AS 1851 1 1995 maintenance of fire protection equipment po

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AS 1851.1-1995 Maintenance of fire protection equipment - Portable fire
extinguishers and fire blankets

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AS 1851.1—1995

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Australian Standard
Maintenance of fire protection
equipment
Part 1: Portable fire
extinguishers and fire blankets


This Australian Standard was prepared by Committee FP/3, Fire Extinguishers. It was
approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 13 October 1995 and

published on 5 January 1993.

The following interests are represented on Committee FP/3:
Aerosol Association of Australia
Australian Construction Service—Department of the Arts and Administrative
Services
Australian Fire Authorities Council
Australian Fire Protection Association
Commonwealth Fire Board
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Department of Consumer Affairs, N.S.W.
Department of Defence, Australia
Federal Bureau of Consumer Affairs
Fire Protection Industry Association of Australia
Fire Trainers Association of Australia
Insurance Council of Australia
New Zealand Fire Equipment Association
Office of Fair Trading and Business Affairs Victoria
Telecom Australia
Western Australia Fire Brigades Board
WorkCover Authority of N.S.W.

Review of Australian Standards. To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject
to periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editi ons as necessary. It is
important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edit ion, and any
amendments thereto.
Full detail s of all Australi an Standards and related publications wil l be found in the Standards Australia
Catalogue of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian
Standard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives detail s of new publi cati ons, new edit ions

and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.
Suggesti ons for improvements to Australi an Standards, addressed to the head off ice of Standards Australia,
are welcomed. Noti fi cati on of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australi an Standard should be made
without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 93039.


AS 1851.1—1995

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Australian Standard
Maintenance of fire protection
equipment
Part 1: Portable fire
extinguishers and fire blankets

First publi shed as AS CA18—1941.
Second editi on 1964.
Thir d editi on 1968.
Revised and redesignated AS 1851—1976.
Redesignated in part as AS 1851.1—1976.
Second editi on 1985.
Thir d editi on 1989.
Fourth edit ion 1995.
Incorporating:
Amdt 1 — 1995
Amdt 2—1996

PUBLISHED BY STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
(STANDARDS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA)
1 THE CRESCENT, HOMEBUSH, NSW 2140
ISBN 0 7262 9388 1


AS 1851.1—1995

2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee
FP/3 on Fire Extinguishers to supersede AS 1851.1—1989, Maintenance of fire protection
equipment, Part 1: Portable fire extinguishers .
This Standard is the result of a consensus among representatives on the Joint Committee to
provide it as an Australian Standard.
This edition of the Standard includes a maintenance schedule for fire blankets and maintains the
concept of periodicity of inspection and servicing for fire extinguishers formerly referred to as
‘levels of inspection and servicing’. The periods are on a time-elapsed basis and range, depending
on the extinguisher type, from six-monthly inspections to six-yearly inspections. The maintenance
schedule tables are no longer grouped according to the different types of extinguishers; instead,
they are now in terms of maintenance periods.

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With the publication of AS 1851.1–1985, the maintenance of all chemical fire extinguishers was
brought to a common cyclic routine, i.e. six-monthly, yearly, three-yearly as appropriate, and
six-yearly. This replaced the timetables in AS 1851, Part 1—1976 which gave no easy correlation
between the maintenance periods of various types of extinguishers.
Requirements for the charging of new extinguishers shipped empty are given in AS 1841,

Portable fire extinguishers . Installation procedures and requirements, and signs, are specified in
AS 2444, Portable fire extinguishers—Selection and location .
A companion Standard to provide guidance on servicing of portable fire extinguishers is available
(AS 3676— 1989, Portable fire extinguishers—Guide to servicing) and will assist in the general
duties, training, and certification of personnel expected to service and maintain portable fire
extinguishers.
In 1979, Standards controlling the manufacture of extinguishers were upgraded significantly and
Standards Australia became directly involved through the quality assurance and certification
scheme and the application of a unique identification label.

