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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.

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