If a fire suddenly broke out, would you be prepared? While you may know that you need to remain calm and take action, many of us hesitate or freeze up when faced with an actual fire. At home, this could be a greasy pan catching alight on the stove. In the office, it might be an electrical fault in a power outlet or faulty appliance. In any scenario, those few seconds where you may not know what to do can be the difference between containing the fire, or watching it rapidly take over.
Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher starts with understanding what you’re dealing with. Not all fire extinguishers are suitable for all fire types, so it’s important to know which fire extinguisher class and colour band applies to your equipment. If you’re a business owner or facility manager, fire safety should be one of your top priorities. That means having the knowledge and appropriate equipment installed at key points around your building.
You might have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen or at work, but do you know how to use it properly? Or even worse, are you sure you have the correct type of extinguisher to deal with a fire? It’s easy to panic in an emergency situation, and not knowing what you’re doing can escalate a small fire very quickly.
Below, we provide a simple guide on how to operate a fire extinguisher. Known as PASS, it’s easy to remember and will help you put out that fire safely and as quickly as possible.
Fire extinguishers are excellent tools for controlling small fires before they develop further, but they’re not appropriate for every emergency. Recognising when not to use a fire extinguisher is just as important as knowing how to operate one.
If you don’t react quickly enough or try to extinguish a large fire, you put yourself and everyone else in danger. Fires can grow rapidly, and smoke can spread through a building in seconds. That’s why you should only use a fire extinguisher on small fires that have a clear source. This could include small electrical fires, bin fires or small kitchen fires. If used correctly an extinguisher can help you put the fire out quickly. As long as you’re confident in using the fire extinguisher, the fire is contained and you have a clear escape route behind you,of course.
However, if the fire is already producing large flames, smoke or is spreading across surfaces quickly, you should leave the building as soon as possible. Large fires can cause smoke and flames to spread quickly, trapping everyone inside. When this happens, your main concern should be evacuating the building as quickly and safely as possible. Ideally, your evacuation plan will be second nature; everyone will know where to go and what to do.
If you’re in charge of fire safety in your home or workplace, you should also be aware of your obligations under Australian fire safety standards. These help ensure that everybody inside a building can be kept safe in the event of a fire.
Fire extinguishers are amazing tools to have when facing a fire. However, there are some precautions you should take before grabbing your extinguisher and running towards the fire. Rushing into something that you don't know can actually cause more problems. Take a second to properly evaluate your situation so you know how to react and what you need to do to stay safe.
First thing to do is figure out what type of fire you are about to take on. There are many classifications for fires based on their fuel source. You will find fires made from electricity, flammable liquids, and ordinary combustibles. An extinguisher that is used on one type of fire may not work or create a bigger hazard on another type. Figuring out what you are dealing with will help you identify the risk.
Once you have identified the potential hazard. You should always ensure you have a clear path to exit the area. If the fire begins to spread or your investigation causes you to panic, you will want to make sure you can safely leave. Things like emergency exit lighting will help building occupants find their way to safety when visibility is low. You should also never let the fire block your path to exit.
Lastly, make sure to notify those around you of the fire and activate the fire alarm system. The sooner everyone knows there is a fire, the sooner they can begin evacuation and the fire department can be alerted.
PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. It represents the standard procedure used to operate most portable fire extinguishers. Because it is commonly taught in the workplace it also complies with Australian training requirements for fire safety at work. When PASS is used with extinguishers compliant with AS 1851, you can expect it to work effectively on fires that are just starting.
Learning how to use a fire extinguisher using the PASS system is important if you're responsible for fire safety at work or in a commercial area.
The first step is to pull the pin at the top of the fire extinguisher handle. There is a breakable tamper seal attached to the handle that will show if the extinguisher has been previously used or if the pin has been pulled. Pulling the pin releases the fire extinguisher's operating lever and allows you to discharge the extinguishing agent.
Before you pull the pin, make sure you are standing upright with the extinguisher and that you are standing 2 to 3 metres away from the fire or further depending on size of fire and type of extinguisher.
Point the extinguisher nozzle (or hose) at the base of the fire. You want to aim at the fuel source which will most always be at the bottom of the fire. Think about fire behaviour here. In order to extinguish a fire you must remove the heat, oxygen or fuel source. By aiming at the flames, you are not completely extinguishing the fire. To truly extinguish it, you must aim at the base of the fire.
Next you want to squeeze the handle of the extinguisher. This will discharge the extinguishing agent whether it be carbon dioxide (CO2) or dry chemical. Do not pump the handle like a spray bottle. Instead, keep consistent pressure on the handle until the extinguisher has been emptied or the fire has been extinguished. Most fire extinguishers only last around 10 seconds, so be conscious of your discharge time.
Continue to squeeze the handle and sweep the extinguisher from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area in case it reignites and repeat if necessary. If you can't extinguish the fire quickly, get away from the fire and evacuate the area.
Using the correct equipment and having some familiarity with how to use a fire extinguisher are both great first steps. When facing an active fire, even someone who’s well prepared can find that panic and adrenaline cause them to make silly mistakes. Not only can these mistakes decrease your chances of extinguishing the fire, but they can also put you in more danger.
Additionally, putting water on an electrical fire will likely cause the fire to spread. Using water on grease will do the same, and shooting foam into an ethanol fire will simply disperse it. Fires are complicated and require specific types of training/extinguishers to bring under control. Employers are responsible for having the proper fire safety equipment for their workspace and ensuring all outlets are clearly labelled and accessible.
Not standing at the proper distance. If you get too close to the fire, you could harm yourself with the fire’s heat or smoke or even a flashover. Staying too far away might also cause your efforts to be ineffective if you’re beyond the effective range of the extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are designed to be used from certain distances based on the type. This allows the extinguishing agent to cover the most area while maintaining the right amount of pressure.
Knowing when not to act is as important as knowing how to react. Fighting a fire that is already out of control will put you at risk and also hinder the ability of the fire services to do their job.
Only approach a fire if it is small, contained and does not give off too much heat or smoke. If the fire has spread from the object of origin and is either reaching the ceiling or producing large amounts of thick dark smoke then the fire is most likely too large for a portable fire extinguisher.
Other indicators include rapid rates of growth, multiple fires or smoke impairing your vision. Don't let your equipment limit your decisions if you are confronted with these scenarios. For instance, even though using a fire hose reel can feed you a constant supply of water to fight certain fires it can only be used successfully under the right circumstances and should never be used when unsafe or if you suspect the fire is electrical.
If the fire is not easily controlled or extinguished, evacuation becomes the priority. Warn others on your way out. Trigger the fire alarm system if it hasn't already activated. Proceed immediately to safety following established emergency procedures.
Don't allow yourself to be trapped in fighting a fire. If you don't have a clear path of retreat, the proper equipment and extinguisher, or backup assistance readily available, it's time to exit the area. Fire departments have the tools and training to take care of larger fires. Your responsibility is to ensure everyone escapes safely and that firefighters can reach the emergency without obstacles.
It's vital that every employee knows how and when to react to a fire, as well as when not to. Fires can spread quickly, think and act responsibly.
Putting out a fire should always be your first concern. However, your actions following an incident can be just as crucial to mitigating risk, maintaining safety, and staying compliant. Even if a fire seems to be completely out, there are important steps to take after using your fire extinguisher.
