ELECTRICAL SERVICES
Emergency and Exit Lighting
Emergency evacuation lighting systems are designed to assist occupants in identifying exits and to ensure people can find their way to the nearest exit during an emergency by illuminating the path. The systems are fitted with backups to last up to 90 minutes in the event of power failure.
Emergency evacuation lighting systems are a requirement of the BCA and Work Health and Safety legislation and there are specific design and installation requirements from Australian Standard AS2293.1. The systems will require a minimum Inspection and Test regime (six monthly and annual, 90 minute battery discharge test) as per Australian Standard AS2293.2.
Alarm System
An Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System consists of a series of sensors and interconnected monitoring equipment that detects the effects of a fire and then activates connected systems and functions and a pre-pogrammed response will be initiated. These systems include:
Building occupant warning systems (BOWS / Alarm and Evacuation Tone Generation)
Sound Systems for Emergency Purposes (SSEP) formally known as Early Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS)
Building Management Systems (BMS / Lift Controller / Automatic Door Controllers)
Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE – Fire Brigade Alarm Generation)
Mechanical Ventilation Systems (HVAC / Stair Pressurisation / Air Conditioning / Smoke Spill etc)
An Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm system is a requirement of the BCA, NCC, Work Health and Safety legislation and Australian Standard AS1670. These also require a six monthly, annual and 5 yearly Inspection and Test regime as per Australian Standard AS1851.
Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are required by Australian regulations to be installed in buildings where residents will sleep. They are early warning devices designed to emit a distinctive, loud noise to alert occupants when it detects smoke. There are two types of smoke detection formats, one being photoelectric (preferred type) and the second being lonization. Smoke alarms are not to be confused with smoke detectors, which serve a different purpose.
All smoke alarm installations comply with Australian Standard AS3786 legislation and have the Australian Standards logo to confirm this. An emergency backup battery must also be available to ensure the alarm functions in the event of a power failure, depending on the type of alarm, backup 9-volt batteries will need to be changed every year. Other types have a 10 year sealed lithium battery that cannot be changed, your smoke alarm installation provider will inform you if this is the case. Smoke alarm installations must be carried our by an accredited licensed electrician and have the competent fire safety practitioner’s certification.
According to laws listed under Clause 146A of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Division 7A of Part 9 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, smoke alarms are to be installed on each level of a building that people reside. This includes owner-occupied, rental properties, mobile homes, apartments, units, or any other residential building where occupants sleep.
Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years as per the used by date which is stated on the underside of the device.
Failing to comply with regulations or to submit the certification to councils on time can result in heavy fines issued by local councils, restrictions of use for the premises and the issue of fire orders.