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How long will my fire extinguisher last?

A portable fire extinguisher is a pressure vessel that contains an extinguishing agent such as water, dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide, foam and wet chemical. Australian Standard AS 1851 requires portable fire extinguishers be inspected every 6 months (two times per year) and, being a pressure vessel there are requirements that they are inspected and pressure tested (like an LPG cylinder) every 5 years on the anniversary of their date of manufacture.

Russ Porteous
CEO, Firewize
26 Apr, 2021
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All Fire Extinguisher Types - Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical Powder, Wet Chemical, Air-Water, Air-Foam

Australian Standard AS 1851 sets out the requirements for the routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment including portable fire extinguishers.

The 2012 edition of the Standard requires portable fire extinguishers be discharged (Section 10, Table 10.4.3), inspected, consumable items replaced and then pressure tested at 1.5 times the working pressure or 2 MPa, whichever is the greater every 5 years from the date of manufacture.

The date of manufacture of a portable fire extinguisher can be found stamped or printed into the skirt of the fire extinguisher by the manufacturer.

A hydrostatic pressure test involves discharging the contents of the portable fire extinguisher, conducting an inspection of the components, filling the extinguisher with water then pressurising the cylinder to the required pressure.

How long with my fire extinguisher last?

If you purchase a portable fire extinguisher, it has a shelf life of five years before it is subject to the requirements of the hydrostatic pressure test as set out in Australian Standard AS 1851. That said there are a number of other factors that we look for or are listed in the Standard that we need to consider;

  1. adverse operating environments;
  2. corrosion;
  3. physical damage or deformations;
  4. loss in pressure or incorrect weight.

How old is my fire extinguisher?

Portable Fire Extinguisher Date Stamp

Australian Standard AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 clearly mandates the display of manufacture date on all portable fire extinguishers. This information is permanently marked on the extinguisher body or an attached piece, typically through stamping, etching, engraving, or embossing.

The markings are made to withstand any external coatings or protective finishes, ensuring they remain legible throughout the extinguisher's lifespan.

To determine the age of your fire extinguisher, simply look for these markings. The date of manufacture should be displayed in a MM/YY or MM/YYYY format, indicating the month and year when the extinguisher was made.

Remember that this date is crucial for determining the timing of your extinguisher's regular inspections and the comprehensive five-year review as stipulated in Australian Standard AS 1851.

Key Takeaways

  • Portable fire extinguishers are important safety features of a building.
  • Australian Standard AS 1851, requires six-monthly inspections and a five-year comprehensive review.
  • The five-year review includes a hydrostatic pressure test.
  • Manufacture date, crucial for inspections, is usually found on the extinguisher.
  • Standard life before a comprehensive test is five years.
  • Adverse conditions, corrosion, damage, or pressure loss may warrant more frequent maintenance.

Ensuring the integrity of your Fire Extinguisher

Section 11.3 of AS1841 focuses on the critical aspect of checking fire extinguishers for gas leakage. The standard specifies that both the extinguisher container and the gas should be devoid of any moisture. Every gas container should be correctly charged, and its integrity verified through one of the following methods:

  • By Mass: The container's mass is measured before and after a period of not less than 21 days. This method is only applicable to containers filled with carbon dioxide.
  • By a Leak Detector: Specialised leak detection devices are used to identify any escaping gas from the container.
  • By the Immersion Method: The filled container is completely immersed in a tank of water for 24 hours. Any escaping gas is trapped and measured.

Should a container show a loss of content exceeding 5% over a year in any of these tests, it is to be rejected. Alternate methods for leak detection can be utilised if they demonstrate repeatable results and accurately detect leaks at the maximum rates specified in the standard. Regular checks for gas leakage are essential to maintain the effectiveness of your fire extinguisher and ensure your safety.

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