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exclusively in-house by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Austr alia.
Standards Australi a wil l also permit the inclusion of its copyri ght materi al in computer soft ware programs for no royalty
payment provided such programs are used exclusively in-house by the creators of the programs.
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3

AS 1851.1—1995

CONTENTS
Page
SECTION 1 SCOPE AND GENERAL
1.1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3 DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4
5
5

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SECTION 2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1 RECORD OF DISPOSITION AND LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS . . 6
2.2 INSPECTION AND SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.3 EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 DEFECTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.5 RECHARGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 3 MAINTENANCE SCHEDULES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

APPENDIX A

22

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR FIRE BLANKETS . . . . . . . . . .


AS 1851.1 — 1995

4

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA
Australian Standard
Maintenance of fire protection equipment
Part 1: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets

S E C T I O N

1

S CO P E

A N D

G E NE R A L

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1.1 SCOPE This Standard sets out requirements for the regular inspection, testing,
recharging and general servicing of portable fire extinguishers that, at the time of
manufacture, complied with the contemporary edition of the relevant Standard listed in Table
1.1. For fire extinguishers used regularly for demonstration and training, maintenance should
be more frequent than specified due to the increased potential for wear and damage.
When pressure testing operating heads (valves), components such as pressure indicators are

disassembled which results in the pressure test not reflecting the pressure retention
characteristics of the complete assembly.
This Standard also includes a maintenance schedule for fire blankets complying with the
requirements of AS 3504 and intended for use on small fires involving cooking oil, fats and
clothing.
TABLE

1.1

RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN STANDARD*
Expellant method
Extinguisher type

Gas container

Stored pressure

Chemical

AS 1841.2
(AS 1841)
(AS A31.2)

AS 1841.2
(AS 1842)
(AS A31.3)

AS 1840
(AS A31.1)

—

AS 1841.3
(AS 1842)

—

Foam

AS 1841.4
(AS 1844)
(AS A32.2)

AS 1841.4
(AS 1845)
(AS 32.3)

AS 1843
(AS A32.1)

Powder (dry chemical)

AS 1841.5
(AS 1846)
(AS A137)

AS 1841.5
(AS 1846)
(AS A137)

—

AS 1841.6
(AS 1847)
(AS A138)

—

—
Vapourizing liquid
(Halon)

AS 1841.7
(AS 1848)
(AS A163)†

—

—

Non-rechargeable

—

AS/NZS 1841.8

—

Aerosol

—

AS/NZS 4353

—

Water

Wet chemical

Carbon dioxide

* Australian Standard numbers appearing in parentheses refer to superseded Standards.
† Halon 1211 and Halon 1301

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5

AS 1851.1 — 1995

NOTES:
1

For portable fire extinguishers manufactured before the alphanumeric series of Australian
Standards were applicable, the regulatory authority may prescribe such inspections, tests, and
corrective actions as are required.

2

AS 1841.1—Portable fire extinguishers—General requirements is the companion document to
AS 1841, Parts 2 to 8.

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1.2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS The following documents are referred to in this
Standard:
AS
1840

Water (soda acid) type portable fire extinguishers*

1841
1841.1
1841.2
1841.3
1841.4
1841.5
1841.6
1841.7
1841.8

Portable fire extinguishers
Part 1: General requirements
Part 2: Water type
Part 3: Wet chemical type
Part 4: Foam type
Part 5: Powder type
Part 6: Carbon dioxide type

Part 7: Vapourizing-liquid type
Part 8: Non-rechargeable type.

