Do you know how to read your fire extinguisher tag?
What does a correctly marked fire extinguisher maintenance tag look like?
- Correctly tagged AS1851 tags will be marked with a number that relates to the level of service the extinguisher has received.
- The number (between 1 and 5) will be placed in the square representing the month and year the service was conducted.
- A solid circle/hole will be recorded for the month and year the extinguisher was placed into service.
- A solid hole will be placed on the tag spine representing the last hydrostatic test date.
What should raise a red flag with you as a PCBU or end user?
- Using a paint pen or marker to apply tag
- Tagging with punch/hole
- Tagging with any other item that leaves a mark eg screw driver
- Service technician not providing a log of work completed
It may seem innocuous but, some workplaces do not keep a register of their extinguishers and the tag is the only service history available. If the level of service is not recorded and a summary record not available, a higher level of service would be required which adds an unnecessary cost to the client.
Tags, labels and summary records are the essential components of the routine service record for portable fire extinguishers.
AS1851 states:
Where tags or labels are used, the recording of the completed activity shall be as specified in Clause 1.16.4.1. A service tag or label shall be provided to record the last level of service performed in accordance with sections 4, 8,9,10, 11 and 12. The tag or label shall be permanently marked with a number to correspond with the frequencies set out in table 1.16.2.
The record of each non-conformance or defect when using the tag or label system shall be captured in the summary record.
- three-monthly (identifiable by a dot on a label or a hole in a tag)
- six-monthly
- yearly
- three yearly (where applicable)
- five yearly
- recharged after use
Date (month/year)
The title ‘AS 1851 Service Record’
A service tag or label shall be attached to the item serviced. The figures shall be not less than 3mm high and the markings shall be such that the figures are legible.
Where a service tag is used, it shall be attached so that the force necessary to detach the tag is not less than 200N. (No Zippy ties)
Service tags shall:
Have the previous full year service record transferred from the expired tag or label to the new tag when a new tag or label is provided.
Service Records must be maintained for a minimum of 7 years.
