Frequently Asked Questions

A portable fire extinguisher is a handheld device used to extinguish small fires. Portable fire extinguishers come in different types, each designed for specific types of fires, such as fires involving electrical equipment, flammable liquids, or cooking oils.
To use a portable fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin: This will break the tamper seal and allow you to use the fire extinguisher.
2. Aim the nozzle: Point the nozzle at the base of the fire, not at the flames.
3. Squeeze the handle: This will release the extinguishing agent.
4. Sweep the nozzle: Move the nozzle from side to side to cover the entire fire.

It is important to remember that portable fire extinguishers are only suitable for small fires. If a fire is too large or spreading quickly, evacuate the building immediately and call the fire department.

There are several types of portable fire extinguishers in Australia, each designed to be used on specific types of fires:

1. Water: Water fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A fires, which involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and cloth.
2. Foam: Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A and Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids and gases.
3. Dry Chemical Powder (DCP): DCP fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class A, Class B, and Class E fires, which involve electrical equipment.
4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): CO2 fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class B and Class E fires, as well as fires involving flammable gases and pressurized containers.
5. Wet Chemical: Wet chemical fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class F fires, which involve cooking oils and fats.

It is important to use the correct type of fire extinguisher for the specific type of fire, as using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can make the fire worse or even cause injury. When choosing a fire extinguisher, it is also important to consider factors such as the size of the fire, the size of the fire extinguisher, and the accessibility of the fire extinguisher in the event of a fire.

According to AS2444, the installation of portable fire extinguishers should be in accordance with the following guidelines:

1. Location: Portable fire extinguishers should be in a position that is easily accessible and visible, with consideration given to the location of potential fire hazards and the type of fire that is likely to occur.
2. Height: Portable fire extinguishers should be mounted at a height that is easily accessible, but also out of reach of children and other unauthorized persons.
3. Clearance: Portable fire extinguishers should be installed with adequate clearance around them to ensure that they can be easily removed from their mounting brackets in the event of a fire.
4. Signs: Portable fire extinguishers should be accompanied by signs indicating their location and type.
5. Maintenance: Portable fire extinguishers should be regularly serviced and maintained in accordance with AS1851-2005, and any defects or damage should be repaired immediately.
6. Training: All personnel should be trained in the use of portable fire extinguishers and should be familiar with the type of fire extinguisher that is installed in their workplace.
7. Accessibility: Portable fire extinguishers should not be obstructed by furniture or other objects and should be easily accessible in the event of a fire.

It is important to follow these guidelines to ensure that portable fire extinguishers are installed correctly, and that they can function properly in the event of a fire. Failure to properly install fire extinguishers can result in reduced effectiveness and increased risk in the event of a fire.

Yes, dropping a fire extinguisher can be dangerous. Fire extinguishers are pressurized containers that contain a flammable or otherwise hazardous substance. If a fire extinguisher is dropped, it can be damaged, which can cause the contents to leak out and potentially cause harm to people or the environment. Additionally, if a fire extinguisher is dropped from a significant height, it can be damaged to the point where it is no longer functional and will not be able to be used in the event of a fire.

To minimize the risk of damage and injury, it is important to handle fire extinguishers with care, and to ensure that they are stored and transported in a secure manner. If a fire extinguisher is dropped, it should be inspected by a qualified technician to determine if it is still safe to use, and to make any necessary repairs.

You can determine if a fire extinguisher is ineffective by checking for the following signs:

1. Age: Fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan, and over time, the pressure inside the cylinder may decrease, making it less effective. The age of the fire extinguisher should be indicated on the label, and if it is more than 5 years old, it may be time to replace it or pressure test.
2. Damage: If a fire extinguisher has been damaged, such as if it has been dropped or exposed to extreme temperatures, it may no longer be effective. Look for signs of dents, cracks, or other damage to the cylinder or the valve.
3. Leakage: If you notice a puddle of fluid around the base of the fire extinguisher, or if the pressure gauge indicates a low pressure, this may be a sign that the fire extinguisher is leaking and is no longer effective.
4. Discharge: If the fire extinguisher has been discharged, but the pressure gauge still indicates that it is full, this may be a sign that the fire extinguisher has not been recharged properly and is no longer effective.
5. Expiration: Some fire extinguishers have a limited lifespan and may become ineffective after a certain period of time, even if they have not been used or damaged. The expiration date should be indicated on the label of the fire extinguisher.

If you suspect that a fire extinguisher is ineffective, it should be inspected by a qualified technician, who can determine if it is still safe to use and make any necessary repairs. It is also a good idea to replace any fire extinguishers that are more than 5 years old, or that show signs of wear and tear, to ensure that they are always ready to use in the event of a fire.

