Comprehensive SWMS for routine service, hydrostatic testing, and maintenance of portable fire-fighting equipment

Portable Hydrants, Hose Reels & Extinguishers Inspection Safe Work Method Statement

2,000+ Australian Businesses Trust OneClickSWMS
Generate SWMS NowView Sample PDF

No credit card required • Instant access • 100% compliant in every Australian state

5 sec
Creation Time
100%
Compliant
2,000+
Companies
$3.6K
Fines Avoided

Avoid WHS penalties up to $3.6M—issue compliant SWMS to every crew before work starts.

This Safe Work Method Statement details the inspection, hydrostatic testing, recharge, and maintenance of portable fire protection equipment including fire hydrants, hose reels, and portable extinguishers. The scope covers routine service under AS 1851, commissioning of new equipment, defect rectification, tagging, and reporting for construction sites, existing buildings, and infrastructure assets. Technicians frequently work in plant rooms, car parks, external hydrant pits, and tenancies where they face hazards such as exposure to water and pressure, manual handling of cylinders, confined spaces, traffic interfaces, and interaction with other building services. By following this SWMS, fire protection contractors can deliver consistent, compliant maintenance outcomes while safeguarding personnel, property, and building occupants during inspection activities.

Start Generating SWMSSee How It Works

Unlimited drafts • Built-in WHS compliance • Works across every Australian state

Overview

What this SWMS covers

Inspection and testing of portable fire equipment includes visual inspection, service, pressure testing, and functional verification of hydrants, hose reels, and fire extinguishers. Activities range from six-monthly indicator checks to five-yearly hydrostatic testing, replacement of hoses and seals, recharge with compliant agents, and verification of signage and accessibility. Technicians may operate in public areas, high-traffic carparks, plant rooms, or remote hydrant locations, often requiring coordination with building management to isolate water supplies or temporarily restrict access. Precise record-keeping and tagging are critical for demonstrating compliance with AS 1851 and regulatory requirements.

Generate This SWMS

Fully editable, audit-ready, and aligned to Australian WHS standards.

Why this SWMS matters

Fire-fighting equipment must operate instantly during an emergency. Defective hydrants, hose reels, or extinguishers can delay suppression efforts and endanger occupants. By implementing this SWMS, technicians control hazards associated with pressurised water and chemical agents while assuring legal compliance and system readiness.

Reinforce licensing, insurance, and regulator expectations for Portable Hydrants, Hose Reels & Extinguishers Inspection Safe Work Method Statement crews before they mobilise.

Hazard identification

Surface the critical risks tied to this work scope and communicate them to every worker.

Risk register

Pressurised water release during hydrant testing

High

Hydrant booster and flow tests involve opening valves under pressure. Faulty hoses, loose couplings, or uncontrolled discharge can cause hose whip, impact injuries, or flooding.

Consequence: Struck-by injuries, property damage, slip hazards, and disruption to building operations.

Manual handling of cylinders and hose reels

Medium

Fire extinguishers and hose reels can weigh 10–30 kg. Frequent lifting, carrying up stairs, or handling in awkward spaces increases the risk of strain or crush injuries.

Consequence: Musculoskeletal injuries, dropped cylinders damaging valves, and out-of-service equipment requiring replacement.

Exposure to extinguishing agents and contaminants

Medium

Servicing dry chemical, CO2, or foam systems can release agents or residue. Contact without adequate PPE can irritate skin, eyes, or respiratory systems.

Consequence: Chemical burns, respiratory irritation, decontamination requirements, and environmental breaches if agents enter drains.

Traffic interaction at external hydrants

Medium

Hydrants located near roads or loading docks expose technicians to vehicle movement. Working without traffic control increases collision risks.

Consequence: Vehicle impact injuries, damage to fire infrastructure, and interruption to site logistics.

Working in confined plant rooms or pits

Medium

Hydrant valve pits and pump rooms may have limited ventilation, trip hazards, or potential for accumulated gases. Entering without assessment can lead to oxygen-deficient environments or slips.

Consequence: Asphyxiation, falls, and inability to exit quickly in an emergency.

Control measures

Deploy layered controls aligned to the hierarchy of hazard management.

Implementation guide

Pre-service planning and notification

Administrative

Coordinate inspection schedules with clients to ensure hydrants, hose reels, and extinguishers are accessible and any water discharges are managed.

