Why Servicing Fire Equipment to Australian Standards Could Save Lives

When it comes to fire safety, cutting corners is never an option. Whether you're managing a commercial building, overseeing a strata complex, or simply ensuring your home is fire-ready, regular servicing of fire protection equipment in accordance with Australian Standards is not just a legal requirement—it’s a critical component of protecting lives and property.
What Are the Australian Standards for Fire Equipment Servicing?Australia has a comprehensive set of standards that outline the minimum requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, and ongoing servicing of fire protection systems. Some of the key standards include:

• AS 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
  
• AS 2444 – Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
  
• AS 2293 – Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings
  
• AS 1670 – Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – System design, installation and commissioning
  

These standards ensure equipment is functioning correctly and will operate as intended in an emergency.
The Risk of Non-ComplianceFailing to comply with service schedules and testing requirements not only puts lives at risk, but can also expose property owners and managers to serious consequences:

• Legal Liability: If an incident occurs and your fire equipment isn’t up to standard, you may face legal action or insurance claims denial.
  
• Fines and Penalties: Regulatory authorities can issue fines or enforce remedial actions for non-compliance.
  
• Equipment Failure: Without regular servicing, components such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, or smoke alarms may malfunction during a fire.
  

Benefits of Regular Servicing1. Protecting LivesThe primary goal of fire safety systems is to save lives. Serviced equipment ensures early detection, suppression, and safe evacuation in the event of a fire. Even a few seconds of early warning can make all the difference.
2. Minimising Property DamageFunctioning systems—such as fire sprinklers and extinguishers—can suppress fires before they grow out of control. This reduces property damage and disruption to business operations.
3. Ensuring Insurance CoverageMost insurance policies require that fire safety systems are compliant and regularly serviced. Regular maintenance records can be critical in proving compliance and ensuring claims are not denied.
4. Meeting Legal ObligationsProperty owners and facility managers have a duty of care under state and territory legislation. Regular servicing in line with AS 1851 and others helps you meet these legal obligations and stay audit-ready.
What Does Servicing Involve?Servicing involves scheduled inspections, testing, preventive maintenance, and record-keeping. Depending on the equipment, intervals may be:

• Monthly: Visual checks of fire extinguishers and exit lighting
  
• Quarterly: Testing of sprinkler systems and fire alarms
  
• Annually: Full functional testing and compliance audits
  

Certified technicians use logbooks and software to record and verify service tasks, ensuring transparency and traceability.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too LateFire emergencies are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Staying on top of fire equipment servicing according to Australian Standards ensures you're not just compliant, but truly ready.
If you're unsure about the status of your current systems or when your last inspection was, now is the time to act. A small investment in maintenance today could prevent a catastrophic loss tomorrow.