1843

Foam (chemical) type portable fire extinguishers*

1850

Portable fire extinguishers — Classification, rating and performance testing

2030

2030.1

The approval, filling, inspection, testing and maintenance of cylinders for the
storage and transport of compressed gases (known as the SAA Gas Cylinders
Code)
Part 1: Cylinders for compressed gases other than acetylene

2337
2337.1

Gas cylinder test stations
Part 1: General requirements, inspections and tests—Gas cylinders

2444

Portable fire extinguishers—Selection and location

2484
2484.2

Fire —Glossary of terms
Fire protection and firefighting equipment

2700

Colour standards for general purposes

3504

Fire blankets

3676

Portable fire extinguishers—Guide to servicing

4353

Portable fire extinguishers—Aerosol type

MP-48

Approved gas cylinder test stations

NZS 4503 Code of Practice for the distribution, installation and maintenance of hand
operated fire fighting equipment for use in buildings.
1.3 DEFINITIONS For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions of AS 2484.2 and
those below apply:

1.3.1 Normative —An Appendix which is essential to the understanding or implementation
of the Standard.
1.3.2 Extinguisher size — The mass or volume of extinguishant with which the extinguisher
was fire rated.

* Obsolescent Standard.
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AS 1851.1 — 1995

S E C T I O N
2.1

6

2

G EN E R AL

R E Q UI R E M E N T S

RECORD OF DISPOSITION AND LOCATION OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

2.1.1 General Every extinguisher shall bear a permanently fixed, unique, site
identification mark, suitable for cross referencing with maintenance records. The mark may
consist of
(a)

Written numbers, letters or a combination of both;

(b)

Barcode;

(c)

Magnetic or electronic strip or similar, e.g smart chip.

2.1.2 Location Where there are more than 10 extinguishers located in or on a property,
or where required by the regulatory authority, the type, size, rating (see Note), location and
identification of portable fire extinguishers in or on a property shall be recorded either on a
site plan or other means clearly describing the extinguishers and the location.

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NOTE: Ratings for portable fire extinguishers in accordance with AS 1850 were not required before
March 1980.

2.1.3 Records A maintenance record system shall be provided by the property owner or
occupier to sequentially record the maintenance carried out on fire extinguishers. It shall
contain the following:
(a)

Type of extinguisher, i.e. water or foam.

(b)

Date of manufacture.

(c)

Record of the last level 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 service as applicable.

(d)

Any defects and remedial action.

(e)

A record of missing or misplaced extinguishers or any other applicable comments.

A maintenance record system may take the form of —
(i)

a logbook;

(ii)

a computer-based record system; or

(iii)

other permanent record system that is capable of easy interpretation or generally has
easily interpreted reports and is to be cross-referenced against an individual
extinguisher.

The maintenance record shall be available for the property at all times. Where a logbook is
used, it shall be substantially bound, but not in loose leaf formats, and shall have numbered
pages in triplicate. The logbook shall include the signature of the owner or agent and the

service person, and have the required distribution of copies printed on each page, i.e.:
(A)

Original — owner/occupier/agent.

(B)

Duplicate — service person.

(C)

Triplicate —retain in book.

The use of maintenance record tags does not preclude the need for a separate maintenance
record system.
2.1.4 Reporting A report including any discrepancy in location, type, size, rating and
identification mark during servicing shall be provided to the owner of the equipment in
writing.

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AS 1851.1 — 1995

2.1.5 Personnel All maintenance work is required to be carried out by experienced
personnel in accordance with recognized safety procedures. Persons with the necessary
training and experience, with access to the requisite tools, equipment and information, and
capable of carrying out the inspection and maintenance procedures of this Standard, are

considered to be experienced personnel. Pressure testing or charging of any unit is to be done
only in designed safety cages of a strength sufficient to contain all fragments given off by
possible vessel rupture or failure.
NOTE: Maintenance of halon fire extinguishers should be carried out by specifically trained and
registered personnel.

2.1.6 Waste products It should be noted that the waste products of the servicing of fire
extinguishers, and particularly from discharge testing, will generally be the subject of State
legislation dealing with the disposal of trade wastes. Legislation controlling the transfer,
handling, storage, sale and ownership of halons exist in most Australian States. In disposing
of waste material, individuals or organizations servicing fire extinguishers should familiarize
themselves with the applicable legislation and ensure that this is complied with.
2.2

INSPECTION AND SERVICE

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2.2.1 Classification For maintenance record tag purposes, maintenance work involving
inspection and servicing shall be classified according to inspection and service intervals as
follows (see Clause 2.2.2):
(a)

The Number ‘1’ shall denote 6-monthly intervals.

