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Products the mandatory standard applies to
The mandatory standard covers portable aerosol fire extinguishers that release chemicals from a spray container in a rapid stream to put out a small fire.
These extinguishers are usually:
- hand-held
- red in colour
- non-refillable, allowing for one-use before throwing away.
Products the mandatory standard does not apply to
There’s a separate mandatory standard for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers.
Non-aerosol extinguishers are larger and more common than aerosol extinguishers.
They may be refillable and, in addition to an anti-discharge device, come with more operational components such as a squeeze lever and a pressure indicating device.
Complying with the mandatory standard
This information is an overview of how to comply with the mandatory standard. Suppliers must not rely on this information as a complete guide to compliance.
View the full detail of the mandatory standard.
The mandatory standard prescribes requirements for:
- materials used in the construction of the extinguisher
- design
- operating method
- charge and performance
- testing
- labelling
- instruction requirements.
Materials
All components of a portable aerosol fire extinguisher must be corrosion-resistant, or treated to resist corrosion. The interior must be clean and free from contaminants before it’s filled.
Construction and design
Portable aerosol fire extinguishers must:
- be designed for use by one person.
- be designed with the operating head at the top.
- have a clear indication whether it has been operated.
- have a clear indication of direction of discharge.
Charge and performance
A non-combustible, non-toxic trace gas, compatible with the extinguishant and materials of construction, may be added to the charge for testing the leakage of gas.
When tested, a portable aerosol fire extinguisher must discharge a minimum percentage of its contents as required in the mandatory standard.
Testing
The mandatory standard specifies testing to make sure portable aerosol fire extinguishers meet requirements for:
- materials and construction design
- performance requirements
- colour identification.
Suppliers should organise product testing through specialist laboratories.
Markings
Portable aerosol fire extinguishers must be marked with:
- The words STORED PRESSURE AEROSOL FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- The words ‘DISCARD AFTER USE. DISCHARGE AND DISCARD BEFORE THE USE BY DATE’ followed by the nominated expiry date
- The words ‘ONE USE ONLY - NOT REFILLABLE’
- The words ‘DO NOT PUNCTURE OR INCINERATE THIS CAN EVEN WHEN EMPTY. KEEP IN A COOL PLACE’
- The words ‘METAL OBJECTS CAN RUST OR CORRODE IN WET AND SALTY CONDITIONS. TO AVOID DETERIORATION OF THE EXTINGUISHER STORE IN A SUITABLE ENVIRONMENT’. If appropriate, the words ‘STORE IN UPRIGHT POSITION – DO NOT INVERT’.
They must also be marked with:
- The type of charge, such as powder ABE or BE
- The mass of contents in grams or millilitres
- Fire test rating as specified in AS/NZS 1850 and this Standard.
Portable aerosol fire extinguishers must carry wording that states the:
- manufacturer’s or distributor's name
- trade name or trademark.
Mandatory standard details
The mandatory safety standard for portable aerosol fire extinguishers is Consumer Protection Notice No. 9 of 2004.
The mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the voluntary Australian New Zealand standard AS/NZS 4353:1995. Portable fire Extinguishers – Aerosol type.
You can buy AS/NZS 4353:1995 from Standards Australia, Intertek Inform or Accuris.
We can make a copy of this standard available for viewing at an ACCC office, subject to licensing conditions.
When a product does not comply
Fines and penalties may apply for failure to comply with a mandatory safety or information standard. For more information, see fines and penalties.
Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.