Having a fire extinguisher is only one step in meeting your fire safety requirements.
If you need to use that fire extinguisher, you need to know that it is in perfect working order and has been properly tested that it will work.
At Jim’s Fire Safety, we are dedicated to spreading fire safety awareness wherever we can. If you have any questions about your fire extinguisher testing requirements, contact us now for business specific advice. For general information and guidance, just read on.
What are the New Zealand Fire Extinguisher Standards?
As outlined in the fire safety legislation from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, the owner of any hand-operated firefighting equipment installed in a building for firefighting by the building’s occupants must maintain it in accordance with NZS 4503:2005—Hand operated fire-fighting equipment. This relates to all portable and wheeled fire extinguishers on the property too.
It’s not enough just to have firefighting equipment at your place of business or worksite – it must be maintained to ensure that all equipment will function properly in an emergency situation.
There are tough penalties if you fail to meet these fire extinguisher regulations. An individual faces a fine of up to $10,000 and an organisation could be fined up to $20,000. Every business needs to invest in regular servicing of their firefighting equipment.
It is crucial that only reputable service technicians complete your fire equipment testing. Portable fire extinguisher requirements are strictly outlined and controlled and it is important to meet the proper testing criteria.
Testing from a team you can trust
At Jim’s Fire Safety, all the tests that we conduct are performed in accordance with the most recent fire extinguisher standards. We are able to test and inspect extinguishers in accordance with the NZS 4503:2005.
The requirements include details such as:
- tests must be performed at least once every 12 months (we recommend 6 monthly)
- every 5 years, there needs to be a hydraulic pressure test
- results must be recorded and provided to the client
- proper tagging must be attached and/or updated where required
If you fail to meet these requirements, you risk a huge fine and worse still, the safety of everyone in your workplace is in jeopardy. You can ensure your workplace is safe by contacting the professional team at Jim’s Fire Safety today.
It’s always time to be on top of your Fire Safety
Every fire extinguisher should have a maintenance tag attached. This should have a record of the month and year the equipment was inspected.
Fire extinguishers should be completely emptied and hydrostatically tested by an approved testing authority such as Jim’s Fire Safety, at least every 5 years. The year of that test should be clearly indicated on the maintenance tag.
It’s crucial that any testing and maintenance of your fire extinguishers is performed by properly trained and skilled professionals.
That professional team will be able to advise on where to place your fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment.
Some of the basics include:
- Mounting fire extinguishers on the wall.
- Placing them in locations where they can be easily accessed at all times.
- Read the instructions in advance so you know how to use the fire extinguisher.
Using handheld firefighting equipment to extinguish a fire can be dangerous and quite a daunting task the first time. It’s important to remember that if fire equipment is not used correctly it can actually cause the fire to spread.
Fire Protections starts and ends with the professionals
As important as your fire safety is, it’s just as vital to use a professional team you can trust to inspect and test your fire equipment.
Unfortunately, there have been instances of some fire extinguisher inspection companies who have forged the test results and skipped the testing altogether. Charges have been laid against companies that make any false or misleading representations regarding the installation, servicing and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
Thankfully there is one team that you can trust to do the job right every time.
That’s Jim’s Fire Safety.
You’re safe with Jim’s Fire Safety
You can have all your fire safety needs looked after with the experts from Jim’s Fire Safety.
Whether it’s Fire Extinguisher Inspection, Fire Hose Reel Testing, Fire Blanket Inspection and more, you will have complete peace of mind when you deal with the leading team in fire safety.
Our technicians are the top choice for fire protection testing services for businesses and they’re fully mobile in order to cover the whole of the country.
For more information about our testing services, give us a call or fill in the online form for a free quote.