(b)

The Number ‘2’ shall denote yearly intervals.

(c)

The Number ‘3’ shall denote 3-yearly intervals.

(d)

The Number ‘4’ shall denote 6-yearly intervals.

(e)

The Number ‘5’ shall denote ‘after-use’ procedures.

2.2.2 Periodicity of maintenance procedures The periodicity of the different intervals
of maintenance of extinguishers shall be as set out in the appropriate maintenance schedules
in Section 3 and referred to as Levels 1 to 5. For halon-type extinguishers only, the initial
six-yearly maintenance procedure may be extended to, but not exceed, 12 years. Such an
extension of maintenance procedures shall apply only to extinguishers that are installed in
locations which are not subject to environmental conditions which may result in extinguisher
deterioration. Any extension of maintenance procedures beyond six years shall be by mutual
agreement between the appropriate maintenance contractor and the extinguisher owner.
Following the initial maintenance interval as given above, the normal intervals of
maintenance shall apply.
CAUTION: HALON FIRE EXTINGUISHER SHALL NOT BE DISCHARGED TO
ATMOSPHERE AND ONLY THOSE GRANTED ESSENTIAL USE STATUS MAY BE
PRESSURE TESTED AND RETURNED TO SERVICE BY THE FOLLOWING METHOD:
(I) EMPTY THE EXTINGUISHER BY TRANSFERRING THE CONTENTS TO A HOLDING
CONTAINER.
(II) PRESSURE TEST, SERVICE AND RECHARGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE 3.1.
NOTE: The extended periodicity on halon extinguishers was granted to prevent unnecessary
discharge during maintenance leading to ozone depletion.

Commencement of the maintenance schedules given in Section 3 shall be based on the
pressure test at the time of manufacture of the extinguisher, or the month and year of the last
pressure test, whichever is the later. If the date of manufacture or last pressure test is
unknown, a six-yearly maintenance procedure shall be applied to the extinguisher. Upon
installation, a Level 1 inspection shall be carried out.

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AS 1851.1 — 1995

8

The periodicity of extinguisher servicing requires that every six years the unit is discharged
or emptied and subjected to a periodic pressure test of 1.5 times the working pressure 2 Mpa,
the marked test pressure whichever is the greater, as described in Item 18 of Table 3.1.
Extinguishers discharged during this period may be recharged without pressure-testing subject
to the six-yearly cycle being adhered to. However, for extinguishers discharged after the
fourth year of the six-year period, it is recommended that a pressure test be carried out to
allow the extinguisher to begin a new six-year cycle.
Where the maintenance status of an extinguisher cannot be reliably re-established, a sixyearly maintenance procedure shall be carried out on the extinguisher and recorded in
accordance with the appropriate requirements of this section.
2.2.3 Additional maintenance procedures
2.2.3.1 Aggressive environment Unless protected from the effects of an aggressive
environment, extinguishers located in such environments shall be subject to a more
comprehensive maintenance schedule by conducting a six-yearly (Level 4) inspection every
three years as set out in Section 3 (see Table 3.1).
Aggressive service environments include the following or as defined by the regulatory

