Why is fire extinguisher testing so important in Victoria?

At Fire Facilities Plus, we’ve seen firsthand how a properly maintained extinguisher can save lives and property. In Victoria, under the Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018, extinguishers are classed as Essential Safety Measures, meaning they must be tested regularly. The law exists because when a fire starts, you don’t get a second chance. A café in Fitzroy avoided disaster when its wet chemical extinguisher—serviced just a month earlier—stopped a kitchen fire in seconds. In contrast, we were called to inspect an office in Richmond after a server room fire; their extinguisher hadn’t been tested in years and failed, resulting in catastrophic loss. That’s the difference regular testing makes, and why our team at Fire Facilities Plus never treats it as a formality.

How often should fire extinguishers be tested in Melbourne?

In Melbourne and across Victoria, Australian Standard AS 1851 requires most extinguishers to be tested every six months by a VBA-registered fire protection practitioner. At Fire Facilities Plus, we carry out these inspections thoroughly—checking pressure, weight, accessibility, and any signs of damage—because small issues can turn into big failures over time. For example, in a bakery, oil vapour can corrode fittings, while in a factory, vibration can loosen connections. We’ve found extinguishers in childcare centres with missing safety pins after curious little ones had a look. Six months might seem frequent, but after seeing how quickly wear and tear builds up in the field, we know it’s essential.

What happens if I don’t test my fire extinguishers?

We’ve been called to too many post-fire sites where non-compliance had serious consequences. Skip testing, and you risk equipment failure, fines from the Victorian Building Authority, and even rejected insurance claims. One small manufacturing plant in Melbourne’s north lost tens of thousands after an insurer refused their claim because an extinguisher’s service tag was 14 months out of date. But it’s not just about money—lives are at stake. In an aged care facility, a working extinguisher could mean safely evacuating residents before smoke inhalation sets in. Fire Facilities Plus treats every inspection as a life safety measure first, compliance measure second.

Does the type of business or building I run affect the extinguishers I need?

Definitely, and this is something Fire Facilities Plus always considers when designing a maintenance plan. The National Construction Code and AS 2444 specify extinguisher types based on risk. Restaurants need wet chemical units for cooking oil fires, IT offices need CO₂ extinguishers to protect electronics, and schools with labs need dry chemical extinguishers. Factories may need foam or water types for bulk combustibles. We’ve walked into businesses with the wrong type of extinguisher and had to explain that, in a real fire, the wrong unit can make things worse—like water on an oil fire causing a dangerous flare-up. That’s why part of our service is confirming you’ve got the right tools in the right spots.

Can you give examples of real situations where testing made the difference?

Fire Facilities Plus has plenty of stories from the field. A Brunswick restaurant avoided closure when a serviced wet chemical extinguisher snuffed out a kitchen fire mid-service. A clothing warehouse in Melbourne’s west lost hundreds of thousands in stock after outdated, blocked extinguishers failed during an electrical fire. A childcare centre in St Kilda passed an unannounced safety inspection with flying colours because every extinguisher was tested and in place—a proud moment for their director. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re local, real, and proof that testing works.

What should I expect from a professional fire extinguisher service in Victoria?

When you hire Fire Facilities Plus, you get more than a quick gauge check. Our VBA-registered technicians inspect for dents, corrosion, missing pins, and legible instructions. We check placement for visibility and accessibility, replace service tags, and record everything for your Annual Essential Safety Measures Report. In one case, we reorganised a factory’s extinguisher layout to cut retrieval time in half. In another, we trained café staff on which extinguisher to grab for different fire types. This combination of testing, reporting, and education means you’re not just compliant—you’re ready.

Is fire extinguisher testing really about more than compliance?

Absolutely. At Fire Facilities Plus, we believe compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Fires don’t care about paperwork—they care whether the extinguisher works at that exact moment. The Victorian Government’s Essential Safety Measures framework is about protecting lives first, property second, and documents last. We approach every inspection like it’s the one that might make the difference between a close call and a disaster. Just like wearing a seatbelt isn’t about avoiding a fine, testing your extinguishers isn’t about ticking a box—it’s about making sure everyone walks away safe.

Why should I choose Fire Facilities Plus over other companies?

Fire Facilities Plus is a family-owned business with deep roots in fire safety. Our founder, a fire expert with over 15 years helping hundreds of businesses across industries, passed on his knowledge and passion to the next generation. Now, the son carries on the legacy with modern skills and certification, but with the same care and dedication. Because we’re a small company, transparency and personalised service are at our core. We keep costs minimal without cutting corners and treat every customer like part of our community, not just another job. Many of our clients have stayed with us for years because they trust our diligence and genuine care. When you work with Fire Facilities Plus, you’re not just compliant—you’re supported by people who truly care about your safety and success. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a service, you can contact us at 0406169966 or email us at ryan@facilitplus.com.au. Or simply fill out the form on our contact page, and one of our friendly team members will get in touch promptly.