Fire extinguishers provide a first line of defence against fires, they play a vital role in the workplace. Fire extinguishers should be readily accessible and fully functional, to be used in an instant. Properly maintained fire extinguishers operated by trained people save lives and prevent property damage.
Fire extinguishers require annual maintenance and monthly inspections. Lack of maintenance can lead to an extinguisher not discharging when required or rupturing when pressurised.
Fire Extinguishers must be maintained in accordance with NZS4503:2005 section 6. All Inspection and maintenance, with the exception of monthly checks, must be carried out by a competent person.
Fire extinguisher inspections
Monthly Quick Check: Ensures the correct extinguisher is on the correct hook, gauge is in the green, access isn’t obstructed and no obvious damage.
Basic Service: All types of extinguisher require an inspection annually to check operational condition.
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.
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. We can also take care of the entire program, we have the personnel and the cost-effective plan to meet your needs.
Should employees be trained to use a fire extinguisher?
Short answer, yes! As an employer or building owner, there are specific fire extinguisher training requirements needed as part of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Regulations 2018.
We offer a range of fire safety training courses, including our state-of-the-art virtual reality fire extinguisher training and live fire extinguisher training.