authority:
(a) Exterior situations exposed to the sun, ultraviolet radiation, wind, rain, or salt spray.
(b) Corrosive atmospheres.
(c) Abnormally dusty or moisture-laden atmospheres.
(d) Environments which subject the extinguisher to continuous or intense vibrations.
(e) Environments having extremes of temperature.
2.2.3.2 Organic Lining Where any cylinder lining is found to be suspect as to its
soundness upon routine examination, it shall be subjected to a continuity test carried out in
accordance with AS 1841.1 and in any case at least every level-4 service
2.2.3.3 Water quality In some areas, the water supply, while fit for human consumption,
may be unsatisfactory for prolonged contact under pressure with water-type fire extinguisher
cylinders (which are typically welded 304 stainless steel). In such areas, either specially
treated cylinders shall be used, or a corrosion inhibitor should be added to each charge in the
extinguisher. Adelaide and Perth are examples of areas where this is likely, and extinguishers
sold in these areas should be supplied with the appropriate treatment. Detailed advice on what
treatment might be appropriate should be sought from extinguisher manufacturers.
If in any doubt as to the water quality, an inhibitor should be added. Failure to do so
sometimes results in rapid deterioration of the extinguisher, leading to leakage or failure to
operate.
The use of hard water, in places where water quality has proved to be a problem, or is likely
to be a problem, and salts that are deposited in extinguishers, the maximum periodicity of
maintenance should be revised so that maintenance schedules occur at more frequent
intervals.
NOTE: The presence of salts in extinguishers can clog the pressure indicator filter, bind the
actuation mechanism, inhibit the removal of the operating head or lead to the corrosion of
extinguisher components.

2.2.4 After-use procedures Recharging after use shall be carried out in accordance with
the ‘after-use’ routine specified in the maintenance schedules. For guidance, see AS 3676.
NOTE: Recharging should be carried out immediately after use or partial use in order to maintain

protection and minimize potential corrosion damage.

2.2.5 Exceptions Aerosol and non-rechargeable type fire extinguishers shall be required
to undergo all inspection routines except those requiring the removal of the operating head,
depressurizing, inspection of contents or the interior of the extinguisher.

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2.3

AS 1851.1 — 1995

EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE

2.3.1 Records Records that are required to be kept (see Clause 2.1.3) shall provide
evidence of compliance with this Standard.
2.3.2 Maintenance record tag Where used, the classification, year and month of all
maintenance work carried out shall be recorded on a metal tag as shown in Figure 2.1. The
tag shall be made of a suitable metal and shall be not less than 0.3 mm thick; plastics shall
not be used unless permitted by the regulatory authority. The lettering, figures, and lines on
the tag shall be printed in black over a continuous background of approximately Golden
Yellow Y14 as specified in AS 2700. The tag shall not carry any information other than that
shown in Figure 2.1 (a) and the recorded information specified in this Clause.
An example of a maintenance record tag marked with six years if service levels is shown in
Figure 2.1(b).

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The classification number of the maintenance routine carried out shall be etched, embossed,
or stamped on the tag in the box corresponding to the year and month in which the
maintenance routine was performed, with a figure not less than 3 mm high recessed or
projecting not less than 0.1 mm either side of the tag. However, six-monthly maintenance
may be indicated either by an etched, embossed, or stamped figure ‘1’, or by a punched hole
in the tag.
When a new maintenance record tag is provided, the final-year maintenance record and last
hydrostatic test date shall be transferred from the expired tag or service record to the new tag
by a hole punched in the pressure test column at the appropriate year.
The tag shall be attached to the extinguisher so that the force necessary to detach the tag is
not less than 500 N.
When ordering maintenance record tags, the year on the main body of the tag shall commence
with the previous year, capturing the record of the previous year’s service history. Pressure
test history shall end at the year before the first year given on the main body of the tag.

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AS 1851.1 — 1995

10

DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES

FIGURE 2.1

MAINTENANCE RECORD TAG

2.3.3 Service Labels Any servicing label applied to the extinguisher after servicing shall
not exceed 90 mm × 50 mm in size and shall not be applied over any manufacturers’ labels
or instructions or on the maintenance record tag.
2.4 DEFECTS Any defect found during routine maintenance shall be rectified
immediately or reported to the owner. Action taken shall be recorded in the maintenance
record.