Firstly, watch for re-ignition. Fires can often restart if fuel, heat, or electrical sources are still available. This is especially common in confined areas or around machinery. Always stay a safe distance away from the extinguished fire, and watch for smoke, heat, or flare-ups. You may need to hit the fire with additional suppression — whether that means another burst from the extinguisher or, if appropriate, using a fire blanket to smother any residual heat and keep oxygen from fueling the fire further.
When you’re confident the fire is out and won’t reignite, be sure to report the incident and take the used extinguisher out of service. Even if your extinguisher was only partially discharged, it should never be left in an area where a fire has occurred until it can be professionally inspected, refilled, and put back in working order. A used or damaged extinguisher can do more harm than good, providing a false sense of readiness should another fire break out.
Routine fire equipment maintenance is the best way to make sure all of your extinguishers are fully charged, up to code, and working properly. Maintaining your equipment also allows you to confirm that you have the right fire suppression tools for your environment and give your employees additional fire safety training if necessary.
Alexon will help you make sure equipment is serviced, risks are identified, and procedures are reinforced so you can get back to work knowing your workplace is as safe as it can be.
PASS won’t do you much good if you haven’t taken steps to ensure you have the correct fire extinguishers installed, that they are serviced regularly and that all people on site know what to do in the event of an emergency. PASS is a method that is easy to remember and reliable when you need it but in order for it to work, you need to take the correct preparation, training and compliance seriously.
How often do you think about the expiry date of your fire extinguishers? They can lose pressure, valves can become weak and the extinguishing agents can deteriorate as your extinguisher gets older. If they aren’t regularly serviced and replaced on a timely basis, your perfectly accessible extinguisher may not work when you need it to.
That’s where Alexon can help you. Not only can we help you select the right fire extinguishers for your site and install them in the correct location but we can also regularly test and service them to ensure your site remains compliant and protected according to Australian Standards.
We don’t just supply equipment, we make sure it’s ready to perform when it matters most.
Fire extinguishers can only work for you when they’re fully charged and ready to use at a second’s notice. Regular servicing ensures your equipment is compliant, reliable, and performing when you need it to.
Alexon offers professional fire extinguisher maintenance to ensure your systems are compliant with Australian standards and your workplace is completely protected. We perform routine inspections, testing, and replacements to ensure each unit is performing exactly how it should.
Give yourself the best chance against fire by booking fire extinguisher maintenance with Alexon today. Contact us now and speak to our team for advice or to book your service.
Electrical fires are one of the most unexpected hazards that can occur in your business. Whether it’s your server room full of PCs keeping your business running or the outlet strip hiding behind the office wall, electrical fires can happen anywhere. One broken wire can cause flames to spread across your entire office in seconds.
Not only do you have to worry about the fire itself, but you also have to worry about electrocution. If someone approaches an electrical fire without the proper knowledge of how to handle it, lives can be put in danger. That’s why fire suppression systems are something that IT managers, facility supervisors, and electricians take very seriously.
Damaging your expensive equipment isn’t worth the risk of losing your business down the line. Not only do you have to worry about the people in your office, but you also have to think about downtime and replacement equipment. Oftentimes, people don’t think electrical fires can set their business at risk because they don’t see flames, until it might be too late.
Today, we will cover what type of fire extinguisher is safe to use on electrical fires and equipment. We will go over why water should never be used to put out an electrical fire and provide you with steps to take if this type of fire occurs in your business.
Keep reading to learn more about Class E fires and how to protect your employees, equipment, and business from them.
Electrical fires (sometimes classed as Class E fires) are caused by the electrical components of equipment while they are energised or ‘powered’. This includes things like wiring, switchboards, servers, computers and any other office or industrial electronics. Fires caused by energised electrical equipment are extremely dangerous due to the risk of electrocution.
Using the wrong fire extinguisher, or worse rushing in to put the fire out without isolating the power, can have fatal consequences. That’s why understanding electrical fires and how to respond to one are some of the most crucial essential safety measures all people responsible for workplace safety should know.
Office spaces, industrial areas and data centres are full of potential electrical fire hazards. Overloaded power boards, outdated or faulty equipment, dusty or corroded switchboards, worn cables and human error (leaving electronic equipment on unattended, liquid spills near powerpoints) can all start fires which can do major damage to valuable electronics, cause enormous disruption to your operations and put your staff in danger. Preventative fire safety (knowing what fire extinguisher to use, where to position them and how to care for your equipment) is essential for stopping a tragedy before it starts.
Water should never be used to extinguish an electrical fire. This should be one of the first rules that you learn when learning about fire safety. You may hear someone mention water the most when discussing ways to put out a fire. However, when that fire is electrical, using water is not only useless but life threatening.
Applying water to an energised electrical source will cause the current to pass through the stream of water. When this happens, the electrical current will seek its way back to the ground by passing through the hose and the person holding it. Even if you do not get electrocuted, water will not put out an electrical fire. It will spread it.
If you have a fire coming from an electrical source that is fused with something that is a liquid or can burn like paper or cloth, the water will cause it to spread. The water will cause the burning particles to scatter as well as make any liquids run. Just like using water on a grease fire. Because of this, water fire extinguishers are not to be used on electrical fires. Only use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher.
An electrical fire can happen without warning and selecting the correct extinguisher type will help to keep you safe. Many extinguishers should never be used on live electrical equipment as they will not help to put out the fire and may lead to electrocution or costly damage to sensitive equipment. Understanding that different fire extinguisher types have different classes and colour bands can help with workplace fire safety.
CO2 and dry chemical (ABE) extinguishers are best for fires in offices, switch rooms, and data centres. Here’s why:
When fighting electrical fires, CO2 fire extinguishers are highly effective and among our top picks. They work by displacing oxygen, effectively suffocating the fire. CO2 is safe to use on most electronics, so it’s perfect for areas like server rooms, control panels, and anywhere you have valuable electronics. There’s no powder or moisture to worry about, so equipment will be undamaged when the fire is extinguished.
These extinguishers provide limited cooling, so there is always a possibility of re-flash. Use cautiously in small spaces because the discharged CO2 can suffocate everyone in the immediate area.
Dry chemical extinguishers are labeled for use on multiple fire classes and can easily put out electrical fires as well. They work by stopping the chemical reaction that allows the fire to burn. These extinguishers provide a fast knockdown when fighting fires.
Since they can be used on a variety of fire classes, they’re ideal for general office spaces, warehouses, and other areas that may be susceptible to different types of fires. The downside to using a dry chemical extinguisher is the cleanup. The residual powder can ruin electronics and contaminate equipment. Dry chemical extinguishers work best in open areas.
Selecting the proper extinguisher for electrical fires means knowing how CO2 compares to dry chemical extinguishers. While both extinguishants can safely put out Class E fires, they offer unique benefits and drawbacks, as well as having different ideal applications.
Use the table below to weigh your options and select the extinguisher that best matches your equipment.
Regular servicing and inspections are required to maintain the operating integrity of both CO2 and dry chemical extinguishers to the AS 1851 standard. Preventative maintenance will ensure your extinguishers will work when you need them and that your site remains compliant with Australian standards for fire safety.
If you ever find yourself with an electrical fire, acting fast is crucial. However, it's more important that you act smart. Applying improper tactics or omitting safety procedures can make the fire worse, or endanger your life.
