Portable fire extinguishers in NSW workplaces must be inspected and serviced every six months under AS 1851, the Australian Standard for the routine service of fire protection equipment. This six-monthly service keeps each extinguisher reliable, in date, and ready to work the moment it's needed.
What the six-monthly service involves
A routine service under AS 1851 is more than a quick glance. A technician checks that each extinguisher is:
- In its correct location and clearly visible, with unobstructed access
- Fully charged and at the correct pressure
- Free of corrosion, damage, or leaks
- Fitted with an intact safety pin and tamper seal
- Correctly signed, with its service record and tag up to date
Once serviced, the extinguisher is tagged with the service date so anyone can see at a glance that it's compliant.
Six-monthly service vs longer-interval testing
There are two things people often confuse. The six-monthly service is the routine check described above. Separately, extinguishers require less-frequent, more thorough testing over longer cycles — including pressure (hydrostatic) testing and, for some types, a full discharge and refill at set intervals.
A qualified provider tracks both cycles for you, so nothing is missed.
In practice: Most businesses only need to think about the six-monthly service. Your provider should be tracking the longer-interval tests (hydrostatic, discharge/refill) in the background and letting you know when they're due.
Why lapsed servicing is a real risk
An extinguisher that hasn't been serviced can lose pressure, seize, or fail when someone's life depends on it. Beyond the safety risk, out-of-date fire equipment is a common finding in fire-safety audits and can affect your building's compliance and your insurance position.
Keeping every unit on its six-monthly schedule is inexpensive insurance against a very expensive failure.
Getting it right without the admin
The easiest way to stay compliant is to have a provider service your extinguishers on schedule, tag each unit, and send a reminder before the next service is due. With all-inclusive pricing that covers the service, tags, and reports, you always know where you stand — and you're never caught out by an overdue unit.
Need fire extinguisher servicing in Sydney?
We service all fire extinguisher types across Sydney and regional NSW. Same-day certificates. Automatic reminders. No call-out fee.
Note: This article is general information. Confirm your building's specific fire-safety requirements with a qualified professional.