Why You Should Inspect and Test Fire Equipment

July 24, 2025

Fire Safety Is a Legal Obligation


Fire safety for your business is not something to treat as optional. Whether you're running a retail store, office, warehouse or hospitality venue, you're legally obligated to maintain your fire safety systems. In Australia, the relevant legislation, including the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 and AS1851 standards, outlines exactly what must be done to inspect and maintain fire protection equipment. This includes everything from portable fire extinguishers to hose reels and fire blankets.


Failing to meet these standards puts lives at risk and can lead to hefty fines, legal liability, and insurance issues. The law requires routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire equipment at set intervals to ensure it works as intended in an emergency. For business owners, the peace of mind that comes with compliance is invaluable, not just for protecting the business but also for keeping people safe.


Safeguarding People & Property

When fire breaks out, seconds matter. Properly maintained fire equipment is often the first line of defence. Fire extinguishers, hose reels, fire blankets and hydrants give occupants a chance to control or escape the danger before it spreads. But these systems are only effective if they work on the day they are needed. Without regular testing, there is no guarantee they will.


Imagine reaching for an extinguisher during a small electrical fire, only to find the pressure gauge in the red. It is not a scenario anyone wants to face. Regular inspections ensure your equipment is fully charged, accessible and ready for action. For high-risk environments like kitchens, workshops and warehouses, functional equipment could mean the difference between a minor incident and total devastation. Furthermore, well-placed and tested fire safety tools can prevent fire from reaching critical systems or stock, keeping downtime to a minimum. It is not just about compliance, it is about continuity and confidence.


Understanding Testing Frequency

So how often should fire equipment be tested? The answer depends on the type of equipment and your building’s classification, but generally speaking, Australian Standards recommend the following:


  • Portable Fire Extinguishers: Every 6 months
  • Fire Hose Reels: Every 6 months
  • Fire Blankets: Every 6 months
  • Exit & Emergency Lighting: Every 6 months
  • Hydrants & Sprinkler Systems: Quarterly to annually


These inspections often follow a rolling schedule to ensure nothing is missed. Skipping even one inspection cycle can compromise your overall safety plan. Many businesses choose professional testing providers to stay on track with maintenance and keep proper documentation for audit or insurance purposes. Your testing schedule should also consider environmental conditions, previous fire risks, and any modifications to the site layout or usage.


What Fire Testing Includes

Fire equipment testing is not just about ticking a box. It is a detailed process that involves multiple steps:


  • Visual Checks: Inspecting the exterior for signs of damage, corrosion or tampering
  • Operational Testing: Ensuring each item activates and functions correctly
  • Pressure Testing: Verifying that the extinguisher holds pressure within the recommended range
  • Weighing: Confirming that the fire extinguisher contains the proper charge
  • Tagging: Clearly labelling the equipment with the date, status and technician ID
  • Record Keeping: Maintaining a compliance log for future reference


For more complex systems, testing may include flow rate analysis, valve checks, and trigger response testing. The aim is to guarantee that your fire safety systems will respond when needed, and that means regular inspections by trained professionals. Equipment also needs to be located correctly, clearly visible, and unobstructed. It is important to confirm that everyone on site knows where each item is and how to use it, which makes regular checks a great time to refresh your safety plan.


Benefits of Professional Testing

Working with a licensed fire equipment testing provider offers several advantages beyond meeting legal requirements. One of the biggest is that it removes the burden of remembering inspection dates. Reputable providers send automated reminders, so you never miss a deadline or fall out of compliance.


You can also be confident that your equipment is tested using the correct procedures and documented accurately, helping reduce risk and making audits or insurance assessments smoother. Trained technicians often spot minor issues early, such as damaged hoses, expired extinguishers or poorly positioned equipment, which helps avoid larger, costlier problems down the track.


Working with a qualified provider also gives your business a verifiable maintenance history, a key advantage during safety reviews. Perhaps most importantly, a reliable testing service gives you peace of mind. Your workplace stays protected, your team stays safe, and you stay on top of all your fire safety obligations without the stress of juggling different suppliers.


Common Issues Found During Testing

Many fire safety faults go unnoticed until testing reveals them. For example:


  • Outdated or Discharged Extinguishers: Over time, pressure can drop or contents may settle
  • Blocked Hose Reels: Dust, debris or improper winding can prevent deployment
  • Incorrect Signage: Missing or unclear signs violate compliance regulations
  • Damaged Blanket Pouches: Torn or open pouches expose fire blankets to damage
  • Poor Placement: Equipment may be stored too high, too low or behind obstructions


Routine inspections can avoid all of these faults. Businesses that delay testing often end up with multiple non-compliances that could have been addressed earlier. Testing keeps you one step ahead and ensures your equipment is actually functional, not just visible. Addressing these concerns quickly shows staff, customers, and regulators that you take fire safety seriously. It also builds a culture of care and attention to detail that flows into other areas of the business.


Don’t Wait for a Fire

When it comes to fire safety, prevention always costs less than recovery. Regular equipment inspections might feel like a chore, but they are a small investment compared to the damage a fire can cause to you and your business. Protecting your people, your premises and your livelihood should be a priority, not an afterthought. At Test Right Services, we proudly serve Kirwan and surrounding areas, providing reliable fire equipment testing that keeps your business compliant and your people protected. Ready to take the next step? Call 0467 551 263 today to book your next inspection or get a quote.