Implementation

1. Review equipment registers and previous defect reports. 2. Notify stakeholders of water usage, noise, or access restrictions. 3. Confirm isolation points, drainage, and environmental controls. 4. Brief technicians on site-specific hazards and emergency contacts. 5. Verify calibration of gauges, flow meters, and recharge equipment.

Pressure management and hose restraint

Engineering

Control water release during hydrant and hose reel tests using rated hoses, secure couplings, and flow control devices.

Implementation

1. Inspect hoses and branches before connection. 2. Use hose restraints or anchor points to prevent whip. 3. Position technicians clear of the hose path before opening valves. 4. Increase flow gradually while monitoring pressures. 5. Shut down immediately if excessive movement or leaks occur.

Manual handling aids and work positioning

Engineering

Use trolleys, lifting straps, and team lifts to move cylinders and hose reels safely.

Implementation

1. Plan lifting routes free of trip hazards. 2. Maintain neutral postures and keep loads close to the body. 3. Store heavy cylinders on lower racks to minimise overhead lifting. 4. Rotate tasks to prevent fatigue. 5. Tag out damaged equipment for repair rather than carrying unsafe loads.

Chemical handling and hygiene controls

Administrative

Manage exposure to extinguishing agents and contaminants generated during discharge or recharge.

Implementation

1. Review Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each agent. 2. Provide spill kits and ensure adequate ventilation during recharge. 3. Use containment trays when emptying cylinders to prevent environmental release. 4. Mandate appropriate PPE and hygiene facilities. 5. Dispose of waste agents through licensed contractors.

Traffic and public interface management

Administrative

Implement traffic control measures and barricades when working near roads or public access ways.

Implementation

1. Develop Traffic Guidance Schemes in line with local authority requirements. 2. Use signage, cones, and spotters to separate vehicles from technicians. 3. Schedule work during low-traffic periods where possible. 4. Provide high-visibility clothing and lighting for night operations. 5. Report near misses and adapt controls as required.

Download complete control procedures

Personal protective equipment

Protective footwear

Requirement: AS 2210 safety boots with slip-resistant soles

When: Worn at all times during inspection and testing tasks.

High-visibility clothing

Requirement: AS/NZS 4602.1 day/night compliant vest or shirt

When: When working near traffic, in car parks, or low-light conditions.

Gloves

Requirement: AS/NZS 2161 chemical-resistant or nitrile gloves with grip

When: During cylinder handling, agent recharge, or cleaning tasks.

Eye and face protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses with face shield for discharge tests

When: Whenever discharging extinguishers or hydrostatically testing hoses.

Respiratory protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1716 P2 respirator or cartridge suitable for agent vapours

When: When working with dry chemical residue, CO2 discharge, or in poorly ventilated plant rooms.

Hearing protection

Requirement: AS/NZS 1270 Class 3 earplugs or earmuffs

When: During hydrant booster pump runs or high-noise environments exceeding 85 dB(A).

Step-by-step work procedure

Give supervisors and crews a clear, auditable sequence for the task.

Field ready
1

Pre-start checks and briefing

Review scheduled equipment, hazard assessments, and permits. Confirm technicians are trained and carry calibrated gauges, flow meters, and test equipment. Conduct site induction if required.

Safety considerations

Ensure emergency contacts, first aid kits, and spill response equipment are available before commencing work.

2

Inspect hydrants and hose reels

Perform visual inspections for damage, obstructions, signage, and accessibility. Check hose reel rewind function, nozzle condition, and ensure hydrant isolating valves are sealed and identified.

Safety considerations

Beware of sharp edges, maintain good posture when winding hoses, and keep covers secure to prevent trips.

3

Conduct flow and pressure tests

Connect flow meters or pitot gauges, open hydrant or hose reel valves gradually, and record pressures and flow rates in accordance with AS 1851 frequency tables.

Safety considerations

Secure hoses, manage water runoff, and position personnel clear of the discharge path.

4

Service and recharge extinguishers

Inspect tamper seals, gauge readings, and cylinder condition. Discharge units when required, clean components, replace O-rings, refill agents, and re-pressurise to specified levels.

Safety considerations

Wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and perform recharge in ventilated areas with containment trays.

