Portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers

Under the mandatory standard, portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers contain chemicals such as water, wet-chemical, foam or powder that can be discharged in a rapid stream to extinguish a small fire. Portable fire extinguishers can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable and will put out different types of fires, such as cooking oil or electrical fires.

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Hazards

Serious burns

A user can suffer serious burns if a fire extinguisher fails, is incorrectly labelled or has the wrong ingredients.

The main hazard caused by a fire extinguisher is possible failure to operate or perform satisfactorily when there is a fire. 

Incorrect labelling of a fire extinguisher can lead to the use of a fire extinguisher containing incorrect ingredients that can inflame a fire.  

Mandatory standard

The mandatory standard for portable fire extinguishers is based on voluntary Australian / New Zealand Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers AS/NZS 1841:1997 (Parts 1 to 8 (with variations)).

AS/NZS 1841:1997 is a voluntary standard except for those sections specifically called up by the mandatory standard. You must consult the mandatory standard for these details.

For complete information about all mandatory requirements for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, we strongly advise that you read Consumer Protection Notice No. 3 of 2004.

Does this standard apply to my business?

Under the ACL supply includes:

• in relation to goods - (including re-supply) by way of sale, exchange, lease, hire or hire-purchase and
• in relation to services - provide, grant of confer. 

This mandatory standard applies to anyone in the business of supplying fire extinguishers, including:

• manufacturers
• importers
• distributors
• retailers
• hirers.

To allow for staggered implementation, there are some cases where a mandatory standard or ban prescribes different compliance dates for the manufacturing, importing and supply of a product. Manufacturers, importers and distributors should check for this detail in the mandatory standard before embarking on production, importation or distribution of these goods.

Complying with the mandatory standard

The most recent amendment to the mandatory standard came into effect on 25 August 2004. For complete information about all mandatory requirements for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers, we strongly advise that you read:

• Consumer Protection Notice No.3 2004
• AS/NZS 1841:1997, available from SAI Global.

This information is essential to ensure you and your business comply with the standard.

Suppliers may also find the Regulation impact statement — Fire extinguishers helpful in understanding aspects of the mandatory standard.

Penalties and consequences

Supplying portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers that don't comply with the mandatory standard can make you liable for heavy fines and product recalls. For more details view Penalties and consequences.

Some key requirements

The requirements noted below are key requirements only. They may help to give suppliers a general idea of the detail they must look up in the consumer protection notice and mandatory standard. This information may also assist consumers when they are choosing portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers.

Materials and construction design

Cylinder construction

• Anti-corrosion treatment
• Stability

Performance test requirements

• Effective discharge
• Fire rating

Identification colours

Identification colours for type of extinguishment

Testing

The mandatory standard specifies testing to ensure portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers meet the requirements for:

• materials and construction design
• performance test requirements
• identification colours. 

Suppliers need to organise this testing through specialist laboratories with the right skills, experience and equipment.