Below is a step-by-step process that will help you stay calm and tackle the fire safely:
Before attempting to fight any electrical fire, your first step should be to turn off the power source — if possible. Depending on the situation, this can be done by turning off your main power or unplugging the device causing the fire. You may also need to turn off the appropriate circuit at your switchboard.
This ensures that there is no longer any electrical current flowing to fuel the fire. Cutting off the power also dramatically decreases your chance of getting electrocuted and can prevent your fire from reigniting. Finally, cutting the power can allow the fire to be reclassified so that it can safely be extinguished.
If the power source cannot be accessed safely, do not try to be creative. Fight electrical fires involving the power source with caution, using only the correct extinguisher and focusing on evacuating the area if the fire begins to spread.
Assuming you've already isolated power or have a listed extinguisher you can use on energized equipment, stand at a safe distance with a clear way to exit behind you.
Only use as much agent as you need to put out the fire and watch for re-ignition. If the fire doesn't start to go out quickly, evacuate, and wait for the fire department.
Responding to an electrical fire with water is one of the biggest errors made. Water will conduct electricity and cause you to become injured or killed. It will also spread the fire further if there are any liquids involved.
Not isolating the power supply before doing anything else is another common mistake. If you try and fight the fire with the current still on, you're at greater risk of injury and the fire is more likely to stay alight.
Not using the correct extinguisher, standing too close to the fire, or failing to keep a clear escape route are also critical errors. If you don't take immediate action in a high-risk environment, the fire can grow exponentially before you do.
Ultimately, if you ever feel yourself in danger, your safety comes first. Leave the area, pull the alarm and call the Fire Brigade if you feel you can't handle the fire.
Knowing you have the appropriate fire extinguisher is one thing. Knowing you can access it quickly is another. If you find yourself in a fire emergency, seconds can mean life or death. Don't let inadequate arrangements or inaccessible equipment cost you your safety.
Install all electrical fire extinguishers in prominent locations where they will be easy to access. Make sure they are always visible and accessible, and never blocked by signs or equipment.
These extinguishers should also form part of a broader safety system, working alongside fire alarms in the workplace to ensure early detection, fast response, and safe evacuation procedures.
Server rooms and data centres present a particular risk due to their abundance of electrical equipment, and uninterrupted power. CO2 extinguishers are almost always preferred inside data centres and server rooms since they do not cause damage to equipment with residue.
Position extinguishers near the entrances and exits of the room so people can grab them quickly while having an escape route. Also ensure extinguishers are not placed right next to potential sources of fire since you do not want to be backed into a corner with a fire.
Due to the critical equipment found there, server rooms and data centers need both routine inspections and clearly posted signs.
Switchboards and panels are frequently involved in the origin of electrical fires. Suitable extinguishers should therefore be readily available near switchboards and panels at all times. An approved extinguisher (CO2 or dry chemical ABE type) should be mounted within safe reach of the switchboard or panel.
Both the switchboard and extinguisher should be kept totally clear of obstructions. Boxes stored in front of the switchboard or an extinguisher locked in a cabinet will cause unnecessary delay and may allow a minor incident to develop into a major one.
Points of isolation should also be clearly marked so that power can be turned off as part of the fire fighting procedure.
Electrical fires in office settings can be less obvious, but just as dangerous. Look out for overloaded power boards and office equipment, as well as hidden wires.
Dry chemical (ABE) extinguishers are popular here, as they can be used on a variety of fire classes. In rooms with higher density of electrical equipment, you may find CO2 extinguishers installed.
Ideally they should be placed along escape routes and near exits, as well as close to areas with high usage of electrical appliances. Equally as important, people should know where these extinguishers are located and how to operate them correctly. Educate your team so they can confidently react, if the time comes.
As a general rule of thumb, you should always reach for a CO2 or dry chemical (ABE) extinguisher if dealing with an electrical fire. Never extinguish live electrical equipment with water. If possible, safely isolate the power source first, always ensure a safe exit route is available to you, and then proceed. Stay calm and think quickly, but responding in a controlled manner and with knowledge is what will prevent injuries and minimize damage.
Fire equipment maintenance is just as vital as correct use. Ensuring that your extinguishers are up to date with inspections, servicing, and compliance will give you peace of mind that they will operate correctly if the time comes to use them. Defective, outdated or poorly maintained equipment can lead to malfunction when you need it most, risking people’s safety and your property.
It’s also important that your staff members are aware of fire safety procedures. Having knowledgeable staff who are aware of extinguisher locations and operation can make all the difference. Along with proper installation and maintenance, your staff can help you create a safe work environment.
Before attempting to extinguish an electrical fire, it’s important to understand what actions are safe — and what can make the situation significantly worse.
Following the correct approach is one of the most critical essential safety measures in any workplace.
Safety equipment can only do you so much good if it isn’t installed properly, maintained or ready to go when needed. Changes in pressure, deterioration over time, and general wear and tear can render extinguishers useless without you noticing. That’s why audits and inspections should be a regular occurrence in your business, so you and your team feel confident taking on an emergency and know your electrical fire protection will work when it needs to.
Assessing the service life of your extinguishers is just one part of a quality audit. All extinguishers have different servicing schedules and even those built to last longer still require routine maintenance and checks to ensure they’re up to code. You should also be keeping an annual fire safety statement updated to prove your equipment meets Australian standards and have a record of when your fire protection was last checked.
Audits can also help you find holes in your extinguisher locations, staff training or equipment accessibility. Whether you own a business with sensitive electrical equipment like server rooms or switchboards, or you just want to future proof your office spaces against fire damage, keeping on top of your audits can help you spot the small issues before they become serious.
Our team at Alexon are qualified to test your fire extinguishers and carry out complete audits from installation through to ensuring your equipment will function correctly when the time comes. Safeguard your staff, customers and building with Alexon by your side today.
Electrical fires can spread rapidly. Fortunately, with adequate preparation and equipment you can safeguard your employees, property and operations from electrical fires. A crucial step in workplace fire preparedness is guaranteeing that all fire extinguishers are correctly positioned, easy to reach, and regularly maintained.
When you schedule a fire safety inspection with Alexon, you can rest easy knowing that we’ll check your extinguisher placement and make sure they comply with Australian standards as well as ensuring they will operate effectively when you need it to.
Don’t take chances with fire safety. Give Alexon a call today for professional fire extinguisher advice.
Smoke alarms save lives, which is why they’re considered one of the most important pieces of fire protection equipment in your home or workplace. But did you know that there are different types of smoke alarms that are better at detecting certain types of fires than others? Choosing the wrong type of alarm could leave you with inadequate protection against fires. This means less time to escape and greater risk of damage to property and injury to individuals.
At Alexon, we understand that navigating the different fire alarm options to find the best one for your building can be tricky. To make sure you have the right devices in the right places, you need to understand not just the alarm labels, but also the types of fire you’re likely to encounter and how each alarm technology works.
When it comes to protecting lives and property from fire, there are many different types of fire safety equipment you can choose from. Fires behave differently depending on a variety of factors, which means that one type of alarm may not be sufficient protection for your property.
Whether you own a building, manage one, or you’re a homeowner looking for peace of mind, installing the wrong smoke alarm technology or relying on old alarms that are difficult to see or hear can leave gaps in your detection coverage and leave you open to fire damage.
Not only can we help you choose and install the right smoke alarms for your property, we can also conduct routine checks to ensure your alarms are up to scratch. Our smoke alarms are regularly tested, fully functional, and can give you the peace of mind you deserve.
