What Are The Fire Extinguisher Signage Requirements In Brisbane?

There are many requirements in place for fire safety equipment and procedures in Australia, and these can change depending on the state or territory that you are in. In Queensland, there are specific compliance requirements that ensure the safety of businesses and the people within them. For instance, if you are an owner, a business or a person that is occupying or managing a building in Queensland, it is your legal obligation to ensure the safety of any person that is in that building in the event of a fire or any other emergency situation. That is why it’s incredibly important for business owners to be on top of everything to do with their fire safety compliance.

One of the many requirements in place specifies the type and placement of fire extinguisher signage. To make sure you are correctly following these requirements, we recommend that you consult a fire safety specialist. There are variables in every setting and situation, which means that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all application for all businesses.

If you’re wondering about some of the fire extinguisher signage requirements for your business, we’ll detail some of these below. To get specific information for your business and building, we recommend organising an inspection with Brisbane Fire Services.

What signage is required for fire extinguishers?

Not only do you need to have the correct class and amount of fire extinguishers in your building, you need to have the proper signs to indicate the location and the type of the fire extinguisher. These signs are important visual markings and communicate key information for identifying and using extinguishers. Being able to identify extinguishers easily and quickly is essential for responding safely to fires. The last thing you want to do in a fire emergency is to waste time wondering what type of fire extinguisher is at hand. In emergencies, every second counts.

The signs are usually white symbols and text on a red background, making them eye-catching and easily identifiable. They will identify the fire extinguisher in proximity to them and communicate essential information about the extinguisher and what types of fires it can be used on.

Where do you put the fire extinguisher sign?

Fire extinguisher signs are generally mounted approximately 2 metres above floor level or next to the fire extinguisher on the wall. This placement will make sure they are highly visible for everyone and can’t be missed or obscured.

Extinguishers and signage need to be placed in a prominent location so that they can be found easily by anyone. They need to be easily accessible, so can’t be obstructed in any way or placed too high or too low. Having them always in reach will help to ensure a quick response to fires.
They are generally located along exit pathways where they are readily accessible, and in a position where they won’t be a hazard and the user won’t be put at risk.

Fire extinguisher testing

In Queensland, there are strict guidelines in place for testing and maintaining fire extinguishers. This helps to keep everyone safe and reduces the risk to people and property.

For your business to be compliant, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and fire hose reels need to be serviced every six (6) months as per Australian Standard 1851-2012. On top of this, pressure testing is required at 5 year periods on all types of extinguishers. This testing and servicing will ensure all of your fire safety equipment is up to standard and in working order.

If you’re unsure if yourself or your staff are prepared to use fire extinguishers in the event of a fire, you should organise fire safety training. We offer professional and accredited fire safety training, including courses in First Response (First Attack) Fire Training, General Occupant Training, Site Evacuation Exercises, Emergency Procedures, Manuals & Plans, and Fire Safety Adviser (FSA) Representation.

Talk to our team today about organising training courses for you and your business.

On top of this, we offer fire assessment services for your building or workplace in Brisbane. Queensland law states that the building occupier is required to employ a qualified person to assess essential safety systems annually, including the fire systems. Our team can conduct building and site compliance surveys in accordance with the QCD MP6.1 and Australian Standards 1851:2012. This survey provides you with information about your level of compliance for equipment that is already installed and the current regulations in your area.

The survey can also help to identify any additional equipment that you might need to meet safety standards and fire extinguisher signage requirements relevant Australian Standards and Building Regulations.

If you would like to find out more about your fire extinguisher requirements or need help managing your regular safety testing and maintenance, get in touch with us by calling 0499 198 427.