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Products the mandatory standard applies to

This mandatory standard applies to all new fire extinguishers that release chemicals to extinguish different types of small fires. These chemicals include:

  • water
  • wet-chemical
  • foam or powder.

Portable fire extinguishers can be rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

Imported second-hand portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers are included in the mandatory standard.

Products the mandatory standard does not apply to

The mandatory standard doesn’t apply to second-hand portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers except for those imported into Australia.

There’s a separate mandatory standard for portable aerosol fire extinguishers.

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 standard.

Cylinder construction

Materials

The interior and exterior of the cylinder and fittings must be corrosion resistant.

Stability

Materials in contact with the extinguishant or expellant gas must be resistant to being degraded by the extinguishant or gas. Materials must remain stable so the fire extinguisher performs properly.

Charge and performance

Discharge performance

The extinguisher must meet the minimum effective discharge performance rates set out in the mandatory standard.

Fire rating

Fire extinguishers must pass at least one of the test fires provided in the mandatory standard, except where specifically exempted.

Testing

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

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

Suppliers should organise product testing through specialist laboratories.

Markings

Portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers must be marked with identification colour and operating instructions as required by the mandatory standard.

The markings and instructions that apply depends on the type of chemical that is used in the portable fire extinguisher.

Suppliers should refer to the specific requirements set out in the relevant parts of the voluntary Australian New Zealand standard.

Mandatory standard details

The Consumer Goods (Portable Non-aerosol Fire Extinguishers) Safety Standard 2021 sets out requirements for portable non-aerosol fire extinguishers.

View the accompanying Explanatory Statement for further information.

The mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the voluntary Australian New Zealand standard AS/NZS 1841.1:2007 Portable fire extinguishers and AS/NZS 1841.2 to 8:2007, where they apply to the fire extinguisher.

There are several parts to this voluntary Australian New Zealand standard. The one that’s relevant for your product depends on the type of chemical used in the portable fire extinguisher.

You can buy these standards 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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