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Fire Extinguisher Testing

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The Local Guys NZ Fire Extinguisher Testing
What Is

Fire Extinguisher Testing?

A fire extinguisher is an important piece of safety equipment and often the first line of defence against fires. Owning the correct extinguishers and organising regular extinguisher testing is essential to ensure they are ready for use in an emergency.

Fire extinguisher testing involves visual inspections and pressure testing, completed by a competent person or safety professional in accordance with NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment. The Local Guys Test and Tag will help you meet strict fire safety standards.

Why Is

Fire Extinguisher Testing Important?

Regular fire extinguisher inspections are required under national safety standards. Fire extinguisher inspections help ensure that extinguishers are safe, correctly installed, and in good working order.

If an extinguisher fails due to poor extinguisher maintenance or missed 12-monthly inspections, the results can be devastating. Functioning fire extinguishers can prevent property damage, save countless lives, and contain fires before they spread.

How Often

Should Fire Extinguishers Be Tested?

Do you know what the mandatory extinguisher testing schedule is in New Zealand?

Fire extinguishers require:

  • 12-monthly inspections
  • Comprehensive pressure testing every 5 years

12-monthly checks are required under New Zealand safety standards. At the 5 year mark, fire extinguishers are considered expired. They must undergo a Level 4 service or be replaced.

What’s Included

in Fire Extinguisher Inspection Services?

When you book a fire extinguisher service with The Local Guys Test and Tag, you can expect:

  • A full visual inspection of the extinguisher to check for obvious damage
  • Integrity and pressure testing (and inspection of any pressure gauge)
  • Assessment of all signage, extinguisher locations, and extinguisher placement
  • A comprehensive fire extinguisher inspection service report
  • A certificate of compliance including: the type of service, the date of testing, and the next due date
  • Scheduled reminder notifications for your next service

If your extinguishers have missing signage, safety ties, or other accessories, our safety professionals can replace them to ensure you maintain compliance with NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment.

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What Happens

When an Extinguisher Fails?

An extinguisher may fail due to age, damage, corrosion, depressurisation or other factors. If it fails testing, it must be removed and replaced immediately. Our technicians will document the result in your service report and notify you immediately.

The Local Guys Test and Tag can offer safe disposal for expired fire extinguishers, provide a quote for replacement, and help install a new one.

What Are the

Consequences of Skipping Testing?

Neglecting extinguisher testing or delaying extinguisher maintenance creates serious safety risks. If a fire extinguisher fails at a critical moment, the risk of injuries, death and property damage increases dramatically. There are also major fines and legal penalties waiting for workplaces and business owners with non-compliant safety equipment.

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Fire Extinguisher Testing
Understanding the

Different Types of Extinguishers

Are you familiar with the different classes of extinguisher? Different types of extinguishers are designed to combat different fire types. Having the correct equipment available to deal with the fire hazards in your environment is vital.

For example, Class F extinguishers are designed to stop fires fueled by cooking oils, so they're a necessity for restaurants and industrial kitchens. Are you in a setting with a lot of electrical equipment? You will need Class E extinguishers available to deal with electrical fires.

Along with providing regular testing, The Local Guys can carefully assess whether your fire extinguisher is suitable for the risks linked to your environment.

Maintaining

Fire Extinguishers Between Tests

Are you familiar with the different classes of extinguisher? Different types of extinguishers are designed to combat different fire types. Having the correct equipment available to deal with the fire hazards in your environment is vital.

For example, Class F extinguishers are designed to stop fires fueled by cooking oils, so they're a necessity for restaurants and industrial kitchens. Are you in a setting with a lot of electrical equipment? You will need Class E extinguishers available to deal with electrical fires.

Along with providing regular testing, The Local Guys can carefully assess whether your fire extinguisher is suitable for the risks linked to your environment.

Fire Extinguisher Testing
Got questions? We have answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question about our services, our FAQs can help you make the most of your experience. If we didn't answer your question, contact us today!

Under NZS 4503:2005 - Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment, only a competent person with the proper certification may legally perform extinguisher testing. In New Zealand, additional licensing is required for other fire safety inspection services.

There are actually 5 steps to a routine fire extinguisher inspection with The Local Guys:

  1. Visual inspection: Checks for external damage to safety pins, O-Rings, nozzle, and the cylinder.
  2. Integrity testing: Assesses the condition of your extinguisher. May include pressure testing to see whether the cylinder pressure is high enough.
  3. Weighing: To verify that there is enough liquid/foam/water within the extinguisher.
  4. Fire equipment tagging: Updates compliance tags to track how often the extinguisher had been tested.
  5. Service reporting: Includes an outline of the service, the results, the next testing due date, and any actions needed to reach compliance.

Fire extinguishers are single-use, regardless of the type of extinguisher! Once the extinguisher has been used, the cylinder will rapidly lose pressure and won't be able to spray effectively. That's why fire extinguishers must be replaced or refilled after every use.

There are 6 main types of fire extinguishers:

  1. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
  2. Dry chemical powder extinguishers
  3. Foam fire extinguishers
  4. Water extinguishers
  5. Wet chemical extinguishers
  6. Vaporising liquid fire extinguishers

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The Local Guys Support Centre Team
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