Every portable fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture stamped on its cylinder, usually near the base or on the nameplate. This date is crucial because all servicing schedules—especially pressure testing—are calculated from it. According to AS 1851, hydrostatic pressure testing must be carried out every five years for portable extinguishers. Mandatory inspection intervals include every 6 months for visual inspection and pressure check, every 12 months for external servicing, tagging, and recording, and every 5 years for hydrostatic pressure testing and internal inspection.
