What is the difference between a monthly fire extinguisher check and an annual inspection?

A monthly visual check is a quick, non-technical inspection carried out by a responsible person on-site. It confirms the extinguisher is in place, undamaged, charged and has an intact tamper seal. An annual inspection (sometimes called a 6-monthly or annual maintenance service under AS 1851) is a more detailed technical examination carried out by a licensed fire protection technician. It includes weighing or checking agent volume, inspecting internal components (where applicable), verifying hydrostatic test dates, performing a discharge test (where required), recharging if needed, and issuing a signed certification. The annual record provides evidence that the unit has been professionally serviced and is fit for service.

What does an annual fire extinguisher inspection include under AS 1851?

Under AS 1851 (Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment), the annual (or 6-monthly, depending on type and risk rating) maintenance of a fire extinguisher must include: verification of the extinguisher ID, type, agent and capacity; external condition check (cylinder body, corrosion, dents, labels, safety pin, tamper seal, hose, horn, mounting); agent weight or volume check against rated capacity; pressure gauge check; internal examination (where required by type or schedule); hydrostatic pressure test check (ensuring the pressure vessel test is current, typically every 5 years for stored-pressure types); discharge test (where required by the maintenance schedule); recharge details (agent type, quantity recharged); and certification sign-off by the licensed technician including licence number and date.

How often must fire extinguishers be hydrostatically tested?

Hydrostatic test intervals under AS 1851 and AS 1197 vary by extinguisher type. For most stored-pressure extinguishers (dry powder, wet chemical, foam), the interval is typically every 5 years. For CO₂ extinguishers, it is typically every 5 years (cylinder marked to AS 2030). For carbon dioxide, additional intervals may apply under state dangerous goods legislation. The hydrostatic test date should be stamped on the cylinder or recorded on the extinguisher tag. A qualified pressure vessel inspector or licensed fire protection company carries out the test. This annual inspection record includes a section to confirm the last test date and result.

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Free fire extinguisher annual inspection record (PDF-ready). AS 1851 compliant: agent weight, hydrostatic test and certification sign-off. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-02-21

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 21 February 2026

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What is a fire extinguisher annual inspection record?

A fire extinguisher annual inspection record is the detailed documentation completed by a licensed fire protection technician during the periodic maintenance of a portable fire extinguisher. Unlike the monthly visual check carried out by a responsible person on-site, the annual inspection goes much further - it involves weighing or measuring the extinguishing agent to confirm it is within specification, examining internal components (where the extinguisher type requires it), verifying the hydrostatic test is current, completing a discharge test (where the maintenance schedule requires it), recharging and recording recharge details, and signing off with a technician certification including licence number. This template follows the maintenance requirements set out in AS 1851 (Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment).

Benefits of using this fire extinguisher annual inspection record

AS 1851 compliance: demonstrate that each extinguisher has been maintained to standard by a licensed technician, satisfying regulatory and insurer obligations.
Reliable performance in an emergency: catch undercharged agents, corroded cylinders, overdue hydrostatic tests and other faults that a monthly visual check would miss.
Hydrostatic test tracking: confirm the pressure vessel test is current and schedule the next test before the interval is exceeded.
Audit and insurance readiness: a signed technician record attached to each extinguisher asset provides unambiguous evidence for fire safety audits, insurance claims and building assessments.
Recharge documentation: record exactly what agent type and quantity was recharged, supporting traceability if the extinguisher is ever used or found partially discharged.
Consistency across sites: a standardised record ensures the same level of detail is captured for every unit, regardless of which technician completes the service.

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What to include in a fire extinguisher annual inspection record

This fire extinguisher annual inspection record covers 8 key areas:

Extinguisher details: ID/tag, type (dry powder, CO₂, wet chemical, water, foam), agent, location, capacity, manufacture date, last hydrostatic test date.
Inspector details: technician name, company, licence number, date of inspection.
Annual inspection checklist (P/F/N/A): - cylinder body/external condition, label/nameplate legibility, anti-tamper seal, pressure gauge reading, hose/horn condition, safety pin, mounting bracket/signage, weight check (actual vs rated).
Internal examination: whether internal examination was required (by type and schedule), examination findings, O-ring and valve condition.
Hydrostatic test section: last test date, test pressure, test result, next test due date.
Discharge test details: whether discharge test was carried out, observations.
Recharge details: agent type, quantity recharged, pressure (if applicable), propellant.
Annual certification: overall result (compliant / requires action / unserviceable), technician signature, licence number, date, company stamp.

