End-to-end SWMS for positioning, commissioning, hydrostatic testing, and servicing of portable extinguishers and hose reels

Fire Extinguisher Installation and Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement

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This Safe Work Method Statement addresses the installation, commissioning, servicing, hydrostatic testing, recharge, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and hose reels in Australian workplaces. Technicians position equipment to satisfy AS 2444 selection criteria, mount and secure brackets, perform pressure tests, recharge extinguishers with appropriate media, inspect signage and accessibility, and document compliance for essential safety measures registers. Tasks occur in new construction, refurbishment, or routine service environments, frequently involving interaction with the public, live electrical systems, and confined plant rooms. This SWMS outlines the controls required to eliminate or minimise the risks associated with working at height, pressure systems, hazardous substances, and manual handling while meeting Work Health and Safety legislation, the National Construction Code, and the FPAA Code of Practice for service technicians.

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Overview

What this SWMS covers

Portable fire extinguisher work involves assessing site risks, selecting extinguisher types, positioning equipment in accordance with AS 2444, and undertaking commissioning tests so occupants can respond to incipient fires. Maintenance technicians conduct routine inspections under AS 1851, recharge extinguishers after use, perform six-yearly pressure tests, and replace defective components such as hoses, nozzles, and seals. Activities occur in a wide range of environments—from construction sites and plant rooms to retail tenancies—requiring technicians to manage live services, work at height, navigate public areas, and handle pressurised vessels containing dry chemical, CO2, foam, or wet chemical agents. This SWMS applies to installation contractors and service technicians operating under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, relevant state essential safety measures legislation, and fire protection accreditation schemes.

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Why this SWMS matters

Incorrectly installed or poorly maintained extinguishers can fail during emergencies, leading to uncontrolled fires, injury, and regulatory penalties. Fire authorities and certifiers require evidence that extinguishers meet AS 2444 placement rules, have been serviced per AS 1851 Section 15, and remain accessible at all times. Technicians face high-risk tasks such as depressurising cylinders, handling hazardous media, lifting heavy units, and drilling into building fabric. Without documented controls, these hazards can result in manual handling injuries, CO2 exposure, pressure vessel rupture, or damage to essential services. A rigorous SWMS ensures PCBUs meet their duty of care, maintain insurance compliance, and protect workers and building occupants by standardising safe procedures, consultation, and record keeping across all extinguisher activities.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Fire Extinguisher Installation and Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Pressurised cylinders and hydrostatic testing

High

Extinguishers contain pressurised contents up to 2.5 MPa. Hydrostatic testing or depressurising can project components or rupture cylinders if plugs or hoses fail.

Consequence: Serious lacerations, blunt force trauma, or fatalities from shrapnel and sudden release of energy; damage to plant and adjacent structures.

Manual handling of heavy extinguishers and hose reels

Medium

Some extinguishers weigh over 20 kg, and hose reels can exceed 30 kg when loaded. Repetitive lifting, awkward postures, or carrying units up stairs increases musculoskeletal injury risk.

Consequence: Back strains, hernias, musculoskeletal disorders, lost-time injuries, and reduced capacity to respond to emergencies.

Working at height while mounting brackets

Medium

Technicians drill into walls, columns, and ceilings using ladders or mobile platforms, often near pedestrian pathways. Unstable ladders or overreaching increases fall risk.

Consequence: Falls, fractures, head injuries, or dropped object incidents involving bystanders.

Hazardous extinguishing agents and CO2 exposure

Medium

Recharging and testing involve handling dry chemical powders, CO2 gas, wet chemical (potassium acetate), or foam concentrates which may cause respiratory irritation, frostbite, or chemical burns.

Consequence: Respiratory distress, skin and eye injuries, environmental contamination, and regulatory breaches.

Interaction with electrical installations

Medium

Extinguishers are installed near switchboards or electrical equipment, and technicians may drill into concealed wiring or work within restricted electrical rooms.

Consequence: Electric shock, arc flash, or ignition of flammable dust during drilling.

Public interface and access obstructions

Low

Works often occur in occupied areas where the public could trip on hoses, cords, or ladders, or tamper with equipment awaiting reinstatement.

Consequence: Minor injuries, claims against the PCBU, or non-compliance with egress requirements leading to enforcement action.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Task planning and consultation with building management

Administrative

Develop a work plan that sequences installation or maintenance tasks, identifies isolation requirements, and coordinates with occupants to maintain egress and fire coverage.

