Reliable Fire Safety Services
Keeping your workplace safe starts with the right fire safety equipment! At The Local Guys, our Melbourne technicians provide trusted fire extinguisher testing services that meet strict Australian Standards AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. From the Melbourne CBD to surrounding suburbs, our fire safety experts make sure fire equipment is always ready to act in an emergency. With friendly customer service and thorough testing procedures, you can trust The Local Guys to help you stay compliant and protect your workers, customers, and property.
Testing Intervals & VIC Regulations
To remain compliant, fire equipment must be tested at the correct intervals under Australian Standards.
Here’s a quick guide to fire safety testing timing in Victoria:
| Service Type | Testing Interval | Standard Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Extinguishers | Every 6 months | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
| Hydrostatic Testing / Level 4 Service | Every 5 years | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
| Fire Blankets | Every 6 months | AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment |
| Emergency Exit Lights | Every 6 months | AS/NZS 2293.2:2019 |
Our Melbourne team makes compliance easy by scheduling routine inspections and testing so you never fall behind! Now that you know when equipment needs testing, let's talk about why it’s so important for Melbourne workplaces.
Why Fire Extinguisher Testing Matters in Victoria
Regular fire extinguisher testing is non-negotiable! A working fire extinguisher can stop small fire hazards from growing into a devastating or life-threatening inferno, but only if it has been tested and maintained correctly. And from a legal standpoint, every business in Victoria must take steps to reduce fire risks and maintain compliance with safety regulations.
Skipping tests increases your risks of non-compliance, equipment failure, and costly fines. Leave it to our Melbourne fire safety technicians! The Local Guys will keep you ready for audits and safety inspections through our comprehensive testing services and detailed records.
Fire Extinguisher Testing Services in Melbourne
At The Local Guys, our fire safety services go beyond a quick check. Our Melbourne team provides a complete range of testing services.
A regular fire extinguisher test involves:
- Visual inspections: checking for damage, corrosion, and fire extinguisher placement
- Fire safety signage inspections: ensuring fire extinguishers are clearly advertised and easy to see
- Integrity and pressure gauge testing: ensuring the cylinder is pressurised properly
- Weighing: to check the amount of coolant/gas/liquid in the fire extinguisher
- Tagging each item: with a compliance tag showing the test dates and other relevant information
- Reporting and documentation: to maintain full compliance records
Our fire safety technicians follow strict testing procedures to keep your extinguishers compliant, reliable, and safe.
Hydrostatic Testing for Fire Extinguishers
Every 5 years, your fire extinguishers will need to undergo a Level 4 service with hydrostatic pressure testing. While extinguishers can last 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance, they are considered expired in Victoria at the 5 year mark.
Level 4 services for fire extinguishers include integrity checks, hydrostatic pressure testing, discharging and refilling, replacing seals/valves, tagging, and compliance reporting. Fire extinguishers that pass hydrostatic testing can be put back into use. But if the device fails, you will need to replace it with a new fire extinguisher!
Understanding Fire Classes & Extinguisher Types
Not all fires are the same, which means you need the correct type of fire extinguisher to fight them effectively.
In Australia, there are 6 fire classes:
- Class A: Common combustibles such as wood, paper, and textiles
- Class B: Flammable liquids like petrol and oil
- Class C: Flammable gases such as LPG, methane, and butane
- Class D: Combustible metals (magnesium, potassium etc.)
- Class E: Fires involving energised electrical equipment and electrical hazards
- Class F: Cooking oils and fats (common in kitchens)
Different extinguishers are designed to tackle the unique risks posed by different types of fires.
For example, a Class E electrical fire cannot be put out with water because of the electrocution risk. You would need a wet chemical or carbon dioxide fire extinguisher to suppress a Class E fire effectively.
It's essential that your Melbourne workplace is fitted with the correct fire extinguisher types, so you can manage fire-related risks with confidence!
Why Choose The Local Guys Melbourne?
When it comes to fire protection, experience and trust matter! The Local Guys are a trusted name in Melbourne for fire safety services.
Here’s why business owners choose The Local Guys:
- Fully-licensed Test and Tag technicians
- Complimentary Reminder Services: so you never miss test deadlines
- Current Police Clearance and Working with Children Check (WWCC)
- $20,000,000 in Public Liability Insurance
- Local service across Melbourne CBD, outer suburbs, and rural areas
- Friendly and professional technicians
- Excellent customer service and easy booking process
- Compliance with all fire safety standards and safety regulations
Whether you manage a retail shop, office, or industrial site, our Melbourne team will keep your business fire safe and compliant. Fire safety doesn’t stop at extinguishers! The Local Guys also test and tag other fire safety equipment, including fire blankets and emergency exit lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do fire extinguishers need to be tested?
Every 6 months, in line with AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. Regular testing ensures safety and compliance in Melbourne, Victoria.
Can you test your own fire extinguisher?
No. Only trained fire safety professionals can test fire extinguishers. DIY testing won’t meet compliance with Australian standards or be accepted by a Melbourne auditor or safety inspector.
How do you test a fire extinguisher?
Testing includes a visual inspection, checking the pressure gauge, inspecting the pin and seal, and sometimes a hydrostatic test. Only certified fire safety technicians like The Local Guys should perform these safety checks.
What is the Australian Standard for fire extinguisher testing?
The standard is AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, which covers inspection intervals, fire extinguisher testing procedures, and records.
How do you get your fire extinguishers checked?
Book a professional fire extinguisher inspection with The Local Guys! Our Melbourne Test and Tag team provides full extinguisher testing services, refills, tagging, and compliance reporting.
Key Takeaways
Fires are fueled by everything from regular combustibles like paper to gas and energised electrical equipment. To protect your property and the people in it, you need a suitable fire extinguisher for top fire hazards in your area!
In Melbourne, fire extinguishers must be tested every 6 months under AS1851:2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment and undergo a Level 4 service every 5 years. You can refer back to our handy VIC fire safety testing chart! Professional fire extinguisher testing ensures compliance with Victorian legal requirements and readiness in a fire emergency.
Stay Compliant with The Local Guys Melbourne
Want to keep your fire extinguishers fully compliant and ready for fire emergencies? From the Melbourne CBD to rural Victoria, clients trust The Local Guys for fire extinguisher testing, fire blanket inspections, and emergency exit light testing services.
Fire extinguisher tests save lives. Don’t wait until it's too late! Book fire extinguisher testing in Melbourne today with The Local Guys.
