Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to replace my Smoke Alarm Battery?
Smoke Alarm Batteries should be replaced annually, where appropriate. Refer to manufacturer’s guide for battery type.
How long will my Smoke Alarm last?
A Smoke Alarm needs to be replaced if it’s reached its maximum service life of ten (10) years. The manufactured date will be displayed on the Smoke Alarm.
What is an Annual Fire Safety Statement?
An Annual Fire Safety Statement is a statement issued by the premise’s owner certifying all fire safety measures. A qualified fire contractor inspects, and tests the fire safety measures to ensure they are compliant with Standards. The Annual Fire Safety Statement must be displayed prominently within the building.
When is my Annual Fire Safety Statement due?
A Fire Safety Statement must be obtained on an annual basis, from the date on which the initial Fire Safety Certificate is issued. The premise’s owner has a legal requirement to lodge the Annual Fire Safety Statement with the local Council and local Fire Brigade, as required by the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2000.
(For more information: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/inforce/9d376d33-da45-c796-d869-86fe6d73c9c1/2000-557.pdf)
What is an Essential Service?
Essential Fire Safety Measures are defined to be any measure, including any item of equipment, form of construction or fire safety strategy that is, or is proposed to be implemented in a building for protecting life and preventing injury in the event of a fire. EP&A Regulation 2000 prescribed Essential Fire Safety Measures are as follows:
(Reference: http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/3530/Essential_Fire_Safety_Measures.pdf)
How do I know that my Fire Services will operate in the event of a real fire?
Essential Fire Safety Measures are tested in accordance with Australian Standards 1851-2012 by a qualified fire contractor to ensure Essential Fire Safety Measures are fully operational. By having constant inspection and testing, building occupants can be assured the Fire System will work as required.
Do I need to service the Fire Equipment in my building if no one has requested it?
The premise owner’s Duty of Care is to ensure that all occupants of the dwelling are adequately protected and warned from fire. They must have a Safe Passage of Egress from the effects of the fire. Essential Fire Safety Measures must be tested and operational in case of the event of a fire.
How often do I need to service the Fire Equipment in my building?
A qualified fire contractor inspects and tests all Fire Safety Measures on a Monthly / Six Monthly / Annually / 5 Yearly basis as required by Australian Standards 1851-2012 (2012). Any non-compliant Safety Measures are to be resolved as soon as possible by the premise’s owner. This ensures all fire services will be fully operational in the event of a real fire.
(Reference: Committee FP-001, Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. (2012) Australian Standards: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment)
What type of Fire System do I need in my building?
The Building Code of Australia, requires all class 2 to class 9 buildings to have the required Essential Services installed. Which type of system will depend not only on the building class but the rise in stories, and in some cases the floor area. Where the building was built to previous codes and standards, the building must, as a minimum, comply with the relevant standards that were applicable at that time. There may also be additional requirements depending on any other deficiencies or non-compliances within the building. Examples of buildings which may require a Fire System:
(Reference: Australian Building Codes Board. (2019) National Construction Code Series 2019 Volume One: Building Code of Australia Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings)
How often do I need to replace my Smoke Alarm Battery?
Smoke Alarm Batteries should be replaced annually, where appropriate. Refer to manufacturer’s guide for battery type.
How long will my Smoke Alarm last?
A Smoke Alarm needs to be replaced if it’s reached its maximum service life of ten (10) years. The manufactured date will be displayed on the Smoke Alarm.
What is an Annual Fire Safety Statement?
An Annual Fire Safety Statement is a statement issued by the premise’s owner certifying all fire safety measures. A qualified fire contractor inspects, and tests the fire safety measures to ensure they are compliant with Standards. The Annual Fire Safety Statement must be displayed prominently within the building.
When is my Annual Fire Safety Statement due?
A Fire Safety Statement must be obtained on an annual basis, from the date on which the initial Fire Safety Certificate is issued. The premise’s owner has a legal requirement to lodge the Annual Fire Safety Statement with the local Council and local Fire Brigade, as required by the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2000.
(For more information: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/inforce/9d376d33-da45-c796-d869-86fe6d73c9c1/2000-557.pdf)
What is an Essential Service?
Essential Fire Safety Measures are defined to be any measure, including any item of equipment, form of construction or fire safety strategy that is, or is proposed to be implemented in a building for protecting life and preventing injury in the event of a fire. EP&A Regulation 2000 prescribed Essential Fire Safety Measures are as follows:
- Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
- Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems
- Self-Closing Solid-Core Doors or Fire Doors
- Exit Signs
- Emergency Lighting
- Fire Hose Reels
- Fire Hydrants
- Fire Dampers
- Fire Extinguishers
- Smoke Exhaust Systems
- Fire Drenchers/Wall-Wetting Sprinklers
- Fire Exits and Exit Systems
- Paths of Travel to Exits
- Evacuation Plans
(Reference: http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/3530/Essential_Fire_Safety_Measures.pdf)
How do I know that my Fire Services will operate in the event of a real fire?
