AS 1851:2012 Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment 10.2: 10.1 and 10.2 Portable and wheeled fire extinguishers: service conditions, defects, condemning, recharging and location records

Section 10 covers portable and wheeled extinguishers made to the contemporary AS/NZS 1841 series Standard (or AS 4265) and installed to AS 2444. In adverse environments, unless protected, extinguishers get the five-yearly routine every three years. A cylinder is condemned if its lining is cracked, separating, bubbled or irregular, or if corrosion pitting cannot be shown to be within AS 2337.1 limits. Where potable water is poor for pressurised contact (typical in Adelaide and Perth), treated cylinders or a corrosion inhibitor are used and service is more frequent. One-off aerosol and non-rechargeable units get all checks except those needing depressurising or internal inspection. Pressure-tested carbon dioxide and wheeled extinguishers are marked to AS 2030.1; others show the test month and year by permanent marking on the skirt or neck ring, a self-destructing label or an indicator ring under the valve. Service labels are no larger than 90 mm by 50 mm and not on the colour band, manufacturer labels or the tag. Defects, including those in public notices and manufacturer bulletins, are repaired on site or reported; units removed for repair are replaced by a loan unit of matching type and size or comparable rating; unrepairable units are labelled CONDEMNED, DO NOT USE (black letters at least 10 mm high on yellow), not marked as serviced, and returned to the owner with defect and action reports. Different powder types (for example BE and ABE) are never mixed. Halon extinguishers are not discharged to atmosphere; only those with essential use status may be tested and returned to service, with contents recovered by an approved method. Under-pressurised, under-charged or used extinguishers are recharged as soon as practicable. Where more than 10 extinguishers are on a property (or the authority requires), their type, size or rating and location are recorded on a site plan or equivalent, and every extinguisher carries a permanent unique identification mark.