Workers at your New Zealand business can use fire extinguishers to quickly put out small fires before they have the chance to spread. We can undertake fire extinguisher servicing at various Auckland workplaces — but how often do those extinguishers need to be inspected?
What Exactly Do We Mean By ‘Need’?
Neglecting to regularly assess the condition of a fire extinguisher can run the risk of it not functioning properly when you need it. Nonetheless, these regular inspections won’t just be about helping to ensure the extinguishers can save lives when called upon.
There is, after all, the legal aspect to consider as well. As per the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018, these fire extinguishers must be maintained following the NZS 4503:2005 standard.
This standard stipulates that all types of portable extinguishers are tested at least once every 12 months. However, in environments classed as ‘hostile’, e.g. due to the organisation’s work posing higher-than-average fire risks, those extinguishers must be inspected a minimum of once every six months.
Could You Test Your Fire Extinguishers Yourself?
The NZS 4503:2005 specifies that all of the tests required by law must be undertaken by someone with the relevant specialist expertise to do so. This is why many Auckland organisations arrange for us to fulfill fire extinguisher servicing duties on their behalf.
Still, every month, you could make your quick check of the extinguisher, e.g. to look for any obvious damage and confirm that access to the extinguisher is not obstructed.
What Other Tests are Legally Mandatory?
Every three years, ‘wet chemical’ or’ foam’ fire extinguishers need to be checked. This involves discharging the unit, checking the results, and if everything is okay, recharging it. Also, all extinguishers (of any type) need to be subjected to a hydrostatic pressure test every five years.
If you want further guidance on exactly what inspections your workplace’s extinguishers need and how often, please phone our team on 080 016 5362. We would also be happy to carry out fire extinguisher servicing as regularly as Kiwi law requires at your Auckland premises.