Implementation

1. Review AS 2444 layout drawings, hazard classifications, and building fire orders before mobilising. 2. Conduct a toolbox meeting to allocate responsibilities, discuss hazards, and confirm competencies (FPAS accreditation, confined space, electrical awareness). 3. Notify building management and occupants of equipment removal or downtime, posting signage and barriers. 4. Confirm availability of temporary extinguishers or fire watch where equipment is removed for service. 5. Document consultation outcomes in the site diary and SWMS sign-on sheet.

Pressure control and hydrostatic testing protocols

Engineering

Use calibrated testing rigs, safety cages, and pressure relief valves when performing hydrostatic tests or recharging cylinders. Only trained personnel depressurise and refill units.

Implementation

1. Inspect cylinders for corrosion, dents, or damage before testing. 2. Conduct hydrostatic tests in accordance with AS 2337 using water-filled rigs and remote controls. 3. Install extinguishers in safety cages or behind blast shields during pressurisation. 4. Follow manufacturer torque settings for valves and fittings when reassembling. 5. Record test pressures, dates, and outcomes on metallic test tags and service records.

Ergonomic handling and lifting aids

Engineering

Minimise manual lifting by using trolleys, shoulder straps, or two-person lifts. Stage equipment close to install locations to reduce carrying distances.

Implementation

1. Assess weight of extinguishers and reels prior to movement and plan lifts. 2. Use stair climbing trolleys or hoists for multi-storey deliveries. 3. Store cylinders upright and secure with straps during transport. 4. Provide manual handling training and enforce lift-with-partner protocols for loads above 20 kg. 5. Rotate tasks to limit repetitive strain.

Safe access equipment and fall prevention

Engineering

Select ladders or mobile platforms that comply with AS/NZS 1892, ensuring level footing and three-point contact. Use podium steps for repetitive drilling above shoulder height.

Implementation

1. Inspect ladders for defects, ensuring anti-slip feet and load ratings. 2. Establish exclusion zones beneath work areas with cones or tape. 3. Position ladders at 4:1 ratio and secure against movement. 4. Use drill stop collars and dust extraction when drilling overhead to prevent sudden movement. 5. Lower tools using tool lanyards to prevent dropped object incidents.

Hazardous substance handling and ventilation

Administrative

Follow Safety Data Sheets for each extinguishing agent. Provide spill kits, ventilation, and PPE appropriate to the media being handled (e.g., CO2, wet chemical).

Implementation

1. Store recharge media in labelled containers with secondary containment. 2. Use decanting pumps or funnels to minimise spills. 3. Provide forced ventilation in enclosed rooms during CO2 discharge tests. 4. Wear appropriate gloves, goggles, and aprons when handling wet chemical or foam concentrates. 5. Dispose of spent media and filters through licensed waste contractors.

Electrical awareness and service detection

Administrative

Confirm locations of concealed services before drilling. Isolate nearby electrical equipment where practicable and apply lockout/tagout for relevant circuits.

Implementation

1. Review as-built electrical drawings and use service locators or stud finders. 2. Engage a licensed electrician to isolate or supervise works near switchboards. 3. Use non-conductive ladders and insulated tools in electrical rooms. 4. Maintain clearances required by AS/NZS 3000 when positioning extinguishers near electrical equipment. 5. Document isolations and reinstatement in the electrical permit system.

Download complete control procedures

Personal protective equipment

Safety footwear

Requirement: AS 2210.3 compliant lace-up safety boots

When: Mandatory on all construction and maintenance sites.

High-visibility clothing

Requirement: AS/NZS 4602.1 day/night compliant vest or shirt

When: Required whenever working in occupied areas or near mobile plant.

Eye protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses with side shields

When: During drilling, grinding, or handling extinguishing agents.

Respiratory protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716 P2 respirator

When: When handling dry chemical powder, CO2, or working in dusty ceiling spaces.

Hand protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161 chemical-resistant gloves

When: When recharging wet chemical or foam extinguishers.

Hearing protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1270 Class 3 earmuffs

When: When using power drills or compressors in enclosed spaces.

