More information about Fire Extinguishers available here: Fire Extinguisher Services
According to the recent Australian Standard AS1851-2012, and the AS1851-2005, every Fire Extinguisher should be tagged and examined on a biannual basis. Based on the extinguisher model, it might require an overhaul (recharge and pressure test) every year, or over longer intervals.
More information about Fire Extinguishers available here: Fire Extinguisher Services
In Queensland, the QBCC (Queensland Construction and Building Commission) requires 'Inspect and Test' licenses under the category of 'Hose Reels and Portable Fire Equipment' for:
-The business (contractor's license)-The business's nominee supervisor (nominee supervisor license)
-Engineers who undertake extinguisher maintenance for the business (occupational license)
Bear in mind that these rules only relate to the maintenance of fire safety equipment and systems in buildings. They are not applicable to fire safety equipment and systems in vessels or vehicles, or to buildings not included in Australian Building Code legislation.
In other territories and states, it is the owner of the Fire Extinguisher who is responsible for checking the qualifications of the person who services their equipment. To help with this, FPA Australia advises that technicians ought to hold the appropriate nationally acknowledged qualification, with suitable competency units. For servicing extinguishers, this is the Fire Protection Testing and Inspection Certificate II (or the older Asset Maintenance Fire Protection Equipment Certificate II). The competency units should relate to servicing Portable Extinguishers.
More information about Fire Extinguishers available here: Fire Extinguisher Services