The team at Alexon has broken down the differences between photoelectric smoke alarms and ionisation smoke alarms, discussed where each type performs best, and by the end of reading, provided you with steps you can take to ensure you have the right smoke alarms for your property.
Choosing the proper smoke alarm is not just a code compliance matter, it affects safety and reliability as well as your daily life. Installing incorrect types in the wrong locations can cause false alarms, frequent nuisance chirping, or late detection during a real fire emergency. Often troubleshooting smoke alarm beeping begins with having the right smoke detection technology for your application and properly installing it.
Periodically testing your smoke alarms helps you ensure they are operating properly. Technology can fail even on the best devices if the battery is low, smoke detector sensors are covered or you simply have the wrong kind of alarm for that area. When you choose the right smoke alarm for your home or business and test them regularly, you’ll experience fewer unnecessary annoyances and have peace of mind that you are as protected as can be from real fires.
Photoelectric smoke alarms sense fires using a light-sensor instead of combustion particles emitted by fast-flaming fires. Within the smoke alarm there is a narrow beam of light projected away from the sensor chamber. When smoke from a fire enters the sensing chamber, it bounces light off of the smoke particles and onto the sensor, activating the alarm.
Because photoelectric smoke alarms operate using this method, they can detect smouldering fires (fires that give off a lot of smoke before bursting into flame) more quickly. Materials that commonly cause these types of fires are upholstered furniture, bedding, and electrical fires.
Photoelectric alarms are less sensitive to cooking smoke and steam when installed properly. They are recommended for kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, or anywhere people spend time sleeping or relaxing to help prevent smoke alarm beeping.
Most new alarms are also "smart" home-compatible and will interconnect with other alarms in your home. If there is a fire on one floor, you will be alerted before the smoke reaches your photoelectric smoke alarm.
Ionisation smoke alarms contain a small amount of radioactive material that charges up two plates within the sensing chamber with an electric current. When smoke from fast-flaming fires, or steam particles enter the chamber, they cause the current to be interrupted and set off the alarm.
An ionisation alarm will detect a fire quicker when it is rapidly growing and producing flames, making them well-suited to catching paper, textile fires or fires started with flammable liquids. Ionisation alarms can be useful placed in rooms that require quicker responses to flames such as kitchens, storage closets or hallways leading to rooms with high occupancies.
These devices can often be added to incorporate other fire detection technologies to create a layered approach to fire protection, allowing early detection while suppression devices engage. Ionisation alarms should be used with a well-thought-out fire safety plan as they can be more sensitive to nuisance alarms from cooking smoke or steam.
When used correctly they will sound off quickly allowing for individuals to take action or evacuate the premises in a fast manner. Ionisation alarms can often be linked to other smoke detectors as well as suppression controls throughout your property.
When selecting a smoke alarm, understanding the strengths and limitations of each technology is critical. Photoelectric and ionisation alarms are designed to detect different fire behaviours, and installing the wrong type in the wrong location can compromise early warning, increase nuisance alarms, and reduce the effectiveness of fire suppression systems.
The table below provides a clear, practical comparison to help you make an informed decision for your home or workplace.
Fire safety laws throughout Australia have changed over the years due to research determining the leading cause of fire fatalities were now caused by smouldering fires vs flaming fires. When fire investigations were being looked at around homes and businesses, it was discovered that older-style alarms weren’t always effective in alerting people early enough when a fire occurred during the night or increased slowly.
Regulations normally require photoelectric smoke alarms to be installed in new construction and also being changed in older properties during renovations, sale of a property or when having smoke alarms brought up to compliance.
Hopefully this will minimise the risk of preventable deaths by allowing more time for the occupant to be woken up and evacuate the property and allow time for the fire protection systems to operate. In many jurisdictions, this shift forms part of broader essential safety measures, which aim to ensure all fire protection systems within a building work together as an integrated safety network.
When buying smoke alarms you are now responsible for ensuring they are compliant with Australian Fire Safety Standards and passed by certifications such as state fire authorities. Smoke alarms shouldn’t be looked at as a standalone device but rather part of a regulated safety item that requires regular inspection, testing and maintenance.
Knowing the reason behind photoelectric smoke alarms will allow you to make better choices when it comes to compliance and taking action rather than just meeting the minimum requirements.
Dual-sensor alarms use both photoelectric and ionisation technology together in a single alarm to detect both smouldering fires and faster flaming fires. This gives them the ability to detect a wider range of fire types than a single sensor alarm.
Depending on the fire risks present in different rooms in a property and the likelihood of different types of fires starting in the same area you may benefit from protecting against multiple risks in one zone. However, just because dual-sensor alarms can provide a wider range of detection doesn't necessarily mean they are the safest option for your home or business.
Dual-sensor alarms can be more prone to nuisance alarms if not positioned correctly due to their increased sensitivity. They can also create additional maintenance requirements over time as there are now two sensors that need to be kept clean, working and properly calibrated in order to continue to operate correctly.
Photoelectric alarms installed in the correct locations (and properly maintained) can generally provide early enough detection of the most likely fire scenarios to occur in your home. This is why dual-sensor alarms are generally more beneficial in properties with irregular layouts, mixed-hazard areas, or evenly split areas.
Choosing between interconnected and standalone smoke alarms has a significant impact on how effectively occupants are alerted during a fire. The difference is not just technological — it affects evacuation time, compliance obligations, and overall risk management across a property.
Opting for interconnected smoke alarms means installing detectors that communicate with each other. When one alarm senses smoke, they all sound. This gives residents and business owners further protection should a fire occur some distance away from where they are sleeping or where most people are located within a building. Keeping doors open between rooms can help, but this doesn’t guarantee the noise will wake everyone or that smoke won’t get into other areas of the property.
Smoke alarms today can be interconnected through hard-wiring or wireless signals. Because of this, you won't need to replace every single alarm to get the advantages of an interconnected system. In commercial buildings and homes deemed higher-risk, interconnected alarms can also be linked to your other fire protection systems. This allows for layered protection and more time to evacuate the premises.
Standalone smoke alarms mean each alarm only sounds when it detects smoke. While this offers some degree of early warning in small homes or rooms that don’t sleep anyone or have high occupancies, a fire could start far enough away that you won’t hear the alarm.
Installing standalone alarms is often easier, and they require less maintenance than interconnected systems. As building codes and safety expectations change, standalone alarms are best left for low-risk homes and rooms.
As mentioned previously, interconnected smoke alarms are typically required for new builds and significant renovations. When planning for your fire and life safety needs, it’s best to think about integrated systems that meet code instead of standalone devices. You should also consider how you will maintain your alarms in the future, as interconnected devices can sometimes offer expanded coverage.
No matter the size of your property or business, you likely want the best protection possible that offers consistent performance year after year.
Equally important to selecting the correct smoke alarm type for your needs is understanding how to correctly place smoke alarms around your home or business. When poorly placed, even the highest quality smoke alarm can be less effective than expected and lead to late warnings, frequent nuisance activations or constant problems like "why is my smoke alarm beeping? "
Smoke alarms install on ceilings wherever possible as smoke rises vertically before travelling horizontally and filling the entire room. Keep alarms away from air vents, ceiling fans and windows which may create drafts and prevent the smoke from reaching the alarm in a reasonable time.
