This Fire Extinguisher Service & Pressure Test SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) sets out how a licensed fire equipment technician services portable fire extinguishers and pressure tests cylinders in line with AS 1851. It covers visual inspection, weighing, gauge checks, discharge testing, depressurising and hydrostatic testing, refilling and recharging, tagging, and failed cylinders. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Fire protection service contractors
Fire equipment technicians
Fire extinguisher test stations and workshops
Mobile fire equipment servicing businesses
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Crush or projectile injury from stored or residual cylinder pressure
Manual handling injury from large CO2 or dry chemical units
Dust and chemical exposure from extinguishing agents
Breathing in dry chemical powder during discharge or servicing
Skin or eye irritation from agent contact or splash
Noise from discharge testing
High pressure water release or cylinder rupture on the test rig
Slips on water, powder or spilled agent
Cuts from valves, damaged cylinders or sharp metal edges
What's included
7 pre-operational checks, from licence and competency to test rig calibration, ventilation, service history and cylinder condition
A 10-step operating procedure covering inspection, weighing, gauge checks, discharge testing, hydrostatic testing, recharging and tagging
Isolation and energy control for depressurising cylinders to zero, the test rig shutdown sequence and isolating the rig's pump or compressor
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for pressure loss, deformation, leaks, cylinder rupture and projectile injuries
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Fire Services SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Who is this SOP for?
It's written for licensed fire equipment technicians. The first pre-operational check confirms the technician's licence, training and competency for servicing and pressure testing are current.
Does it include hydrostatic pressure testing?
Yes. It covers depressurising and emptying the cylinder, removing the valve, internal and external inspection, pressurising gradually in the test rig or water bath, and tagging out cylinders that fail.
Does it cover choosing and placing extinguishers?
No. Selecting, placing and signing extinguishers, fire system design and installation, and testing detection devices or fire doors are covered separately.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
