Understanding Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable Fire Extinguishers are an important and legal obligation in most premises. Torvac Solutions can recommend, install and service a comprehensive range of extinguishers. Having a serviced and fully functioning extinguisher greatly increases your chances of protecting your property. Ensuring portable fire extinguishers can be operated effectively is an essential part of keeping building occupants safe from fire. This is why Australian Standards govern the proper placement, installation, maintenance, operation and repair of fire extinguishers – including AS–3676,
AS–4353, AS–2444, AS–1851 and AS–1850.

Torvac Solutions technicians are qualified to service Fire Extinguishers as per AS 1851, where it states that portable fire extinguishers must be tested by qualified persons at half-yearly intervals. (Contact the Torvac Service team to arrange a test). Please note some Industries have specific requirements for fire extinguisher maintenance. In addition, there are Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures and State/territory building codes and work procedures that vary from state to state. 

As a guide, Australian Standards recommend the following Portable Fire Extinguishers:

Water Fire Extinguishers

Specifically used for wood, paper and plastic fires.

Not recommended for use on flammable liquid, energised electrical equipment and cooking oils and fats.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Used for Wood, paper, plastic fires, Cooking Oils and Fats.

Not recommended for use on energised electrical equipment.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Used for Wood, paper, plastic fires, flammable and combustible liquids. In addition, limited cooking oils and fat.

Powder (2 TYPES, ABE and BE) Portable Fire Extinguishers

(ABE) Used for wood, paper, plastic fires and Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Additionally, Flammable gases and Electrically energized equipment.

(BE) Flammable and Combustible Liquids, Flammable gases, Electrically energized equipment and cooking oils and Fats.

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers

For Electrically energized equipment. In addition, limited use on for wood, paper, plastic fires and Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

Vaporizing Liquid Fire Extinguishers

Used for wood, paper, plastic fires and Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Similarly, Flammable gases and Electrically energized equipment.

Location of Portable Fire extinguishers

• Extinguishers are located in readily-accessible locations.
• Where possible, extinguishers are located along frequently used paths of travel and near exits.
• Appropriate signage clearly indicates extinguisher locations.
• Similarly, Extinguishers are mounted at the appropriate height (at least 100 mm between floor and base of unit, max 1200 mm between floor and top of unit).
• The extinguisher – or its location sign – is fully visible from 20 m in all directions of approach.
• Importantly, areas surrounding fire extinguishers are clear from obstructions.
• Each extinguisher has an appropriate support fitting or bracket.