At kitchen windows, extract fans and in bathrooms and laundry rooms ensure alarms are far enough away from the hob or shower/steam to prevent nuisance activation but close enough to cover the living spaces nearby.
If your home or business has multiple levels then smoke alarms should be installed on each level of the home and along exit routes like hallways and staircases. These are areas where interconnected alarms can provide significant benefit to your home or business. Make sure you also account for sleeping areas as doors can severely hinder how long it takes for the smoke alarm to detect smoke when your alarms are too far away.
From a compliance perspective, installation and ongoing inspection must align with AS1851. When servicing smoke alarms throughout Victoria, faults that occur repeatedly, batteries draining prematurely or inspections being interrupted by dirt/debris on the sensors are often the result of incorrect placement or installation. By following the recommended placement during installation you'll help prevent these problems down the track.
Smoke alarms require regular maintenance and servicing to help ensure they continue to operate effectively for their entire service life. In Australia, the maintenance of smoke alarms is covered under AS 3786 which details the correct processes for inspection, testing, cleaning and replacement of smoke alarms in both residential and commercial buildings.
Dust, insects or other airborne contaminants can build up on the smoke alarm sensor over time causing a decrease in sensitivity or unwanted nuisance alarms. Batteries lose their charge and wiring can become loose, components will wear with age and these are some examples of maintenance issues that could occur with your smoke alarm that may not present any immediate signs of alarm failure.
Scheduled smoke alarm maintenance allows for these issues to be identified before they cause your smoke alarm to fail when you need it most, and can help to eliminate those nuisance alarms that often lead to occupants disabling their smoke alarm.
Fire equipment maintenance may include more than annual testing. Requirements may include scheduled functional testing, sensor cleaning, battery replacement or replacement of entire units when they reach the end of their life. This can also include the recording of alarm testing for commercial premises.
Choosing the right smoke alarm, having it installed properly and maintaining it can mean the difference between your property and its occupants staying safe or suffering losses. There are many considerations when making these choices; understanding the differences between photoelectric, ionisation and dual-sensor smoke alarms to selecting smoke alarms that operate independently or as part of an interconnected system. Your decisions have consequences when it comes to early warning and evacuation times as well as general fire safety.
Alexon can help navigate you through your options. We work with property owners, facility managers and businesses to survey your property for fire risks, recommend suitable alarms that comply with current standards, have them installed in the correct locations and maintain them according to Australian Standards so you can be assured that your smoke alarms are working properly and are ready to operate should the occasion occur.
Don’t leave your fire safety to chance. Contact Alexon today to discuss your property’s requirements and implement a smoke alarm strategy that maximises protection, compliance, and peace of mind.
Words like dry chemical and dry powder are often used interchangeably when discussing fire extinguishers. They appear to be the same thing throughout specification documents, site signage and even compliance conversations. But using them interchangeably can lead to misconceptions about the suitability of an extinguisher for a particular application, what classes of fire it can be used on and its limitations.
When it comes to compliance in managed sites, not understanding the difference can leave you exposed. Especially if you are selecting, installing or auditing fire extinguishers without knowing exactly what agent is in them. As a building owner, facility manager or compliance professional, getting fire extinguisher terminology wrong can lead to faulty installations, ineffective fire response and liability during audits or after an incident has occurred.
But this doesn’t just pose a paperwork risk. Using the wrong extinguisher type can put people at risk, damage assets and hinder your fire protection efforts. We see it all the time at Alexon. Sites that have installed dry chemical extinguishers thinking they are covering a risk when they should have been using dry powder extinguishers, or vice versa.
Specifying the right fire extinguisher starts with installation. Fire extinguishers should be selected, located and commissioned based on the risks found during a fire risk assessment and installed according to Australian Fire Safety Standards, as well as the National Construction Code.
In this article we outline the differences between dry chemical and dry powder fire extinguishers. How the terms are used throughout the fire protection industry in Australia and why it matters when you come to specifying, installing and auditing your fire extinguishers.
The classes, types and sizes of fire extinguishers required for different fire risks depends on a range of factors. However, too often fire extinguishers are specified generically, without thought being put into the risks present or the operational limitations of the device. This results in ineffective fire suppression when these extinguishers are required for fire control.
Different fire extinguisher types have been developed to suit different types of fire risks. They vary by fire extinguishing agent and fire suppression method used. This results in each fire extinguisher type operating differently when discharged. Each also presents unique hazards to both the operator and those nearby when discharged. For these reasons not all fire extinguisher types can be used on all fire risks, even if they have an appropriate fire class rating.
For fire risks which involve tightly defined fuel, environmental and occupancy conditions installing the wrong type of fire extinguisher could make the fire worse. Extinguishing agents may spread combustible material and burning foam, obscure visibility or leave a residue which damages electronic equipment. In some cases discharge will present additional hazards to occupants such as conducting electricity or displacing oxygen.
Discharge of the incorrect fire extinguisher type is commonly discovered during incident investigations or audit processes. This occurs long after the incorrect equipment has been installed.
In Australia ‘dry chemical’ and ‘dry powder’ are both terms used to describe a fire extinguisher type. Both terms are also used interchangeably within the industry despite having distinct meanings in Australian Standards. By understanding how these terms are defined in the Australian Standards you can be sure to specify the correct type of fire extinguisher for your fire risks.
Dry chemical fire extinguishers are hand-held fire extinguishers that discharge a pressurised powdered chemical. Most dry chemical extinguishers extinguish fire through separation of the fuel from the chain reaction that takes place at the flame surface. This distinguishes it from other extinguishing media such as water or gas, where cooling and oxygen displacement play a more significant role. Dry chemical extinguishers are most effective on quickly spreading fires that require fast knockdown.
The extinguishing agent separates the fuel from the chemical chain reaction in the flame front by discharging a cloud of fire-suppressing powder. Provided sufficient quantity of agent is applied, the fire will be controlled quickly. Dry chemical agents are electrically non-conductive which allows them to be safely discharged on some types of energised electrical fire risks.
Monoammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate are the two main types of dry chemical agents widely specified within Australia. Due to varying agent formulations having unique discharge and burning surface characteristics they are often incorrectly substituted for one another. The term "dry chemical" is just a label for the extinguishing agent, and doesn't guarantee equal performance on every kind of fire. Agent residuals also vary greatly which can influence installation location.
Dry chemical extinguishers are generally accepted to be effective against Class A solid combustibles and Class B flammable liquid fires, as well as offering a degree of protection on energised electrical apparatus. For this reason they can be found installed throughout a range of commercial and industrial premises as part of an overall fire safety strategy that may include various other different types of fire safety equipment. However dry chemical extinguishers should never be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution and should always be reviewed as part of a complete fire safety package when considering fire protection.
Dry chemical extinguishers are not considered to be all the same. In Australian fire protection practice, they can be distinguished by the fire class rating and agent they contain, as well as applications/environment they have been tested and approved for. The most appropriate classification system for extinguishers is defined by AS1841 which details performance testing, labelling and rating requirements of extinguishers to match the appropriate identified risks.
The following sections outline the two primary classifications of dry chemical extinguishers used in Australian commercial and industrial settings.
ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers are rated for Class A, Class B and Class E fires. This makes them one of the most common forms of dry chemical extinguishers specified throughout Australia’s commercial and industrial sector. The major benefit of an ABC extinguisher is its ability to be used on fires involving solid fuels as well as flammable liquids and energised electrical equipment.
