1. There is a difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors
Do you know the difference? Basically, a smoke alarm is a 240Vac, interconnected device with a DC battery back-up. A smoke detector is a 24Vdc device supplied and monitored for faults on a central fire system panel.2. Smoke alarms should be interconnected and tested half yearly
Make sure your smoke alarms are all interconnected with each other. You can check this by pushing the test button and holding it for a period to see if the other smoke alarms installed are set off into alarm after a short delay.
Smoke alarms should be tested every six months by the owner/ occupier and inspected and tested annually by the owner, or the owner’s agent, being a qualified technician.
Smoke alarms cannot be used in some building classifications as they do not meet the requirements of The Building Code of Australia (BCA). Confirmation should be sought from a qualified technician if you suspect your building may not comply.
3. Smoke detector positioning is determined by the BCA
Ever wondered why you need so many fire detectors?
Fire detectors are positioned to strict spacing and layouts as per the requirements of various Australian standards required by the BCA. Anything impeding the smoke path will change the requirements for detection (For example: If you put a dividing wall, floor to ceiling partition or new bulkhead in your office)
4. Warning tones and announcements are standard across every system
Occupant warning systems are speaker systems that provide evacuation warning signals, tones and voice overs together with a general paging system at the Fire Panel. The “Woot, Woot” , “Beep Beep” tones and automated voice overs are now standardised throughout every system on the market.
5. Fire installations need to carried out by properly trained and qualified technicians
There are very strict rules and regulations for Fire systems and things like spacings are pretty black & white. The BCA is the governing rule book of the industry. Then there is a multitude of standards which cover the various areas of hazard and protection modalities within the industry and the inspection, testing and certification criteria.
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) and many technicians in the industry are pushing for licencing to be implemented, though at the moment, there is no licensing or regulatory body that certifies the fire industry installations. Unfortunately technicians are not always properly trained and qualified with the appropriate industry field experience to determine the correctness of the system they are installing. Sometimes unqualified people are are certifying systems, not to a standard high enough to save lives. Or at least give enough warning to occupants that there may be an impending risk within the premises they are residing.
6. Smoke detection testing needs to be done monthly
Why am I forever hearing fire tests in my building?
As per the BCA, fire indicator panels need to be tested every month. The fire detectors, attached to the panel, tested every six and twelve months. These detector tests are on 50% of the system and need to be carried out by a qualified technician.
At the completion of the twelve months of testing, some buildings may be required by council to provide an Annual Fire Safety Statement. Check with your council to see if this applies to your building.
7. Evacuation lighting needs to be tested 6 monthly
Why are my exit lights flashing or not working?
Exit and emergency lighting layouts are designed and installed to strict criteria. The BCA clause E2.4 and AS/NZS2293 are the rules and guidelines for this area. Properly qualified and experienced electricians should be used for these installations. Inspection and 90 minute testing routines need to be carried out every six months and logged records kept on site to record the maintenance an correct operation of all fittings.
Have you ever noticed some exit signs have the word Exit and others have a person running?
The running man symbol, introduced in 2005, is an international symbol and must be used in all buildings built after May 2006. Sites with pre-existing “Exit” signs may use either.
8. There are different fire extinguishers for different types of fires
There is a multitude of extinguishers available on the market, all serving different types of risk areas.
CO2 types are required between 2m – 20 m from all kitchenette or cooking areas and the same to each significant switchboard. They leave no residue, no mess but their effectiveness is not high enough for all fires.
More appropriate for the majority of areas in the office are AB:E extinguishers, that serve (A) wood, cloth, paper etc., (B) Flammable/ combustible and (E) Electrical hazards. Specific signage is required for all extinguishers to locate and identify them.
An experienced inspection and evaluation should be sought to determine what types and how many extinguishers are appropriate for all business premises.
All extinguishers should then be inspected every six months by a qualified technician and a hydrostatic pressure test every 5 years. If discharged within this 5 year period, a pressure test should be carried out to allow the extinguisher to begin the 5 year cycle again.
Some situations may require a glass faced cabinet for the extinguisher to protect it from the surrounding elements like moisture or chemicals. (For example: dusty or dirty environments like a manufacturing plant or warehouse).
9. Mandatory maintenance programs can save you money
Any building with a Fire Indicator Panel is required by the BCA to have mandatory inspection, testing and maintenance programs in place.
These programs are designed specifically to minimise and control the risk of breakdown and the possible loss of life. They also virtually eliminate expensive emergency service calls. By having a service agreement with a reliable partner, you can budget your maintenance costs, thereby protecting your investment and this allows you to focus on your core business with peace of mind your system will be taken care of.
10. There can be legal ramifications for building owners or the owners agents if there are fire fatalities
All councils require certification on some buildings to confirm the building has been assessed by a properly qualified person and
- was found, when it was assessed, to be properly implementing correct fire safety measures and these measures are capable of performing to at least the standard required OR
- was found to be operating to a standard no less than that to which the measure was originally designed and installed.
The NSW Fire Brigade regulations strictly state, that any fatalities caused from negligent implementation of the the mandatory routine inspection and testing maintenance programs, may result in legal ramifications being the responsibility of the owner or the owners’ agent and can result in life imprisonment.
Get more information on fire services from Excel Electrical by leaving an enquiry here.
Live smart, Live long,
B.Saffy
www.excelelectrical.com.au/fire-services