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AS 1851.1 — 1995

Any extinguisher or component that has a defect, such as signs of warping, corrosion,
cracking, distortion or damage, that cannot be rectified during the routine maintenance and
as a result would affect the operation of the extinguisher, shall be withdrawn from service,
except where a component can be demonstrated by test to be serviceable. If extinguishants
complying with all the requirements of the manufacturer’s specification are not available,
then the replacement extinguishant must be demonstrated to be satisfactory as defined in AS
3676.
Extinguishers or components found unsuitable for re-use shall be tagged or labelled as
appropriate, and evidence of maintenance shall not be applied to the maintenance service tag
or records. Condemned extinguishers shall be labelled as follows:
CONDEMNED — DO NOT USE

in letters not less than 10 mm high and in a colour contrasting with that of the background.
Such unsuitable equipment shall be returned to the owner with a ‘defective component’ report
and an ‘action required’ report. An appropriate entry shall be made in the maintenance

record. Faulty or defective components, advised by public notices or manufacturers’ service
bulletins, shall be replaced, exchanged or rectified as required and advised by such notices
or bulletins. Any detectable cracks in a pressure retaining component of an extinguisher shall
cause the component to be condemned in accordance with AS 3676.

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NOTES:
1

The need for prompt action to return extinguishers to service or to replace them should be
stressed on the owner.

2

The owner’s permission should be obtained to destroy any extinguisher or component unsuitable
for re-use.

2.5 RECHARGING Any extinguishant used in the recharging of extinguishers shall
comply in all respects with the extinguisher manufacturer’s specification unless equivalence
is established in accordance with the methods given in AS 3676. Where a manufacturer
nominates a ‘use by date’ on any item, it shall be complied with.
Where an internal examination is required, but a discharge test is not specified, the
extinguishant may be either recovered or discarded, depending on the cost involved.
NOTE: Since safety and costs to consumers are always a significant factor in the preparation of any
Standard, maintenance organizations that decant and recycle extinguishants into the same unit,
particularly powder, should ensure that the extinguishant is suitable for continued service and
complies with the above requirement.

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AS 1851.1 — 1995

12

S E C T I O N

3

M AI N T E N AN C E

S C H E DU LE S

Maintenance schedules for the periods listed below are given in Table 3.1.
(a)

Level 1

Six-monthly.

(b)

Level 2

Yearly.

(c)

Level 3

Three-yearly.

(d)

Level 4

Five-yearly for New Zealand and six-yearly for Australia (see Note).

(e)

Level 5

After extinguisher use.

Portable fire extinguishers of the non-rechargeable or aerosol type shall be maintained to
Level 1, 2 or 3 only and shall be discarded in an environmentally responsible method after
any use or at the expiry date marked on the unit.

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NOTE: In New Zealand pressure testing of all fire extinguishers over 500 ml in water capacity must
be carried out at an approved test station in accordance with the requirements of the New Zealand
Dangerous Goods Regulations (Class 2 — Gases) and the Department of Labour publication—Guide
to Gas Cylinders.

The testing revolves around a five-yearly test cycle once the extinguisher is five years of age
and has been discharged. This rule also applies to compressed gas containers.

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13

TABLE

AS 1851.1—1995

3.1

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MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Item
1

Component
or
function

Action required

Accessibili ty Check that the exti nguisher is
conspicuous, readil y accessible
and in its assigned location,
and the locati on sign is visible
and correct (see AS 2444)

Inspection

Water
(soda
acid)

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored
(chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

2

Anti- tamper
device

Check that the anti -t amper
device, where fit ted, is intact

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

3

Support
bracket

Check that an appropriate
support bracket is securely in
place

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

4

Exterior and
operati ng
instr ucti ons

Check that the exti nguisher is
clean, that the instructions for
operati on are clearl y legible,
and that the maintenance
record tag (where appli cable)
is att ached

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT


AS 1851.1—1995

14

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TABLE

Item
5

Component
or
function
External
damage

Action required
Check that the exti nguisher,
including att achments, is not
damaged (see AS 2337.1)

Inspection

Water
(soda

acid)

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

6

External
corrosion

Check that the exteri or of the
extinguisher is not pitt ed by
corrosion (see AS 2337.1)

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

7

Discharge
nozzle

Check that the discharge
nozzle is the corr ect type

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

8

Outlet hose
and nozzle

Check that the discharge
nozzle is not blocked or
damaged, and that the hose
is free from obstructions or
cracking and other signs of
damage or deteriorati on, and is
securely fi tt ed

