We strongly believe that all fire protection equipment and systems are only as good as the level and quality of maintenance that is provided.
Fire Protection Equipment — Inspection & Testing Services Australia
Appliance Tagging Services (ATS) is a national provider of fire protection equipment inspection and testing services, with qualified technicians operating across Australia in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT and NT, ATS has over 20 years experience in ensuring your workplace safety.
We strongly believe that all fire protection equipment and systems are only as good as the level and quality of maintenance that is provided. A fire extinguisher that hasn’t been serviced, a hose reel that hasn’t been tested, or a fire blanket past its inspection date may provide no protection at all when it is needed most. ATS helps Australian businesses ensure their fire protection equipment is compliant, functional and ready to use in an emergency.
What Is Fire Protection Equipment?
Fire protection equipment refers to the portable and fixed systems designed to detect, contain and suppress fires in commercial and industrial buildings. Under Australian law, businesses have a legal obligation to maintain fire protection equipment in working order and have it inspected and tested at regular intervals.
Fire protection equipment includes:
- Portable fire extinguishers — the most common form of portable fire protection, available in various types (water, foam, CO2, dry chemical, wet chemical) suited to different fire classes
- Fire blankets — used to smother small fires or protect a person whose clothing has caught fire
- Fire hose reels — wall-mounted hose systems providing a continuous water supply for firefighting
- Fire hydrants — fixed water supply points for use by fire services and trained personnel
- Fire pumps — systems that maintain water pressure to hydrants and sprinklers
- Fire alarm systems — detection systems providing early warning of fire
- Evacuation systems — public address and alarm systems for orderly building evacuation
- Gaseous fire suppression systems — used in server rooms, switchrooms and other areas where water-based systems are unsuitable
- Foam fire protection systems — used in industrial and aviation environments
Is Fire Protection Equipment Testing Mandatory in Australia?
Yes. Australian law requires that fire protection equipment be maintained and tested at regular intervals. The specific obligations vary by state and by equipment type, but all businesses operating in commercial or industrial premises are required to comply.
Key legislation and standards include:
- AS 1851:2012 — the primary Australian Standard governing the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. ATS technicians test in full accordance with AS 1851:2012.
- Building Code of Australia — sets requirements for fire safety systems in buildings, including inspection and maintenance
- State-based fire safety legislation — each state and territory has specific requirements for Essential Safety Measures, which typically include fire protection equipment maintenance
- WHS Regulations — employers have a duty of care to provide and maintain a safe workplace, which includes ensuring fire protection equipment is functional
Failure to comply with fire protection maintenance obligations can result in fines, insurance voidance, and serious legal liability in the event of a fire.
How Often Must Fire Protection Equipment Be Tested?
Testing frequency under AS 1851:2012 depends on the type of equipment:
- Portable fire extinguishers — visual inspection every 6 months; full service annually; pressure test (hydrostatic testing) every 5 years
- Fire blankets — inspection every 6 months
- Fire hose reels — inspection every 6 months; flow test annually
- Fire hydrants — inspection every 6 months; flow test annually
- Fire alarm systems — inspection and testing every 6 months
- Evacuation systems — inspection and testing every 6 months
ATS provides automated reminder services to ensure your testing schedule is always met, and can coordinate testing of all your fire protection equipment in a single scheduled visit.
What Fire Protection Services Does ATS Provide?
All ATS technicians are trained and qualified to provide fire protection services. ATS technicians hold a Certificate II in Fire Protection Equipment Inspection and Testing (or the relevant modules), and maintain all competency, certification and licensing required in each state and territory.
ATS fire protection services available nationally (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, ACT, NT):
- Portable fire extinguisher inspection and testing
- Fire blanket inspection and testing
- Fire hose reel inspection and testing (Note: not available in Victoria due to Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2018)
- Fire hydrant inspection and testing (Note: not available in Victoria due to Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2018)
- Emergency and exit light inspection and testing
Additional services available in Victoria:
- Fire pump inspection and testing
- Fire alarm system inspection and testing
- Evacuation system inspection and testing
- Gaseous fire suppression system inspection and testing
- Foam fire protection system inspection and testing
Environmentally Responsible Discharge and Disposal
When fire extinguishers reach the end of their serviceable life, they must be safely discharged and disposed of. ATS handles all extinguisher disposal in an environmentally responsible manner, using the services of Flamestop — a specialist fire equipment recycling provider — as well as the ACT Government Hazardous Waste Centre in Mitchell, ACT.
ATS will manage the full disposal process on your behalf, ensuring you meet your environmental obligations as well as your safety compliance requirements.
Who Uses ATS for Fire Protection Testing?
ATS provides fire protection equipment testing for a wide range of Australian businesses and organisations, including:
- National retail chains and shopping centres
- Aged care and healthcare facilities
- Schools, universities and childcare centres
- Hospitality venues and hotels
- Warehouses, manufacturing and industrial facilities
- Government buildings and council facilities
- Office buildings and commercial properties
Our national coverage and online reporting system make ATS the preferred fire protection testing provider for businesses with multiple locations across Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fire Protection Equipment
What is the Australian Standard for fire equipment maintenance? AS 1851:2012 is the primary Australian Standard governing the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. It specifies inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for all common types of fire protection equipment.
How long is a fire extinguisher valid between services? Portable fire extinguishers must be visually inspected every 6 months and fully serviced annually. Every 5 years, a hydrostatic pressure test is required. An extinguisher that has not been serviced within these timeframes may be non-compliant and unreliable in a fire.
Can ATS test all types of fire extinguishers? Yes. ATS technicians are qualified to inspect and test all common types of portable fire extinguishers, including water, foam, CO2, dry chemical (ABE powder) and wet chemical (for kitchen fires) extinguishers.
Does ATS handle the disposal of old fire extinguishers? Yes. ATS manages the safe, environmentally responsible discharge and disposal of fire extinguishers in accordance with regulations, using specialist providers including Flamestop.
Can ATS provide fire protection testing alongside test and tag, RCD testing and emergency light testing? Yes. One of ATS’s key advantages is our ability to provide all electrical safety and essential services compliance in a single coordinated visit — test and tag, RCD testing, emergency lighting and fire protection. This minimises disruption to your business and simplifies your compliance management.
Does ATS service fire hose reels and hydrants in Victoria? Due to the implementation of the Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2018, ATS does not provide fire hose reel or hydrant testing in Victoria. All other fire protection services remain available in Victoria.
Book Fire Protection Equipment Testing with ATS
ATS provides fire protection equipment inspection and testing nationally across Australia. Call 1300 287 669 or use our online quote form to arrange a visit from a qualified local ATS technician.
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what our clients say…
ATS are very accommodating with our limited availability, often juggling other clients which is greatly appreciated.
Sydney City Marine, Sydney
Very happy with the service provided by ATS. Thank you!
Local Government NSW, Sydney
Overall excellent! The technician was professional and friendly when completing the testing.
BOM Building Supplies, Sydney