How to Know if Your Fire Extinguisher Is Expired

echo300
Sep 29
4 min read

Updated: 7 days ago

The following content from TESTntel is provided as general information. TESTntel does not accept any liability for its accuracy or completeness. Visitors using this information do so at their own risk.

When was the last time you checked your fire extinguisher? If your answer is “uhhh… never?” don’t worry — you’re not alone. Fire extinguishers are one of those things we hope we’ll never need, but when we do, they absolutely must work. The catch? They don’t last forever.

Let’s break down how to spot an expired extinguisher, what to do about it, and whether you really need that mysterious thing called Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in New Zealand.

Legal Requirement in New Zealand
Do Fire Extinguishers Expire Ever Expired?
How to Find Manufacturing Date of An Extinguisher
Fire Extinguisher Testing Services & Testing Intervals
How Can I Dispose Old Fire Extinguishers?
How to Maximise the Lifespan of Your Fire Extinguisher
Do You Need a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Fire Extinguishers in NZ?

How to Know if Your Fire Extinguisher Is Expired

Legal Requirement in New Zealand

Under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018 may, in writing, require the owner or tenant of a building listed in schedule 2 to install hand-operated firefighting equipment in a specified location within the building if:

o the building has only a single means of escape;

o the building has no automatic sprinkler system; and

o Fire and Emergency New Zealand is satisfied that activities occurring in the building and the locations of those activities in the building make it more likely that fire could affect the means of escape from the building.

Any hand-operated firefighting equipment installed for use by the building’s occupants must be maintained in accordance with NZS 4503:2005 – Hand-operated fire-fighting equipment.

Do Fire Extinguishers Ever Expire?

Of course, they do. A fire extinguisher might look like a solid metal canister that could last forever, but inside is a pressurised chemical mixture. Over time, seals weaken, hoses crack, and the pressure gauge can fall out of the safe zone.

Even if it looks fine sitting in the corner of your office or garage, an expired extinguisher may not discharge properly when you need it most. That’s why NZ Hand Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment Safety Standards (NZS 4503:2005) require regular servicing and checks—because “she’ll be right” is not a fire safety plan.

How to Find Manufacturing Date of An Extinguisher

Here are the quick checks anyone can do:

Find the manufacturing or expiry date
Look near the label or stamped into the cylinder. Most extinguishers last about 5-15 years, depending on type and maintenance.

Fire Extinguisher Expiry Date
Peek at the pressure gauge
- Green = good. If it’s not in the green, it’s not reliable.
- Red = recharge or replace.
Fire Extinguisher Pressure Gauge
Think of it like checking the milk in your fridge: don’t wait until you’re pouring it into your coffee to find out it’s gone bad.

Fire Extinguisher Testing

In New Zealand, fire extinguishers need to be tested at least once every 12 months to stay compliant with New Zealand safety standards. You can check the service tag when the last service happened, and if the next one is overdue.

Testing Intervals

How Can I Dispose Old Fire Extinguishers?

Expired fire extinguishers should never be thrown in the rubbish; pressurised canisters can be dangerous in landfill compactors. Instead, they can be disposed of through your Local Fire Department, Hazardous Waste Collection Centres, or certain Recycling Centres.

Or, make it simple by leaving it to us. At TESTntel, we provide a complete service: testing, documentary compliance, safe eco-friendly disposal of faulty/expired fire extinguishers, and replacements when needed. Give us a call if you need advice – 0800 837 8824.

TESTntel Fire Extinguisher Disposal Service

How to Maximise the Lifespan of Your Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers aren’t exactly cheap, and while safety always comes first, there are a few simple things you can do to help yours last as long as possible:

Store it properly
Keep extinguishers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, extreme heat, or damp areas. Excess moisture can cause rust, while high heat may damage the seals and compromise pressure.
Handle with care, don’t tamper with it
Avoid knocks, drops, or “test sprays,” as they can damage the extinguisher and make it unsafe or unreliable to use in an emergency.
Check it regularly or schedule professional servicing
In New Zealand, NZS 4503:2005 requires fire extinguishers to be inspected and tagged regularly. A quick monthly check of the pressure gauge, hose, and body can catch issues early — just like checking your car tyres, it’s a simple habit that saves trouble later.

Do You Need a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Fire Extinguishers in NZ?

Short answer: yes, you do.

Here’s why:

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document that explains what chemicals are inside, the hazards, and safe handling procedures.
Under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) and GHS regulations, workplaces must keep SDSs on file for all hazardous substances.

That means if you’ve got extinguishers at your office, warehouse, or any other sites, you should also have their SDS handy, so staff know exactly what they’re dealing with.

The good news? You don’t have to write one yourself. Your manufacturer or our team can provide the SDS, and you just need to store it somewhere accessible.

Do yourself a favour: check your extinguisher today, tick off the SDS paperwork, and rest easier knowing you’re truly protected.

Not sure where to begin?

Talk to us. At TESTntel, our team is fully trained, equipped and ready to help you stay compliant with AS/NZS 3003. Call 0800 837 8824 for more information or to schedule a service. Partner with a provider you can trust!