Fire extinguishers serve as the first line of defence against fires in commercial buildings. But picking the right extinguisher is just one part of the equation. Regular inspection is equally important to ensuring your unit is fully operational and ready for action.
Under NZS 4503:2005—Hand-Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment (HOFFE), fire extinguishers must be inspected at least every 12 months by a “competent person“, or an individual with appropriate training and experience in fire safety equipment.
Learn the importance of professional fire extinguisher testing and how Jim’s Test & Tag can help you keep your workspace safe in an emergency.
Who Can Inspect Fire Extinguishers?
Fire extinguisher inspections must be performed by a “competent person”, or an individual with relevant industry training and practical experience in fire safety equipment maintenance.
While this definition provides some flexibility, working with a professional fire extinguisher inspector is your best bet. Professional inspection and maintenance let you:
- Save on the time and cost of training personnel
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements
- Know if your fire safety equipment is faulty and needs replacement
- Reduce fire risks, preventing property damage and protecting staff
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we provide full fire protection services in accordance with relevant New Zealand standards. Our technicians are trained in all components of fire extinguisher maintenance, testing, and refilling, so you can get your equipment sorted with one reliable team.
How Often Do Fire Extinguishers Need to Be Inspected and Maintained?
According to the NZS 4503:2005 standard, fire extinguishers need to follow a strict inspection schedule:
- All portable fire extinguishers require inspection at least annually.
- Fire extinguishers in ‘hostile environments’ require inspection at least once every 6 months.
- All fire extinguishers require hydraulic pressure testing every 5 years.
- Wet chemical extinguishers and foam extinguishers require servicing every 3 years.
- Fire extinguishers must be refilled immediately following any use, regardless of how much agent was discharged.
Specific testing frequencies can depend on your workplace environment, so get in touch with us if you’re uncertain about your requirements.
What Does an Inspection Involve?
While the inspection and maintenance process only takes a few hours, it can get pretty complex. Generally, fire equipment inspection services include:
- Visual Examination: The technician conducts a thorough external inspection, checking for any signs of physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or rust. They verify that the safety pin and tamper seal are intact and properly positioned.
- Pressure Gauge Check: The pressure gauge is examined to ensure it reads within the operational range, indicating the extinguisher is adequately pressurised and ready for use in an emergency.
- Instruction Label Review: All labels, operating instructions, and hazard warnings are checked to ensure they’re readable and securely attached to the extinguisher body.
- Accessibility Assessment: The technician verifies that the extinguisher is mounted at the correct height, is easily accessible, and has clear signage indicating its location.
- Documentation and Tagging: Once complete, the technician attaches a service tag indicating the inspection date and their details, and updates maintenance records to demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we keep test records in our online data management system. You can access the report whenever you need to prove compliance, and we’ll even send a reminder the next time your building’s equipment is due for a test.
How to Choose a Fire Extinguisher Service Provider
How do you choose a qualified technician to check your equipment? Here are a couple of things to look out for when selecting a fire equipment service provider:
- Experience: How long has the provider been inspecting fire equipment? They should be familiar with New Zealand’s standards for servicing different types of fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, and fire blankets.
- Reputation: What do past customers say about the provider? Look for reviews from other businesses that have used their service.
- Location: Can the inspector come to you? Choosing a mobile service provider means convenient on-site inspections and maintenance, minimising disruption to your operations.
Ensure Your Fire Extinguishers Are Professionally Inspected
The mandatory annual fire equipment inspection is essential to reducing risks in an emergency. Using a professional inspector helps keep your people and premises safe.
With mobile testing services everywhere in NZ, Jim’s Test & Tag provides reliable fire equipment inspection and maintenance for hundreds of local businesses. Our qualified technicians ensure your fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and fire hose reels are up to standard and ready for use. Get a free quote for our services today.
