Who is Responsible for Fire Extinguisher Servicing in Your Business?

When it comes to fire safety compliance, business owners in Australia are legally required to ensure that their fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, is properly maintained. However, the question often arises: who is actually responsible for scheduling fire extinguisher servicing? While the ultimate responsibility falls on the business owner, the specific duties surrounding fire extinguisher servicing can vary depending on the size of the business, the type of workplace, and who is responsible for maintaining fire safety equipment.

In this blog post, we will break down the key responsibilities for fire extinguisher servicing and provide a clear understanding of how businesses can stay compliant with fire safety regulations.

Fire Safety Compliance: The Role of Business Owners

In Australia, businesses are required to comply with various fire safety standards, including the maintenance of fire extinguishers. The Australian Standards AS1851-2012 outlines the necessary requirements for the servicing and maintenance of fire extinguishers in commercial and industrial settings. Ultimately, fire safety compliance falls on the business owner or employer, and it is their duty to ensure that their fire extinguishers are inspected, tested, and serviced regularly.

The responsibility for ensuring fire extinguishers are serviced can extend beyond the owner and may involve various personnel in the organisation, including safety officers, maintenance teams, and external contractors.

1. Business Owner’s Responsibility for Fire Extinguisher Servicing

As the primary individual in charge of fire safety compliance, the business owner is responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are serviced at the required intervals. This is not just about meeting legal requirements—it’s about creating a safe environment for staff, customers, and visitors. Here’s what business owners need to do:

• Schedule Regular Servicing: Business owners must ensure that fire extinguishers are serviced at least once every six months, in compliance with Australian regulations. This servicing involves a professional inspection to check for any issues, such as leakage, low pressure, or expired units.
  
• Ensure Compliance with Fire Safety Standards: Business owners are responsible for ensuring that their fire extinguishers meet the Australian Standards AS1851-2012, which outlines guidelines for maintenance and testing.
  

2. Safety Officers and Compliance Managers

In larger organisations, the responsibility for fire extinguisher servicing may be delegated to safety officers or compliance managers. These individuals are typically tasked with ensuring that all safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, meets the necessary standards. Here’s what safety officers and compliance managers do:

• Oversee Servicing Schedules: Safety officers are responsible for overseeing the servicing schedule and ensuring that servicing is conducted on time. They will also handle any paperwork and documentation required for compliance.
  
• Conduct Inspections: Safety officers may carry out basic inspections, such as checking pressure gauges or ensuring that fire extinguishers are in accessible locations. However, more detailed servicing should always be carried out by qualified technicians.
  

3. Maintenance Staff and Contractors

In many businesses, especially in larger premises, maintenance staff or contractors are responsible for maintaining and servicing fire extinguishers. These individuals are tasked with ensuring that the equipment is in good working condition and complies with safety standards. Here’s what they do:

• Regular Inspections and Testing: Maintenance staff should regularly check that fire extinguishers are in the correct location, are easily accessible, and are in good condition. They should also check the pressure gauge and signs of damage.
  
• Servicing Fire Extinguishers: Contractors or third-party service providers may carry out more detailed servicing, such as recharging extinguishers or replacing expired units. These professionals are trained to ensure that all fire safety equipment is up to standard.
  

Who is Responsible for Fire Extinguisher Servicing in Different Business Types?

The responsibilities for fire extinguisher servicing can vary depending on the size of the business and the industry. Let’s break down how responsibility is handled in different types of businesses:

4. Small Businesses

For small businesses, the business owner is typically responsible for scheduling fire extinguisher servicing. However, they may choose to outsource this responsibility to an external contractor who specialises in fire safety. In small businesses, the owner may also be involved in regular checks to ensure that the extinguishers are functioning properly and are in good condition.

5. Medium to Large Businesses

In medium to large businesses, fire safety is usually handled by a safety officer, compliance manager, or maintenance team. These employees are responsible for ensuring that fire extinguishers are inspected, serviced, and maintained regularly. Larger businesses may also engage a third-party contractor to handle the technical aspects of servicing.

6. High-Risk Industries

Businesses in high-risk industries, such as manufacturing, hospitality, and construction, face more stringent fire safety regulations. In these industries, it is especially important that fire extinguishers are regularly serviced to ensure they are in working order. Fire extinguisher servicing may be overseen by safety managers or compliance officers, with regular audits and inspections conducted to ensure adherence to safety standards.

Legal Obligations for Fire Extinguisher Servicing in Australia

In Australia, fire extinguisher servicing is governed by various state and federal regulations. Australian Standard AS1851-2012 is the primary regulation that outlines the maintenance requirements for fire extinguishers. The key requirements of this standard include:

• Regular Inspections: Fire extinguishers must be inspected at least once every six months.
  
• Servicing: Fire extinguishers must be serviced by a qualified technician, who will inspect, test, and recharge the extinguisher if necessary.
  
• Compliance Documentation: Businesses must keep records of all fire extinguisher inspections and servicing, which may need to be provided to regulatory authorities upon request.
  

Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, penalties, and, more importantly, a heightened risk of fire hazards. Business owners must ensure that they stay up to date with fire safety regulations to protect their employees and customers.

The Importance of Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Regular fire extinguisher servicing is essential for a variety of reasons:

• Safety: The primary reason for servicing fire extinguishers is safety. A properly maintained fire extinguisher ensures that, in the event of a fire, you can quickly and effectively deal with the situation before it escalates.
  
• Compliance: Regular servicing ensures that your fire extinguishers meet the legal requirements of Australian Standards, preventing fines and penalties.
  
• Cost Savings: Regular servicing can help extend the lifespan of your fire extinguishers, saving money on repairs or replacements down the line.
  

Additional Fire Safety Services to Consider

While fire extinguisher servicing is critical, it is also important to ensure that all fire safety equipment in your business is functioning properly. Brisbane Fire Services offers a range of fire safety services to help ensure your premises are protected, including:

• Emergency and Exit Light Inspections: Ensure that your emergency and exit lights are working properly to help guide people to safety in case of an evacuation.
  Learn more about our Emergency and Exit Light Inspections.
  
• Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel Testing: Regular testing of your fire hydrants and hose reels ensures that your building is equipped with the necessary firefighting tools when needed most.
  Find out more about Fire Hydrant and Hose Reel Testing.
  
• Fire Extinguisher Testing and Service: We provide comprehensive fire extinguisher servicing to ensure that your extinguishers are always ready for action.
  Schedule your Fire Extinguisher Testing and Service here.
  

Protect Your Business with Fire Extinguisher Servicing

In conclusion, while the legal responsibility for fire extinguisher servicing ultimately falls on the business owner, the actual task may be delegated to safety officers, maintenance teams, or external contractors. Ensuring that your fire extinguishers are serviced regularly is critical for maintaining a safe environment and ensuring compliance with Australian regulations. Don’t leave your fire safety to chance—schedule your fire extinguisher servicing today to ensure that your business is always prepared for the unexpected.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us now to schedule your fire extinguisher service and ensure the safety of your business.