Fire safety systems are not "set and forget." Under Australian standards—particularly AS 1851—businesses must maintain fire equipment through regular inspection, testing, and servicing to ensure it functions correctly in an emergency.
This guide breaks down what NSW business owners need to know about fire equipment maintenance, from fire extinguishers and emergency lighting to fire hose reels and fire blankets.
Fire safety equipment must be ready to operate instantly in an emergency. Regular maintenance ensures equipment hasn't degraded, been tampered with, or become non-compliant—and demonstrates your legal duty of care as a business owner.
Fire extinguishers are your first line of defence, but they must be professionally serviced to remain effective.
General purpose. Suitable for Class A (combustibles), B (flammable liquids), E (electrical).
For Class A fires (wood, paper, textiles). Not suitable for electrical or flammable liquid fires.
For electrical and flammable liquid fires. Leaves no residue. Common in server rooms and kitchens.
Designed for Class F fires (cooking oils and fats). Essential in commercial kitchens.
Fire extinguishers must be serviced in accordance with AS 1851-2012 and AS 2444 (portable fire extinguishers). Servicing must be carried out by a competent person in accordance with AS 1851, and each unit must display a compliant service tag with the technician's details and next service due date.
Emergency and exit lighting must illuminate escape paths when mains power fails. These systems require regular functional testing to confirm they operate correctly in an emergency.
Visual inspection to ensure lights are illuminated and exit signs are visible.
Simulated power failure to verify operation in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2 requirements.
Full 90-minute discharge test to confirm battery capacity meets AS 2293 requirements.
Illuminated signs marking emergency exits. Must remain lit or activate immediately during power failure.
Lights illuminating corridors, stairwells, and pathways leading to exits.
Must provide minimum 90 minutes of illumination as per AS 2293.
Monitors and controls emergency lighting circuits. Requires annual inspection and testing.
Batteries fail to hold charge after 3-5 years, reducing run time below 90 minutes.
Individual lights or exit signs fail to illuminate during testing.
Corrosion, disconnections, or circuit faults prevent power delivery to lights.
Exit signs blocked by furniture, equipment, or removed without replacement.
Emergency lighting systems in NSW workplaces are governed by WorkCover NSW regulations, the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and Australian Standard AS/NZS 2293. Business owners have a legal duty to ensure these systems are regularly tested and maintained.
Under the WHS Act and Regulation, PCBUs must ensure that control measures are maintained in effective working order. Emergency lighting systems form part of those safety controls and must be maintained accordingly.
Failure to comply can result in significant fines and liability in the event of an emergency.
The National Construction Code (NCC – formerly the Building Code of Australia) references AS/NZS 2293 for the design and performance of emergency lighting systems, including the requirement for a minimum 90-minute battery duration.
Emergency lighting is required in most Class 5–9 buildings and other buildings where emergency lighting is mandated under the NCC.
Systems must illuminate required exit paths and operate for at least 90 minutes during a power failure.
Ongoing inspection and maintenance must be carried out in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2 and applicable NSW fire safety legislation.
This standard sets out the design, installation, and maintenance requirements for emergency lighting systems. Key aspects include:
Specifies lux levels, spacing, and coverage for emergency lighting units
Outlines testing intervals and documentation requirements
Standards for exit sign visibility, placement, and illumination
Test certificates and maintenance logs must be retained for audits
Periodic discharge test – Full 90-minute discharge test in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2.
Complete 90-minute discharge test to confirm battery capacity meets regulatory requirements. Must be performed by a qualified technician.
Fire hose reels and fire blankets are supplementary fire safety equipment that require regular inspection and maintenance under AS 1851-2012.
Fire hose reels provide a continuous water supply for fighting small to medium fires. They are commonly installed in industrial sites, warehouses, and large commercial buildings.
Visual check for damage, water flow test, hose condition, nozzle operation
Full inspection, pressure testing, hose reel operation, valve functionality
Hydrostatic pressure test of hose and system components
Fire blankets are used to smother small fires, particularly cooking oil fires, or to wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire. They are mandatory in commercial kitchens and recommended in laboratories and workshops.
Fire blankets are single-use only. Once deployed, they must be replaced immediately—even if they appear undamaged. After deployment, the blanket may have sustained heat damage that compromises its effectiveness.
Here's a consolidated timeline showing when each type of fire safety equipment requires inspection, testing, or servicing.
Visual inspection, pressure check, tag verification
90-minute discharge test in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.2
Water flow test, hose condition check
Visual inspection, container integrity
Full service by licensed technician
90-minute discharge test
Complete system inspection and pressure test
Open, inspect, and repack
Hydrostatic pressure test (where applicable)
Hydrostatic pressure test of hose and system
AS 1851 and AS 2293 require that all fire safety inspections and tests be documented. These records must be retained and made available for inspection by authorities.
Failure to maintain fire safety equipment can result in:
Significant financial penalties may apply under WHS legislation for serious breaches.
Personal liability for directors and officers in case of injury or death
Claims may be denied if equipment was not properly maintained
Liberty Test & Tag offers comprehensive fire equipment testing and servicing across Sydney, Canberra, and Lithgow—fully compliant with AS 1851 and AS 2293 standards.
6M & annual servicing to AS 1851
6M functional & annual 90-min tests
Flow testing & pressure checks
Inspection & compliance tagging
Servicing:
Greater Sydney • Canberra & ACT • Lithgow & Blue Mountains • Regional NSW
"Fire safety maintenance isn't optional—it's your legal duty and your best defence against tragedy. Don't wait for an audit or emergency to discover your equipment isn't compliant."
Understand the specific testing intervals, methods, and compliance requirements for emergency lighting and exit signs under AS 2293.
Learn about Liberty Test & Tag's comprehensive fire equipment servicing, including fire extinguishers, hose reels, blankets, and emergency lighting.
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