FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
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.
Fire Restraint Doors
Fire restraint doors help to resist the transfer of an active fire to control the rate it spreads and the radiation of heat. The sets contain fire rated door leaf, a fire rated door frame and all associated equipment. Firestone fire restraint doors are tested to ensure they meet the conditions outlined in Australian Standard AS1530.1 and the required Fire Resistance Level. These requirements are also drawn from the BCA and Australian Standard AS1905.1.
Fire restraint doors require an Inspection and Test regime as per Australian Standard AS1851 listed below.
Three Monthly (Sliding Fire Doors)
Six Monthly (Fire Doors)
Annual (Certain types and applications like Residential Hinged and pivoted door sets only require Annual Inspection and testing)
Fire Sprinkler System
A fire sprinkler systems are installed to suppress and contain fires and are a requirement of the BCA with specific design and installation requirements drawn from Australian Standard AS2118.1. The systems are required to automatically deliver pressurised water through pipes to assist in containing a fire. Each sprinkler head is equipped with a colour coded heat sensitive bulb that will break once it detects a certain temperature. This allows the flow of water over the diffuser so that the water is effectively dispersed in an appropriate spray pattern for the designated coverage area.
Depending on the design and requirements for specific hazards, and installation premises, the following key components are required:
A reliable and consistent water supply
Control valve assembly and pipework
Sprinkler heads to suit the hazard and conditions of the premises
Pump/s to ensure correct pressure and system required water flow rates
Fire Sprinklers require a minimum Inspection and Test regime as per Australian Standard AS1851 and AS2118 outlined below.
Monthly
Six Monthly
Annual
Five Yearly
Ten Yearly
Twenty-Five and Thirty Yearly
Portable Fire Equipment
Portable fire equipment can be carried to the site of the fire and is primarily used by onsite personnel as a first response. Fire extinguishers, fire blankets and fire hose reels are all considered portable fire equipment.
Fire extinguishers discharge a jet of water, foam, gas or other materials to extinguish a fire. All potential fire hazards are identified and classified by the source and therefore require suitable extinguishing materials as per requirements outlined by the BCA part E1.6 and Australian standard AS2444.
Fire blankets are made from fire retardant materials, usually fibreglass matting, and are single use units used to smother a fire or to wrap around a person to extinguish flames. Fire blankets are usually required in kitchen and laboratory type of environments. These requirements are outlined by the BCA and Australian Standard AS2444.
Fire hose reels are considered portable as the hose is unwound and can be extended to the site of the fire. They are only used on fires where the source is wood, paper, fabrics etc as the extinguishing tool used is water and therefore not useful for electrical fires or flammable liquids. Requirements are outlined by the EPS, BCA part E1.4 and Australian Standard AS2441.
These systems require a minimum Inspection and Test regime as per Australian Standard AS1851 for six monthly and annual checks. These also form part of the minimum basis for required essential fire safety systems across all residential and commercial buildings, including marine and transport.
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.