Be Prepared – Fire Extinguishers Save Lives and Are Legally Required on Sites

Every Worksite Has Fire Risk — Be Ready

Fire risks are present on every construction, civil, and industrial site. Hot works, electrical systems, fuel, plant machinery, and stored materials can all become ignition sources. When a fire starts, seconds matter — and having the right equipment close at hand can be the difference between controlling the fire or facing a major incident.

Portable fire extinguishers provide a critical first line of defence, allowing trained personnel to act quickly and safely to suppress small fires before they escalate into serious threats.

Fire Extinguishers Are Mandated by Australian Standards and Regulations

In Australia, several standards and codes govern fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers:

• AS 2444: Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets is the primary standard for the selection, location, and installation of portable fire extinguishers. It helps ensure extinguishers are placed where hazards exist and are accessible when needed. Jetfire+1

• AS 1851: Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment sets out the servicing, inspection, testing, and tagging frequencies required to keep extinguishers compliant and ready for use. Essential Asset & Fire

These standards are referenced in building codes and WHS frameworks across Australia, including as part of the National Construction Code (NCC) and state/territory fire safety regulations. Compliance demonstrates that your fire safety measures meet recognised best practice, and in many jurisdictions is treated as the expected benchmark during safety inspections.

Why Preparedness Matters — Safety and Compliance Together

Providing fire extinguishers is more than a compliance tick — it’s a safety obligation that protects people, assets, and productivity:

• Lives First: Immediate access to a fire extinguisher can prevent fire spread, reducing risk of injury or worse.

• Minimise Damage: Quick action halts small fires from becoming major damage events that disrupt work.

• Regulatory Confidence: Meeting requirements under AS 2444 and AS 1851 gives inspectors and auditors clear evidence of compliance.

Working sites that prioritise fire safety foster an environment where risks are actively managed — a hallmark of solid WHS performance.

What the Standards Expect — In Practical Terms

AS 2444 guides where and how extinguishers should be placed so they can be reached and used effectively. For example, units should be visible, unobstructed, and positioned near potential ignition or high-risk areas. Jetfire

AS 1851 outlines how often extinguishers need professional attention:

• Routine inspections and tagging at least every six months by an accredited technician.

• More detailed checks and servicing annually or at longer intervals for specific components.

• Hydrostatic pressure testing and full recharging every five years where applicable, to ensure cylinder integrity. Essential Asset & Fire+1

Each extinguisher must carry a service tag showing the date it was last inspected and when the next inspection is due — essential documentation for safety audits.

Combining Equipment With Awareness

Fire extinguishers are effective only if:

• They’re correctly located and easy to reach.

• They’re maintained and tagged in line with AS 1851.

• Workers know where they are and how to use them safely.

Regular workplace safety briefings should include basic fire extinguisher awareness so teams know what to do in an emergency.

Fire Safety Is a Culture, Not Just Equipment

Safety is built through planning, compliance, inspection, and awareness. Fire extinguishers are an essential component of a broader fire risk management strategy — but they must be supported by training, routine checks, and a proactive safety culture to truly protect people and property.