As a business owner, you know you need fire extinguishers. But once they are mounted on the wall, it is easy to forget about them.
However, fire safety regulations in Victoria are strict. Simply having the equipment isn’t enough—it must be functional. The Australian Standard AS 1851 sets out specific intervals for maintenance that every business must follow.
The 6-Month Rule (The Level 1 Inspection)
The most important rule to remember is 6 Months. All portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets must be inspected by a competent technician every six months.
During this “Level 1” inspection, our Safety First technicians check:
- Accessibility: Is the extinguisher visible and easy to reach?
- Pressure: Is the needle in the green zone?
- Weight: Has the cylinder lost contents?
- Physical Condition: Is there rust, damage to the hose, or a broken handle?
- Tagging: We punch the yellow service tag with a number (1–6) representing the service type and date.
The 5-Year Pressure Test (Level 5)
Every 5 years, extinguishers require a more intensive “Pressure Test.” The unit must be emptied, pressure tested to ensure the cylinder is safe, and then refilled.
Often, it is more cost-effective to simply replace the unit with a brand new one at the 5-year mark rather than paying for the labour to refill the old one. We can advise you on the best option for your site.
Why Combine Fire & Electrical?
Many businesses make the mistake of hiring one company for electrical “Test and Tag” and a different company for Fire Safety. This means paying two call-out fees and disrupting your staff twice.
At Safety First Test and Tag, we are qualified to handle both. We can check your computers and your fire extinguishers in a single visit.
What About Fire Hose Reels?
If you have Fire Hose Reels on your property (common in warehouses in Tullamarine or North Geelong), these also require 6-monthly inspections to ensure the water flow is sufficient and the hose isn’t seized.
Stay Audit-Ready
If a fire inspector walks into your business today, can you prove your equipment works? If your tags are blank or outdated, you could face significant penalties.
Need a 6-monthly check? Call Safety First on 1300 710 873 or Book Online.