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT

15

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TABLE

Item
9

Component
or
function
Contents

Action required

Inspection

Check that the exti nguisher is
fully charged, e.g. by overall
mass

Level 1

Water
(soda
acid)

AS 1851.1—1995

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

10

Pressure
indicator

Check that the pressure
indicator mechanism, where
fit ted, is registering within the
operable range, and appears to
be fr ee and operating corr ectl y

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

11

Discharge

Operate the extinguisher in
accordance wit h the operating
instr ucti ons, and visuall y
check that the discharge is
satisfactory
NOTE: For Halon-type
extinguishers (see
Clause 2.2), tr ansfer
contents to holding
container and test
components to ensure
function

Level 1
Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

see
Note

Level 5
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT


AS 1851.1—1995

16

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TABLE

Item
12

Component
or
function
Operati ng
head/cap

13 Actuati ng
(i) device

Action required

Inspection

Check that the threads of the
operati ng head or cap and neck
ring are not damaged and the
vent( s) are not blocked. If
there is no screw thread, check
that the securi ty locking
device is undamaged and

operati onal. Check that any
str ainer or expansion device is
unobstr ucted

Level 1

Where possible, without
discharging any contents,
check that the actuating device
is undamaged, fr ee from
corrosion, and moves fr eely

Level 1

Water
(soda
acid)

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)

container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

(ii )

Check that the actuating
device is undamaged, fr ee
from corrosion and moves
freely, any cutti ng edge is
sharp, and any seali ng gasket
is in good condit ion

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

14
(i)

Internal
components

Check that the acid bottl e, or
inner container, lead stopper
and cage or carr ier are
undamaged, and that the lead
stopper is in good condit ion
and moves fr eely
and the strainer is clear

Level 1

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT


17

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002. Single user licence only. Storage, distribution or use on network prohibited.

TABLE

Item
14
(ii )

Component
or
function

Action required

Inspection

Check that the internal
discharge tube, strainer, and
expansion device, where fi tt ed,

provide clear passage, and are
securely fi tt ed

Level 1

Water
(soda
acid)

AS 1851.1—1995

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder

(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

(ii i)

Check that the internal
discharge tube, strainer and
anti- overfi ll tube, where fit ted,
provide clear passage, and that
the anti- overfi ll device is
undamaged and securely fit ted

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Level 4
Level 5

(iv)

Check that the internal
discharge tube or gas inlet
tube or port s are correctly
install ed and provide clear
passage, and that the powder is
free-fl owing

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

(v)

Check that the internal
discharge tube is unobstr ucted
and securely fi tt ed, and that
there is no evidence of foreign
matter or moisture in the
cylinder.

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3

Level 4
Level 5
see Note

NOTE: For Halon exti nguishers see Clause 2.2 for extended peri odicty
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT


AS 1851.1—1995

18

TABLE

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Item
15

Component
or
function

Action required

Compressed Check that the compressed gas
gas container container is of the correct type
and size, in good conditi on,

and fully charged, and is
subjected to maintenance, as
necessary, in accordance with
AS 2030.1

Inspection

Water
(soda
acid)

3.1 (continued )

Water
Water
(gas
(stored
container) pressure)

Wet
Foam
chemical
Foam
(gas
(stored (chemical) container)
pressure)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

16

Internal
conditi on

Check that the interi or of the
cylinder is clean and not pitt ed
by corr osion.(see AS 2337.1)
and that any internal li ning

including organic is in good
conditi on

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4

see Note

Level 5
NOTE:
1
For carbon dioxide exti nguishers serviced under Austr alian regulations, check on a six-yearly schedule in accordance wit h the internal examinati on requirements of
AS 2030.1. This check is to be made by an SAA-approved gas-cylinder test stati on (see AS 2337.1 and SAA MP-48).
2
For carbon dioxide exti nguishers serviced under New Zealand regulati ons, check in accordance wit h the internal examination requirements of New Zealand Dangerous
Goods (Class 2—Gases) Regulations.
17