ABC dry chemical extinguishers can be found in many areas of a workplace due to the added benefit of the Class A rating. They are often found in general storage areas, workbenches or other areas where there is some amount of solid fuel present along with electrical equipment or flammable liquids. When specifying fire extinguishers, ABC units are often a good choice for general coverage if their limitations are taken into consideration.
ABC dry chemical extinguishers are often used to meet the requirement for fire extinguisher coverage in areas with mixed fire risks. Keep in mind that just because an extinguisher is classified for multiple fire classes does not necessarily mean it can or should be used anywhere within the building. While it would likely be acceptable from a fire class perspective, using an ABC extinguisher may introduce concerns regarding damage to equipment from residue, reduced visibility during discharge or the need for cleanup after discharge.
We typically recommend using ABC extinguishers as part of a layered fire protection plan that incorporates correct placement, proper identification and supplementation with other types of fire extinguishers when the risk profile calls for it.
BC dry chemical fire extinguishers are only rated for Class B and Class E fires. This means they do not have a Class A rating and should not be used on fires involving solid fuels.
Dry chemical extinguishers that are rated BC are less common than ABC dry chemical extinguishers. This is because they can only be used on fires involving flammable liquids and energised electrical equipment. As such, they are usually only found in areas that do not have any significant amounts of Class A fuels.
Installing a BC dry chemical extinguisher in an area with Class A fire risks would not be compliant. Just as it would be wrong to install an ABC extinguisher in a location that has no risk of Class A fires, you cannot install a BC extinguisher in an area that needs protection from fires involving solid combustibles.
BC rated dry chemical extinguishers can be used as part of a compliant solution. They should never be used in place of an ABC dry chemical extinguisher without first reassessing the fire risks within the area.
Strictly speaking, a dry powder extinguisher is actually not a multi-purpose extinguisher at all but rather an extinguisher filled with a special powder for use on a specific fuel risk rather than “ordinary” combustibles. Dry powder typically references the use of powders on specific hazards including metals.
Chemically speaking, dry powder extinguishing agents do not resemble traditional monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate-based dry chemicals. Instead, these powders are designed to withstand high heat levels upon application to a fire involving metal and to form a crust or heat sink when applied to the fuel’s surface. The agent itself works by excluding oxygen from the fuel source and absorbing heat without undergoing any unwanted chemical reactions with the fuel.
As such, reactive materials such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and certain aluminium alloys will typically require a specialised dry powder extinguishing agent should a fire occur. Using a traditional dry chemical extinguisher on, say, a combustible metal fire could result in little to no effectiveness from the extinguisher. Dry powder extinguishers that are rated for use on flammable metals will have “Class D” on the label identifying the extinguisher’s suitable use per Australian standards.
Dry powder fire extinguishers are recommended for use on fire classes that involve combustible metals and other specific hazards that benefit from a non-reactive, powder-based extinguishing agent. They are not considered multi-purpose and should only be used for their intended, labelled purposes. Furthermore, dry powder extinguishers should only be installed if a fire risk assessment has identified the presence of materials that warrant their use.
The most common use for dry powder fire extinguishers is in commercial facilities or areas that work with combustible metals. This includes shops that cut or fabricate metal, facilities where metals are used to produce waste by-products, and industrial areas where chemicals or mining occur.
Fires involving metals are unpredictable when compared to fires involving solid or liquid fuels. They can produce much higher temperatures than a typical fire and can behave erratically when water is applied. Some metal fires can even burn underwater or in low-oxygen conditions. If the wrong type of fire extinguisher is used during a metal fire, it can cause the fire to spread or expel burning materials beyond the original fire area.
This is why dry powder extinguishers are used almost exclusively for Class D-rated fire hazards and are not to be substituted with ABC rated dry chemical or BC rated dry chemical fire extinguishers. Dry powder fire extinguishers are usually only found close to the area of the process they are intended for and should only be used by personnel who have received proper training on how to use them.
Knowing where these extinguishers are located and how they differ from your standard dry chemical fire extinguisher can help keep your facility up to code and ready for any kind of fire.
This table provides a clear reference for professionals when specifying fire extinguisher types, integrating operational, environmental and compliance considerations.
Understanding these distinctions is critical for both effective fire protection and adherence to Australian Standards, and ensures that fire extinguisher testing and maintenance programs are appropriately targeted.
The selection of fire extinguisher types should be directly aligned with the specific hazards present in each environment. Beyond simply matching fire class ratings, understanding the operational context, occupancy patterns and environmental conditions is essential for effective first-response fire protection.
The major fuel loads within residential or office buildings are likely to be combustible solids, small electrical appliances and limited amounts of flammable liquids. ABC dry chemical fire extinguishers are often used to provide general coverage in these occupancies.
Advantages of choosing dry chemicals include quick knockdown of most office fires and the ability to meet both AS1841 and AS2444 spacing requirements. Factors which should also be considered include accessibility to all building occupants and adverse reactions to the extinguishing powder on office equipment.
Fuel loads within kitchens consist primarily of cooking oils/fats. Fires involving cooking media are classified as Class F fires and require a wet chemical fire extinguisher for control. However, there may be reason to install dry chemical fire extinguishers nearby for general-purpose coverage. Ensure they are installed in a location that does not interfere with kitchen activity and/or obstruct movement of staff. Other factors which should be considered include ventilation, signage and exposure of building occupants to the extinguishing powder.
Fuel loads within industrial or manufacturing plants can vary greatly from one facility to another. Common hazards include flammable liquids, combustible solids, electrical equipment, and reactive chemicals. Many facilities install ABC, BC and special dry powder extinguishers to provide coverage of these hazards.
When choosing a location for an extinguisher, take into consideration the process design, equipment spacing, employee travel distance and access to the extinguisher, as well as how the extinguisher may affect the activation of automatic fire protection equipment. Risk assessments should also be able to identify the appropriate mounting height for the extinguisher as well as travel distances to reach the extinguisher.
Wind, dust and rain are common factors which must be considered when placing extinguishers outdoors. Dry chemical fire extinguishers that are placed outside should be located in a cabinet or enclosure to meet current compliance requirements and ensure they are ready to use when needed. ABC or BC dry chemical extinguishers are commonly placed in cabinets for general fire protection.
Areas with high fire risks such as fuel depots or rooms containing metals or chemicals may require Class D dry powder extinguishers. When installing fire extinguishers in these areas, make sure they are visible and can be accessed easily.
As there are many factors that come into play when choosing fire extinguishers it’s important to know more than just the class rating of the fire. Knowing your processes and environment including your occupancy, travel distance to exits, equipment sensitivity and interaction with other fire protection systems is important when protecting lives and assets. Compliance obligations also need to be considered when selecting fire extinguishers.
Ensuring compliance with AS1851 Standard will require that extinguishers are located based on travel distances, mounted at the correct height and have correct signage placed nearby. They also need to be visually inspected, tested and serviced on a regular basis. Ensuring you select the right extinguisher for the process also makes life easier when it comes to maintaining your fire safety equipment and you’re able to stay compliant. Record keeping is also a big part of an operational fire extinguisher management system.
Some other things to consider are completely dependent on your environment. Will your extinguishers be located in an area that receives extreme hot or cold temperatures, will they be exposed to high levels of humidity or sunlight if outdoor locations? How long will your fire extinguisher last? Some dry chemical extinguishers don’t handle prolonged exposure to moisture well and dry powder extinguishers should not be subjected to any foreign substances or accidental discharges.
