — wood, paper, etc.), Class B/C (flammable liquid or gas), and Class E(electrical equipment) fires in normal settings.
- Water Fire Extinguishers: are suitable for fire caused by wood, paper, textiles or other ordinary combustible materials. Because water is a conductor, this type of extinguisher should not be used for Class E fires. This extinguisher is also used in environments with sensitive equipment that can be damaged by the chemicals in ABE fire extinguishers.
- Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers: are commonly used in commercial kitchens. These extinguishers put out fires caused by oil and grease. Please take note that water should never be used to put out fires caused by fats, cooking oil or grease.
- Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers: put out fires caused by flammable liquid and gases (Class B and C). These are commonly installed in laboratories and similar settings.
- Sodium Chloride Fire Extinguishers: are used in fires caused by flammable metal (Class D). These are commonly used in industrial environments.
Australian Standards Require Regular Inspection
Fire extinguisher maintenance is important in keeping the equipment in serviceable condition. Australian Standards AS 1851 states that:
- All fire extinguishers must tested every six months
- Fire extinguisher testing intervals must be recorded on a label or metal tag attached to the unit
- Visual inspection of the equipment should show that it is in working condition
An important thing to know about fire extinguishers is that regular inspections are essential for ensuring they remain ready for use in an emergency. The routine inspection confirms the presence and correct location of each fire extinguisher and ensures the canister shows no visible signs of damage, corrosion, or tampering. The pressure gauge is also checked to verify that the extinguisher is fully charged and operational, while the operating instructions are inspected to ensure they remain clear and legible for users.
Fire Extinguishers Must be Replaced or Recharged After Every Use
When a fire extinguisher has been used or no longer in full capacity, it needs to be recharged or replaced. A fully charged fire extinguisher must be maintained at all times. If the extinguisher has been used or accidentally discharged, even a small amount, it needs to be recharged or replaced immediately so it can be used when a fire emergency occurs.
Fire Extinguishers Don’t Last Forever
Although the canisters do not have expiration dates, it is crucial to keep up with the necessary testing and fire extinguisher replacement requirements. Extinguishers must be replaced or recharged every five years from its manufacture date or last pressure test date.
Fire Extinguishers Must be Disposed Properly
Fire extinguishers can’t be thrown in the trash together with ordinary materials. Fire extinguishers contain chemicals that may be dangerous to the people and environment if not properly disposed of.
For mostly or entirely full extinguishers, you may call your local fire department and inquire about dropping old cylinders at the station. You may also take your extinguisher to a hazardous waste facility.
For nearly empty fire extinguishers, release the remaining pressure by squeezing the lever. Take off the extinguisher head to ensure that the cylinder is empty. Call your local steel recycling facility and ask to drop off the empty canister.
Schedule Fire Extinguisher Services in Sydney
If you would like to learn more about fire extinguishers or ensure your business remains compliant with Australian fire safety requirements, FCF Fire & Electrical is here to help. We provide professional fire extinguisher services to keep your workplace safe, protected, and code compliant. Whether you need new fire extinguishers supplied and installed or routine inspections and maintenance, our experienced team can assist. As part of our comprehensive fire protection services, we offer fire extinguisher supply, installation, testing, and ongoing compliance support. Contact FCF Fire & Electrical today for a free quote and expert advice about fire extinguishers and workplace fire safety.