Seals

Check that the operating head
or cap joint seal( s) is in good
conditi on

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4

Level 5

18
(i)

Pressure test

Pressure test the complete
extinguisher, or extinguisher
body and operating head or
cap individuall y to 2 MPa

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )

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19

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TABLE

Item

Component
or
function

18
(ii )

Action required
Pressure test the extinguisher
body to the marked peri odic
test pressure or 2 MPa.
whichever is the greater

Inspection

Water
(soda
acid)

AS 1851.1—1995

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical

(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4

see Note
see Clause 2.2

Level 5
NOTES:
1 For carbon dioxide exti nguishers serviced in Australi a, pressure test on a six-yearl y schedule in accordance with AS 2030.1 (see AS 2337.1 and SAA MP-48).
2 For carbon dioxide exti nguishers serviced in New Zealand, pressure test on a schedule in accordance with the New Zealand Dangerous Goods (Class 2—Gases)
Regulations.
18
(ii i)

Pressure test rechargeable
compressed gas containers in
accordance wit h the relevant
product Standard

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

19

Seals and
gaskets

Renew all seals and gaskets
fit ted to any actuating device
and the operating head or cap

Level 1

Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

20
(i)

Recharging

Recharge the extinguisher
in accordance with the
manufacturer’ s instr ucti ons

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )
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AS 1851.1—1995

20

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TABLE

Item

Component
or
function

20
(ii )

Action required
Pre-mixed foam solution

Inspection

Water
(soda
acid)

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)

container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

(ii i)

Sealed foam li quid containers

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

(iv)

Check that the exti nguisher
label correctly indicates the
type and quantit y of
extinguishant

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

21

Leak
detecti on

Check for leaks at the joints
and seals of the extinguisher
that were renewed or disturbed
during recharging
(see AS 3676)

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5
(conti nued )

COPYRIGHT


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TABLE

Item
22

Component
or
function
Powder

Action required
Where applicable, invert and
shake the extinguisher

Inspection

Water
(soda
acid)

3.1 (continued )

Wet
Water
Water
Foam
Foam
(gas
(stored chemical
(gas
(stored (chemical)
container) pressure) pressure)
container)

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

23

Location and Replace the exti nguisher in the
recording
assigned locati on and record

maintenance in records and on
maintenance tag

AS 1851.1—1995

Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Level 5

COPYRIGHT

Foam
(stored
pressure)

Powder
(gas
container)

Powder
(stored
pressure)

Carbon
dioxide

Vapourizing
liquid

AS 1851.1 — 1995

22

APPENDIX A

MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR FIRE BLANKETS
(Normative)
A1 SCOPE This Appendix sets out a procedure for 12-monthly inspections of fire
blankets and corrective action where non-compliance to this Appendix is found.
A2

PROCEDURE The procedure shall be as follows:

(a)

Accessibility —Check that the blanket is —
(i)

conspicuous;

(ii) readily available;
(iii) in its assigned location; and

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(iv) installed in accordance with AS 2444.
(b)

Location sign —Check that the location sign is visible and correct.

(c)

Blanket container — Check that the blanket container —
(i)

is securely and correctly supported;

(ii) is clean and free from damage;
(iii) has clear and legible instructions there on; and
(iv) has a maintenance tag attached to the container.
(d)

Blanket —Remove the blanket from the container and check—
(i)

for any damage or contamination to the blanket.

(ii) that the blanket is correctly folded; and
(iii) for insecure or damaged hand-holding devices.
Where the blanket conforms with the above, repack the blanket into the container as
recommended by the manufacturer.
NOTE: It is important that fire blankets are always folded in the manner prescribed by the
manufacturer, in order that they can be removed from the container quickly (see AS 3504).

A3 CORRECTIVE ACTION Where a blanket, container or location sign does not
conform with the requirements of this Appendix, it shall be rectified or condemned.
A4 RECORDING Record maintenance and corrective action in records and the

maintenance record tab by the figure 2 or a hole punched through the tag in the
appropriate space.

COPYRIGHT