Essential Fire Safety Measures are tested in accordance with Australian Standards 1851-2012 by a qualified fire contractor to ensure Essential Fire Safety Measures are fully operational. By having constant inspection and testing, building occupants can be assured the Fire System will work as required.
Do I need to service the Fire Equipment in my building if no one has requested it?
The premise owner’s Duty of Care is to ensure that all occupants of the dwelling are adequately protected and warned from fire. They must have a Safe Passage of Egress from the effects of the fire. Essential Fire Safety Measures must be tested and operational in case of the event of a fire.
How often do I need to service the Fire Equipment in my building?
A qualified fire contractor inspects and tests all Fire Safety Measures on a Monthly / Six Monthly / Annually / 5 Yearly basis as required by Australian Standards 1851-2012 (2012). Any non-compliant Safety Measures are to be resolved as soon as possible by the premise’s owner. This ensures all fire services will be fully operational in the event of a real fire.
(Reference: Committee FP-001, Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment. (2012) Australian Standards: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment)
What type of Fire System do I need in my building?
The Building Code of Australia, requires all class 2 to class 9 buildings to have the required Essential Services installed. Which type of system will depend not only on the building class but the rise in stories, and in some cases the floor area. Where the building was built to previous codes and standards, the building must, as a minimum, comply with the relevant standards that were applicable at that time. There may also be additional requirements depending on any other deficiencies or non-compliances within the building. Examples of buildings which may require a Fire System:
- Residential buildings
- Commercial buildings
- Office buildings
- Hotels
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Public assembly buildings
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Places of public entertainment
- Warehouses
- Factories
(Reference: Australian Building Codes Board. (2019) National Construction Code Series 2019 Volume One: Building Code of Australia Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings)
What is an Automatic Fire Detection System?
An Automatic Fire Detection System is a set of interconnected devices used to warn building occupants of a fire situation to safely evacuate from the building. Fire Detection Systems comprise of a Fire Indicator Panel, input devices and output devices. In the event of a fire, a detector sends a signal back to the Fire Indicator Panel. The Fire Indicator Panel then activates an alarm to the output devices such as EWIS speakers, horns, bells and warning lights to safely evacuate occupants.
What is a Fire Indicator Panel?
A Fire Indicator Panel is the centre of the Fire System. The panel sends and receives information from input and output devices such as Smoke Detectors and Evacuation Speakers. Detectors and manual triggers, such as manual call points, can trigger an alarm activation. Upon an alarm, the Fire Indicator Panel will activate tones and sirens, directing the occupants of a building to evacuate. The Fire Indicator Panel can also close fire doors, shut down electrical, air handling equipment or special process operations, and they may be used to initiate Automatic Suppression Systems. If the Fire Indicator Panel is connected to a monitoring device, it will contact the Fire Brigade.
What is an Addressable System?
An Addressable System allows each detector to have an individual address. This allows the Addressable System to pinpoint the exact location of alarm. This will enable you to find the exact location of a fire. Addressable Systems have the ability to monitor individual detector’s sensitivity and cleanliness, and determination of a wide range of faults. They also have a historical log which captures all events such as faults, alarms and isolations.
An Addressable Fire System is far more versatile than a conventional Fire System. The Addressable System allows for programming of specific devices and functionality and connection of a wide range of devices and configurations, which means less cabling and a more advanced intelligent system. Addressable Systems have networking capabilities, enabling one central Fire Indicator Panel the ability to control and/or monitor sub-panels in different locations.
An Automatic Fire Detection System is a set of interconnected devices used to warn building occupants of a fire situation to safely evacuate from the building. Fire Detection Systems comprise of a Fire Indicator Panel, input devices and output devices. In the event of a fire, a detector sends a signal back to the Fire Indicator Panel. The Fire Indicator Panel then activates an alarm to the output devices such as EWIS speakers, horns, bells and warning lights to safely evacuate occupants.
What is a Fire Indicator Panel?
A Fire Indicator Panel is the centre of the Fire System. The panel sends and receives information from input and output devices such as Smoke Detectors and Evacuation Speakers. Detectors and manual triggers, such as manual call points, can trigger an alarm activation. Upon an alarm, the Fire Indicator Panel will activate tones and sirens, directing the occupants of a building to evacuate. The Fire Indicator Panel can also close fire doors, shut down electrical, air handling equipment or special process operations, and they may be used to initiate Automatic Suppression Systems. If the Fire Indicator Panel is connected to a monitoring device, it will contact the Fire Brigade.
What is an Addressable System?
An Addressable System allows each detector to have an individual address. This allows the Addressable System to pinpoint the exact location of alarm. This will enable you to find the exact location of a fire. Addressable Systems have the ability to monitor individual detector’s sensitivity and cleanliness, and determination of a wide range of faults. They also have a historical log which captures all events such as faults, alarms and isolations.
An Addressable Fire System is far more versatile than a conventional Fire System. The Addressable System allows for programming of specific devices and functionality and connection of a wide range of devices and configurations, which means less cabling and a more advanced intelligent system. Addressable Systems have networking capabilities, enabling one central Fire Indicator Panel the ability to control and/or monitor sub-panels in different locations.