Fire Security Services has all your Fire Extinguishers and Equipment covered.
Fire extinguishers, hose reels and fire blankets are sometimes referred to as Hand-Operated Firefighting Equipment. They are active fire protection devices used to extinguish or control a fire.
Fire extinguishers
Portable fire extinguishers provide a first line of defence against fires of limited size. Properly maintained fire extinguishers operated by trained personnel save lives and prevent property damage. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and fully functional for immediate use.
Fire Extinguisher maintenance and inspections
Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not discharging when required or rupturing when pressurized.
FSS has a fire extinguisher program designed to meet your requirements.
Portable units require annual maintenance and monthly inspections. Many of our customers have us train their employees to perform the monthly quick check and we provide the annual maintenance, recharges, and testing as necessary. Some of our customers want us to take care of the entire program, we have the personnel and the cost-effective plan to meet your needs. Our preventative maintenance program can ensure you are compliant and ready for any emergency.
Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require a basic inspection annually to check operational condition as required by NZS4503:2005 (page 52, table 6.2, item 6.2.1).
Extended Service: Wet Chemical & Foam Type Fire Extinguishers require a 3-yearly service. This includes a more detailed examination, including a test discharge of the extinguisher & recharging if satisfactory.
5-yearly Pressure Testing: All Fire Extinguishers are subject to pressure vessel safety legislation and must be hydraulically pressure tested & date stamped or labelled every 5 years.
To ensure that your fire equipment is maintained to the required level and that your company has the correct type of fire protection, use only a fire protection company that has trained staff who have completed the National Certificate in Hand Held Fire Equipment (level 3).
What are the different types of Fire Extinguishers?
There are various types of extinguishers, which are used for different types of fires. As no single fire extinguisher is suited to all types (classes) of fire, they need to be selected according to the risks existing in the area to be protected.
Dry powder extinguishers (white band)
Carbon dioxide extinguishers (black band)
Water extinguishers (no band)
Foam extinguishers (blue colour band)
Wet Chemical extinguishers (oatmeal colour band)
Check out our article – which fire extinguisher should I use?
Fire Hose Reels
Fire hose reels can be used to fight fire, providing it is safe to do so. They are located to provide a reasonably accessible and controlled supply of water to combat a potential fire risk, especially where building occupants are trapped and cannot escape to an emergency exit.
Fire hose reels are manufactured to comply with AS/NZS 1221. They are connected to the mains water supply or Fire Systems and are either wall-mounted or in cabinets. They require appropriate signage indicating their location and suitability. The length of a fully extended fire hose is between 18 and 36 meters with a diameter of 13, 19mm or 25mm.
Fire hose reel inspection and maintenance
Maintenance of hose reels should be carried out as detailed in NZS4503:2005. Monthly checks may be carried out by the building owner or owner’s representative. However, it is mandatory under NZS4503:2005 that annual checks are carried out by a “competent person”.
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are ideal for domestic and commercial applications. They are designed to cut off the supply of oxygen by smothering the fire. They are a permanent or temporary solution until Fire and Emergency arrives. Fire blankets can also be used to smother someone’s clothing that has caught fire.
How to use a fire blanket
Open the fire blanket and hold it in front of you to shield your body, hands and face from the fire. Cover the burning material completely, ensuring there are no gaps for oxygen to get in. Shut off any gas or other fuel supply and call Fire and Emergency NZ if you have not done so already. Leave the blanket in place for at least 30 minutes to allow the oil or fat to cool.
Are you or your staff trained to use fire equipment?
If hand-operated firefighting equipment is installed in commercial premises or vehicles, the employer/owner is required to ensure that their employees, tenants etc. are trained in the use of the firefighting equipment.
FSS has many fire safety training options.