AS 1851 is the Australian Standard for the Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. This standard sets out the requirements for the maintenance, inspection, testing, and reporting of fire protection systems and equipment in Australia. It covers a wide range of fire protection systems and equipment, including fire alarms, fire extinguishers, fire hose reels, fire sprinklers, fire suppression systems, and emergency and exit lighting.

The purpose of AS 1851 is to ensure that fire protection systems and equipment are maintained to a high standard, so that they are always in good working order and ready to use in the event of a fire. This standard helps to minimize the risk of injury or damage, and to ensure that the fire protection systems and equipment are able to perform as intended, in the event of a fire.

AS 1851 is reviewed and updated regularly, to ensure that it remains current with the latest developments in fire protection technology and best practices. The standard is used by fire protection professionals, building owners and managers, and insurance companies, to ensure that fire protection systems and equipment are properly maintained and tested.

Emergency and exit lights are a type of lighting fixture that are installed in buildings to provide illumination in the event of a power failure or emergency. They are designed to help people safely evacuate a building in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Emergency and exit lights typically consist of a battery-powered light source, a housing, and a mounting bracket. The light source is usually a high-intensity LED or fluorescent lamp, and is designed to provide bright, continuous illumination for a specified period in the event of a power failure. The housing is typically made of fire-resistant materials and is designed to protect the light source and battery from damage.

Emergency and exit lights are typically installed near exits, stairways, and other critical areas in a building, and are usually connected to the building’s electrical system. In the event of a power failure, the battery-powered light source automatically turns on, providing illumination for people to safely evacuate the building.

Regular maintenance and testing of emergency and exit lights is important to ensure that they are always in good working order and ready to use in the event of a power failure or emergency. This maintenance is typically performed in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Standard for the Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment (AS 1851).

A smoke alarm is a device that detects smoke and sounds an alarm to alert people in the event of a fire. Smoke alarms play an important role in protecting people and property from the dangers of fire.

According to the Australian Standard AS 3786, smoke alarms should be installed in all residential buildings, including homes, apartments, and other similar buildings. The specific requirements for smoke alarm installation depend on the type of building and the location of the alarms, but in general, smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping room and in the hallway outside of sleeping rooms.

In order to meet the requirements of the Standard, smoke alarms should be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and should be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly. The Standard also specifies requirements for the type of smoke alarm that can be used, including requirements for the type of smoke detection technology and the type of alarm signal.

By installing smoke alarms in accordance with the Australian Standard, you can help to protect yourself, your family, and your property from the dangers of fire. In the event of a fire, smoke alarms can provide an early warning, giving you time to evacuate the building and call for emergency assistance.

In Australia, hardwired smoke alarms are required to meet specific standards as set out by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). These standards outline the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of smoke alarms in all residential buildings.

As per the Australian Standard AS 3786-2014, hardwired smoke alarms must be interconnected so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound, and must be installed in a location where they can provide an early warning to occupants in the event of a fire. They must also be installed in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions and with the relevant electrical safety regulations.

It’s important to note that the standards for smoke alarms in Australia are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they provide adequate protection for occupants, so it’s recommended to check the latest requirements before installing smoke alarms in a building.

Emergency lights and exit signs are both critical components of building emergency lighting systems in Australia, but they serve different purposes.

Emergency lights are designed to provide illumination in the event of a power failure or other emergency situation. They are typically located near exits and other key areas in a building and are designed to provide sufficient light to allow occupants to evacuate safely.

Exit signs, on the other hand, are designed to clearly indicate the location of exits and escape routes in a building. They are typically located near exits and above doors and are illuminated either by electricity or by battery backup in case of power failure.

In Australia, both emergency lights and exit signs must meet specific standards set out by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). The standards outline the requirements for design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems, including the minimum illumination levels, battery backup times, and testing requirements for emergency lights and exit signs.

It’s important to note that the standards for emergency lighting and exit signs in Australia are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they provide adequate protection for occupants, so it’s recommended to check the latest requirements before installing or upgrading emergency lighting systems in a building.

AS2293.2 is an Australian Standard for emergency lighting and exit signs in buildings. It sets out the requirements for the design, installation, and maintenance of emergency lighting systems, including the minimum illumination levels, battery backup times, and testing requirements for emergency lights and exit signs. The standard also outlines the requirements for the marking and location of exits, and the placement of emergency lights and exit signs to ensure they are easily visible and accessible to building occupants.

The standard is maintained by Standards Australia, the country’s leading standards organization, and is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it provides adequate protection for building occupants in the event of an emergency. Adherence to AS2293.2 is mandatory for all new buildings and major renovations in Australia, and it is widely adopted as a best practice standard for emergency lighting and exit signs in existing buildings.