Inspections & checks

Before work starts

  • ✓Review AS 2444 placement requirements and existing fire risk assessment
  • ✓Confirm technician qualifications, FPAS accreditation, and manual handling training
  • ✓Inspect ladders, trolleys, and testing rigs for serviceability
  • ✓Check availability of calibrated gauges, scales, and hydrostatic test equipment
  • ✓Ensure SDS, spill kits, and containment trays are onsite for all extinguishing media
  • ✓Notify building management and monitoring centre of planned equipment removal
  • ✓Confirm availability of replacement extinguishers or temporary coverage

During work

  • ✓Verify exclusion zones and signage remain in place around work areas
  • ✓Monitor pressure gauges and relief valves during testing
  • ✓Check mounting heights and accessible paths comply with AS 2444
  • ✓Ensure PPE is worn when handling agents or drilling
  • ✓Record serial numbers, weights, and pressures on service tags
  • ✓Inspect extinguishers for corrosion, leaks, or tampering before reinstatement

After work

  • ✓Remove isolation signage and confirm systems are reinstated
  • ✓Attach service tags, update logbooks, and issue certificates of compliance
  • ✓Housekeep work area, remove debris, and dispose of waste media correctly
  • ✓Return loan extinguishers, inform occupants of equipment status
  • ✓Update asset registers and essential safety measures documentation

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Assess site requirements and plan installation

Review the fire risk assessment, building class, and AS 2444 spacing requirements to determine extinguisher types, quantities, and mounting locations. Conduct a walkthrough with the PCBU to confirm wall construction, access clearance, and signage needs.

Safety considerations

Identify high-risk zones, electrical rooms, and potential obstructions. Schedule works to avoid peak public traffic and ensure temporary firefighting cover where required.

2

Prepare work area and establish controls

Set up exclusion zones using cones and tape, display warning signage, and position tools and materials. Inspect ladders or platforms, confirm PPE, and stage extinguishers near install points using trolleys or carts.

Safety considerations

Maintain clear egress routes, secure ladders at correct angles, and verify the floor is level and free from trip hazards before climbing.

3

Mount brackets and signage

Mark fixing points at 1.2 m handle height or as specified, scan for concealed services, and drill pilot holes with dust extraction. Install brackets, retainers, and identification signage ensuring readability from 20 m. Fit covers where environmental exposure requires.

Safety considerations

Use vacuum extraction, safety glasses, and hearing protection during drilling. Ensure three points of contact on ladders and prevent overreaching.

4

Install and secure extinguishers or hose reels

Lift extinguishers using a two-person lift or mechanical aid, secure to brackets, and fit tamper seals. For hose reels, mount drum assembly, connect to water supply, purge, and test flow and reel rewind operation.

Safety considerations

Confirm isolation of water and electrical supplies before connection. Monitor manual handling techniques and ensure hose reels are pressure-tested before reactivation.

5

Conduct functional testing and tagging

Weigh and record extinguisher mass, check operating instructions, inspect safety pins, test hose integrity, and ensure pressure gauges are within the green zone. Complete pressure or discharge tests where required and tag equipment with service date.

Safety considerations

Use calibrated gauges, keep bystanders clear of discharge path, and wear respirators when releasing powder or CO2 during validation.

6

Document and hand over

Update AS 1851 logbooks, asset registers, and essential safety measures reports. Provide the PCBU with certificates of compliance, test records, and recommendations for future works. Remove temporary barriers and inform occupants that equipment is ready for use.

Safety considerations

Verify all equipment is reinstated, signage is visible, and no debris or tools remain in egress paths.

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Frequently asked questions

Which standards govern extinguisher installation and servicing?

Extinguisher positioning and selection follow AS 2444, while routine servicing, recharge, and hydrostatic testing are dictated by AS 1851 Section 15 and AS 2337. The NCC and state essential safety measures legislation require annual certification using these standards.

How often must extinguishers be serviced?

AS 1851 requires portable extinguishers and hose reels to undergo inspections every six months, with pressure test, recharge, and hose replacement intervals ranging from one to five years depending on type. Records must be maintained for regulatory audits.

What temporary measures are needed when removing extinguishers?

Provide equivalent temporary extinguishers, fire watch patrols, or relocate occupants until equipment is reinstated. Document the controls in the isolation register and inform building management and the monitoring centre.

What training is required for technicians?

Personnel must hold competency in CPPFES2020, CPPFES2027, or equivalent units for portable extinguisher servicing, maintain FPAS (or state equivalent) accreditation, and complete WHS induction, manual handling, and working at heights training as relevant.

How are extinguishing agents disposed of?

Expired or contaminated media must be collected and processed through licensed waste contractors. Dry chemical powders and foam concentrates cannot be released to stormwater systems. Maintain disposal receipts to demonstrate environmental compliance.

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Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

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