5

Hydrostatic testing and hose replacement

Transport cylinders or hoses to certified testing equipment, pressurise to mandated test pressures, hold for specified duration, and replace components that fail visual or pressure tests.

Safety considerations

Restrict access to testing zones, shield technicians from potential ruptures, and maintain records of test dates and results.

6

Tagging, reporting, and reinstatement

Affix service tags, update asset registers, document defects, and provide quotes for rectification. Reopen valves, reinstate fire systems, and brief stakeholders on outstanding issues.

Safety considerations

Confirm all equipment is returned to service-ready status and remove barricades or signage used during testing.

Get risk assessment & procedures

Frequently asked questions

What standards govern portable fire equipment servicing?

AS 1851-2012 sets out routine service requirements for hydrants, hose reels, and portable extinguishers, including inspection intervals, testing methods, and record keeping.

How are defective extinguishers managed?

Tag defective units out of service, provide a temporary replacement, and organise repair or replacement in accordance with AS 1851 and regulatory obligations.

Do technicians require specific qualifications?

Competent fire protection technicians must be trained in AS 1851 routines, hold relevant licences in states where required (e.g., Queensland QBCC Fire Protection licences), and maintain calibration of testing equipment.

How is environmental impact controlled during testing?

Use containment mats, divert discharge to appropriate drainage, avoid releasing foam concentrates to stormwater, and engage licensed waste contractors for agent disposal.

What documentation is provided after servicing?

Technicians issue service reports, defect notices, updated asset registers, and evidence of hydrostatic tests to the building owner or principal contractor.

Related SWMS documents

Browse all documents

fire-services

Fire Alarm System Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive SWMS covering preparation, cable installation, device mounting, control panel configuration, functional testing, and commissioning of automatic fire alarm systems in accordance with AS 1670 and WHS legislation.

View document

fire-services

Fire Detection-Alarms Testing

Testing and commissioning of fire detection and alarm systems following AS 1851 procedures including detector functional tests and system verification.

View document

fire-services

Fire Door Installation Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive SWMS covering preparation, frame fixing, leaf hanging, hardware installation, fire sealing, and certification of fire-rated doorsets in accordance with NCC and AS 1905.1.

View document

fire-services

Fire Extinguisher Installation and Maintenance Safe Work Method Statement

Comprehensive SWMS detailing preparation, mounting, recharge, hydrostatic testing, compliance inspection, and documentation for portable fire extinguishers and hose reels in line with AS 2444 and AS 1851.

View document

fire-services

Fire Sprinkler System Installation Safe Work Method Statement

End-to-end SWMS for fire sprinkler system prefabrication, mounting, hydraulic testing, and commissioning aligned with AS 2118 and WHS legislative requirements.

View document

fire-services

Prescribed Burns Safe Work Method Statement

SWMS covering planning, ignition, control, and mop-up of prescribed burns and hazard reduction works in compliance with Australian fire management guidelines.

View document
Trusted by 1,500+ Australian construction teams

Portable Fire Equipment Inspection SWMS Sample

Professional SWMS created in 5 seconds with OneClickSWMS

  • Instant PDF & shareable link
  • Auto-filled risk matrix
  • Editable Word download
  • State-specific compliance
  • Digital signature ready
  • Version history preserved
Manual creation2-3 hours
OneClickSWMS5 seconds
Save 99% of admin time and eliminate manual errors.
Generate SWMS NowView sample SWMS

No credit card required • Instant access • Unlimited drafts included in every plan

PDF Sample

Risk Rating

BeforeHigh
After ControlsLow

Key Controls

  • • Pre-start briefing covering hazards
  • • PPE: hard hats, eye protection, gloves
  • • Emergency plan communicated to crew

Signature Ready

Capture digital signatures onsite and store revisions with automatic timestamps.

Continue exploring

Hand-picked SWMS resources
Fire ServicesExplore →Fire Alarm System InstallationExplore →Fire Extinguisher Installation MaintenanceExplore →Fire Door InstallationExplore →Emergency Evacuation PlanExplore →Test TagExplore →

Ready to deliver professional SWMS in minutes?

OneClickSWMS powers thousands of compliant projects every week. Join them today.

Join 2,000+ Protected CompaniesExplore Safety Guides