How to use this fire extinguisher annual inspection record

Record the extinguisher details. ID, type, agent, location, capacity, manufacture date and last hydrostatic test date - before beginning the inspection.
Complete the external inspection checklist (P/F/N/A): cylinder body, label/nameplate, tamper seal, pressure gauge, hose/horn, safety pin and mounting bracket. Note any failures.
Perform the agent weight or volume check - weigh the unit (for powder and CO₂ types) or check the float indicator (for wet chemical/water types) against the rated capacity. Record actual vs rated weight and result.
If required by the extinguisher type and maintenance schedule, carry out the internal examination: remove the valve, inspect internal surfaces, O-rings and valve components, note condition.
Verify the hydrostatic test is current. Record the last test date, test pressure and result. Calculate the next test due date.
If a discharge test is required by the maintenance schedule, carry out the test, record observations and recharge accordingly.
Record recharge details - agent type, quantity, pressure (if applicable) and propellant.
Select the overall result (compliant / requires action / unserviceable), sign and certify with licence number. Attach the new service tag to the extinguisher.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

Under AS 1851, fire extinguishers require a monthly visual check by a responsible person on-site and a periodic maintenance inspection by a licensed fire protection technician. The frequency of the technician inspection varies by extinguisher type and risk level, but is typically every 6 months. Some types and schedules require a more detailed internal examination at 5-year intervals, and a hydrostatic pressure test (typically every 5 years for stored-pressure types). Regardless of schedule, any extinguisher that has been discharged, partially discharged, or damaged must be inspected and recertified before it is returned to service. Always refer to AS 1851, your state building regulator, insurer requirements and the extinguisher manufacturer's guidelines for your specific obligations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a monthly fire extinguisher check and an annual inspection?: A monthly visual check is a quick, non-technical inspection carried out by a responsible person on-site. It confirms the extinguisher is in place, undamaged, charged and has an intact tamper seal. An annual inspection (sometimes called a 6-monthly or annual maintenance service under AS 1851) is a more detailed technical examination carried out by a licensed fire protection technician. It includes weighing or checking agent volume, inspecting internal components (where applicable), verifying hydrostatic test dates, performing a discharge test (where required), recharging if needed, and issuing a signed certification. The annual record provides evidence that the unit has been professionally serviced and is fit for service.
What does an annual fire extinguisher inspection include under AS 1851?: Under AS 1851 (Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment), the annual (or 6-monthly, depending on type and risk rating) maintenance of a fire extinguisher must include: verification of the extinguisher ID, type, agent and capacity; external condition check (cylinder body, corrosion, dents, labels, safety pin, tamper seal, hose, horn, mounting); agent weight or volume check against rated capacity; pressure gauge check; internal examination (where required by type or schedule); hydrostatic pressure test check (ensuring the pressure vessel test is current, typically every 5 years for stored-pressure types); discharge test (where required by the maintenance schedule); recharge details (agent type, quantity recharged); and certification sign-off by the licensed technician including licence number and date.
How often must fire extinguishers be hydrostatically tested?: Hydrostatic test intervals under AS 1851 and AS 1197 vary by extinguisher type. For most stored-pressure extinguishers (dry powder, wet chemical, foam), the interval is typically every 5 years. For CO₂ extinguishers, it is typically every 5 years (cylinder marked to AS 2030). For carbon dioxide, additional intervals may apply under state dangerous goods legislation. The hydrostatic test date should be stamped on the cylinder or recorded on the extinguisher tag. A qualified pressure vessel inspector or licensed fire protection company carries out the test. This annual inspection record includes a section to confirm the last test date and result.

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