Portable aerosol fire extinguishers

Under the mandatory standard, a portable aerosol fire extinguisher releases chemicals from a spray can in a rapid stream to extinguish a small fire. The portable aerosol fire extinguisher is usually hand-held, typically red in colour and non-rechargeable, allowing for once-only use before discarding.

On this page:

Hazards

Serious burns

The main hazard caused by an aerosol fire extinguisher is a failure to operate or perform satisfactorily when there is a fire.  This can lead to the user suffering serious burns.

Mandatory standard

The mandatory standard for portable aerosol fire extinguishers is based on the Australian New Zealand AS/NZS 4353:1995.

AS/NZS 4353:1995 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 aerosol fire extinguishers you must read Consumer Protection Notice No. 9 of 2004, which outlines mandatory aspects of the standard. 

This mandatory standard came into effect on 1 January 2005.

Does this mandatory standard apply to your 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

For complete information about the mandatory requirements for portable aerosol fire extinguishers, you must read:

• Consumer Protection Notice No. 9 of 2004
• AS 1900-2002, available from SAI Global.

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

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

Penalties and consequences

Supplying portable 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 mandatory standard. This information may also assist consumers when they are purchasing portable aerosol fire extinguishers.

While we provide some advice on this page to help you understand aspects of the standard, suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.

Identification markings

Portable aerosol fire extinguishers must carry wording that states the:

• manufacturer’s or distributor’s name
• trade name or trademark.

These must be in letters not larger than those used to state the type of extinguisher.

Performance testing

While the mandatory standard includes some features you can visually check, it also specifies testing to ensure portable aerosol fire extinguishers meet requirements for materials and construction design, performance test requirements and identification colours. Suppliers need to organise this testing through specialist laboratories with the right skills, experience and equipment:

• effective discharge
• fire rating.