There is a lot to consider when selecting fire extinguishers but as long as you know your fire risk, environment and compliance requirements you’ll be able to choose the right extinguisher.
At Alexon we can help you choose the right fire extinguisher based on performance of different extinguisher types and your compliance needs so you know they’ll operate effectively if ever needed.
Selecting the appropriate fire extinguisher goes beyond just meeting safety regulations — it's an essential component of an effective fire protection plan. Knowing the differences between dry chemical vs dry powder extinguishers, understanding their benefits and limitations, and choosing the right option for your specific environment can mean the difference between containing a fire risk and putting people, property and business operations at risk.
When developing a fire safety plan, it's important to evaluate the hazards that you face, take into account occupancy and operational considerations, and ensure that extinguishers are part of an overall emergency preparedness plan. This means proper placement and signage, and compliance with AS1851 Standard regarding inspection, testing and maintenance.
By taking the time to plan ahead you can help avoid confusion during an emergency and reduce the risk of creating additional hazards through incorrect use of an extinguisher. You'll also be set up for sustained compliance.
Here at Alexon, we can help you understand the differences between fire extinguisher types and work with you to select, install and maintain the right fire extinguishers for the specific risks at your facility. We'll make sure your fire protection plan is up-to-date, compliant, and fits with how you need to operate. That way, you can be confident that your fire extinguishers will work correctly when you need them.
Need advice on the right extinguisher for your premises? Contact Alexon today to ensure your fire protection is both safe and compliant.
Fire safety in Australian workplaces is more than just installing smoke alarms and extinguishers — it relies on people who know what to do when an emergency arises. Fire wardens are at the centre of this system, responsible for ensuring occupants are alerted, evacuations are coordinated, and hazards are managed until professional responders arrive. Their role is critical in reducing risk to life and property.
Employing fire wardens can greatly minimise risk to life and property within your business. But what duties do they have? And what information should they know?
Fire wardens are a critical component of every business’s safety plan. To ensure you know exactly what they do and are keeping people safe, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about fire wardens. From their role and responsibilities to the things they should know when an evacuation occurs.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about the role of a Fire Warden.
Fire warden training provides nominated staff members of a workplace with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their fire safety duties. Australian fire warden training teaches your staff what to do in the case of a fire, following Australian Fire Safety Standards. Appointing a fire warden simply means the person’s name is on a list. It does not mean they are able to confidently and safely perform their duties should the occasion ever arise.
Responsibilities of fire wardens include life safety, minimising panic and risk to property and business downtime. Fire wardens are trained to know how to identify a fire hazard early and take appropriate action. Additionally they are trained to operate different types of fire safety equipment, work with other fire wardens and emergency services personnel, and effectively communicate with often panicked people in the building.
Compliance with WorkSafe office health and safety regulations, fire safety orders and other essential safety procedures is made easy when your staff are trained in fire warden duties. Training helps ensure fire wardens know their roles and responsibilities should a fire occur. Building owners can rest easy knowing their fire wardens know how to help keep their building safe.
Employers and persons conducting business or undertaking (PCBUs) must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and other people who may be affected by their work activities. This includes having proper fire safety measures in place and designating people to assist with fire management.
When it comes to fire wardens, not every workplace is required to have them. The makeup of your workforce, number of occupants and level of fire risk all determine whether you need fire wardens.
Below are some common examples of where you’ll need fire wardens.
Office buildings, factories, warehouses and work centres should perform a fire risk assessment to understand how many fire wardens are required to keep workers safe. As a minimum, employers should have clearly documented a fire safety plan which identifies suitable staff members who have been trained and can rotate through fire warden roles during each shift.
Shopping centres, office blocks, mixed occupancies and retail facilities should have an adequate number of fire wardens based on floor space, visitor occupancy and the complexity of the evacuation strategy. Fire wardens work by leading people to emergency exits while communicating with the management control desk and aiding firefighters.
Large-scale facilities such as stadiums, theatres, hospitals, universities and schools require a significant number of trained fire wardens. They should be appointed so that all people can be evacuated safely, exit doorways aren’t blocked, emergency lights adhere to standards and essential safety measures can be maintained. Fire wardens must be aware of maximum capacity limits, multiple exits and adherence to building standards.
Workplaces that have a high fire load or face specific fire hazards also require fire wardens. Fire wardens need to be aware of fire risks, extinguishing systems and emergency procedures that are specific to the workplace.
Some examples include commercial kitchens, laboratories and factories. People appointed as fire wardens in these environments will need specific knowledge of fire safety arrangements such as fire risks, sprinkler systems and evacuation procedures.
In line with the guidelines set out by AS3745 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, Australian organisations establish a ranking system for their fire wardens. These clearly defined roles are integral to a cohesive and effective emergency response across your facility.
Chief Wardens take control of the emergency response efforts and determine the best course of action based on the incident. They can override directions given by any subordinate wardens and have the authority to clear or evacuate an area. The Chief Warden will also communicate with fire/emergency services and offer their expert advice on the situation within the facility.
A Deputy Chief Warden acts as a direct support to the Chief Warden should they become unavailable.
Area/Floor Wardens take control of a designated area within the facility. They complete sweeps of their area to confirm all occupants have evacuated, and no one has been left behind. Floor wardens assist occupants to assembly points and help those who may require additional assistance with mobility. They will communicate with the Chief Warden to confirm their area has been secured and is clear.
Communications Officers are tasked with ensuring accurate and reliable communications are provided to all occupants. They will liaise with all other wardens to keep them updated on the situation, communicate with fire/emergency services and ensure PA systems, emergency notifications and any other alert methods are activated and informing occupants clearly of evacuation instructions.
Fire wardens play a central role in ensuring workplace safety, and their duties span before, during, and after an emergency. Their responsibilities are designed to maintain procedural discipline, safeguard occupants, and provide accountability to regulators and emergency services.
Fire wardens ensure they know their building's fire risk assessment along with evacuation procedures, assembly points and emergency systems before an emergency happens. Activities involved may include inspecting fire doors, emergency exit lighting, fire alarms on the job floor and fire suppression systems as well as attending drills. Communicating risks they are aware of to management, fire wardens ensure evacuation equipment is available, accessible and compliant.
Fire wardens assume control of the floor or designated area they are placed in charge of during an emergency. Assisting with evacuation and guiding occupants out of the building. Checking that any occupants that need additional assistance during an evacuation (fire risks or mobility) receive help and checking fire alarms and fire suppression activation.
They also confirm that two-way communications are functioning and report any updates to the Chief Warden or emergency services. By staying calm and orderly, fire wardens can reduce panic and evacuation times while maintaining a bird's eye view of fire response protocol.
Confirming that all personnel are at the assembly point(s) and reporting back any hazards, injuries and protocol not followed to management. Filing official reports of the evacuation. This includes when the fire alarm was pulled and went off, what actions were done, and any notes for compliance.
Reports filed by fire wardens can be used to fulfill the company's critical safety measures and meet audit requirements. Fire drills, procedures, and training can then be improved to accommodate any changes.
AS3745 sets the standard for building and facilities emergency planning. It outlines how organisations should establish their Emergency Control Organisation (ECO), how emergency services are notified, and responsible persons nominated to undertake the roles and responsibilities required to effectively manage an emergency in accordance with their obligations under workplace laws.
Using AS3745 as the basis for your emergency plan will allow you to confirm life safety and compliance during all phases of emergency planning, including response and review activities.
This Australian Standard outlines how to develop an emergency plan that is fit-for-purpose, scalable depending on the size and complexity of your workplace and ensures compliance with all national and state-based work health & safety laws when dealing with emergencies. These can include fires, chemical spills or even natural disaster events.
AS3745 can be used for workplaces and office buildings of all sizes, high occupancy facilities, workplaces that meet the definition of a ‘large workplace’ and any workplace that presents a unique risk to workers should an emergency occur. It details the necessary processes for planning, training, implementing procedures and conducting reviews to ensure your plan remains fit-for-purpose.
Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) is a term used in AS3745 that outlines who has control during an emergency, defines their roles and responsibilities and confirms that trained personnel are identified to cover all shifts for the life of the building or facility.
An example ECO structure would identify your Chief Warden, Deputy Wardens, Area Wardens and Communications Officers, along with specific duties/tasks each of these roles would perform during an emergency. This could include search, rescue, evacuation lift coordination, communication with emergency services, public announcements and many others.
Defining your ECO gives everyone involved in the emergency management of the workplace clarity of their roles and who is in control at all times. This is especially helpful when your workplace covers a large area or there are many workers who would need to be coordinated during an emergency.
Fire Warden training is an important aspect of AS3745 and your emergency plan. It ensures your nominated fire wardens and ECO members maintain the skills and knowledge needed to correctly perform their duties during an emergency. Training should occur yearly and include fire warden training courses, emergency evacuation drills, and fire wardens familiarising themselves with fire alarms in the workplace, emergency lighting and your workplace's fire extinguishing systems.
Ensuring you conduct emergency response exercises will also help with preparedness and allow you to test how your team works together under pressure when communication may be impaired during an actual emergency.
By following AS3745 you will need to document your emergency plan, record training conducted, drills that have taken place and regular reviews of the plan. You should also complete a hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) to identify emergency-specific hazards within your building or facility.
All these documents should be retained for a set period of time to allow auditors and Work Health & Safety inspectors to review them. Your emergency plan should be reviewed every year to identify any changes to the physical workplace, number of workers on site at any one time or changes to the operational risk within your workplace.
Fire warden training involves providing individuals who have been given the responsibility for fire safety and responding to a fire with adequate training to perform their duties. The training ensures that Fire wardens are aware of their responsibilities under AS3745 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. The responsibilities of a fire warden are similar for all facilities, however they are applied differently based on the facility type and occupancies and the risk present.
Outlined below is a table covering the different training aspects for each type of facility.
What you can see from the table above is that although all wardens are trained with the same skills, their job descriptions are tailored around their buildings' particular hazards and escape routes. Office wardens have plenty of people to move quickly over several floors whilst communicating clearly. Warehouse wardens may have other obstacles to consider such as storage including chemicals or forklifts.
Healthcare & Aged care wardens will focus on patients and those requiring additional assistance with mobility. Schools will have large numbers of children to keep calm and move efficiently. As for high-rise buildings and mixed-use buildings you will have added challenges such as evacuation from higher levels, wardens on different sides/zones of the building and ensuring your emergency fire equipment is maintained and operates correctly on all levels.
When used in conjunction with the operational process outlined in AS3745, your fire wardens will feel confident to perform their role anywhere.
Fire warden training doesn't end once you've completed your initial training. In fact, refresher courses are needed to maintain competency and ensure your staff are up-to-date on their fire safety duties and responsibilities under Australian standards. While training will give staff the skills needed to effectively deal with an emergency situation should one occur, without regular practise these skills will become dormant and likely not as effective if another emergency were to occur.
Refresher courses are usually conducted yearly or as required by your company policies or as recommended by your advisor or enforcing regulator. If you work in a busy building with high occupancies and layouts that change frequently, you may need to hold regular sessions to remind wardens of correct procedures and conduct emergency evacuations. This also allows the opportunity to demonstrate new fire safety equipment installed recently or address concerns from the last fire drill or real emergency.
Should the layout of your building change or a lot of new staff come through your doors who will be affected by a fire it may be necessary to run your wardens through another training session so they are up-to-date on all fire escape routes and know where all equipment is located. If you have experienced an actual fire or false alarm, it may be beneficial to retrain your wardens on what happened so they know what went right and what can be improved for next time.
You can use these incidents as reporting notes to go into your workplace's AFSS or AESMR as verification that your staff are up-skilled and all mitigation measures are regularly reviewed.
Fire wardens must have suitable high-visibility identification and equipment to quickly and confidently carry out their responsibilities in an emergency. It is important that building occupants can easily identify who is taking control of the situation in an emergency and Emergency Services arriving at the scene can easily identify people who have knowledge of the building.
Fire wardens should wear helmets, caps, high visibility vests or other high visibility identifiers to clearly stand out from other occupants of the building when directing people to exit the building. Having visible identifiers will help ensure there is no doubt about who has authority in an emergency situation and allow wardens to effectively communicate with building occupants during an evacuation.
This is especially important in situations where there are large crowds or poor visibility due to smoke or a power outage. High-visibility identifiers should be stored at control points so they are easy to access in an emergency.
Two-way radios and other forms of approved communication equipment should be used by wardens to communicate with the Chief Warden, coordinate evacuation of multiple zones and communicate accurate information about potential hazards, missing occupants or fire alarms and fire hydrants. In larger or more complex buildings, it is important that communication can take place to ensure decisions are fact-based and not assumptions.
Floor warden instruction cards should be provided to each warden with key duties and responsibilities listed for their specific role. Having a card with instructions will help wardens remember what to do if an emergency were to occur. The card should list specific actions the warden should take when an emergency occurs, who they should report to and what areas they are responsible for evacuating.
Control points and appropriate signage should be visible and accessible to allow fire wardens to effectively manage an emergency. Control points allow wardens and emergency services to have a central location to manage the emergency and ensure signage is up to compliance will allow occupants to quickly find the exit, fire equipment and locate floor wardens.
Fire warden failures are rarely intentional. They occur when processes for appointing, training, reviewing and replacing fire wardens are either incomplete or poorly managed. They only become apparent when a regulatory audit takes place, during an Emergency Services Inspector’s visit or worse, after the event has occurred.
Fire warden compliance is more than just a one-day training session followed by paperwork completion. Procedures should be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they are up to date and effective. Provide continuous governance and accountability for fire wardens. Be prepared to defend your processes should they ever be called into question.
Employing inexperienced or poorly trained fire wardens can have serious repercussions should an incident occur.
During an emergency, fire wardens who are unable to lead others to safety can put occupants at risk. This may occur by failing to adequately evacuate people, providing unclear instructions or directions and not recognising when it is no longer safe to remain or assist others. In times of crisis, any lack of clarity or decisiveness can have serious implications for life safety.
Organisations can also expect to face penalties from Work Health and Safety regulators if fire wardens are not competent. Regulators will consider not only if fire wardens have been appointed, but also if they can prove their fire wardens are trained and equipped to do their jobs. This may lead to enforcement activity such as improvement notices, fines or formal investigations if incidents occur or are reported as ‘near misses’.
Should an incident occur, poorly trained fire wardens can also impact on your organisation’s insurance claim. Insurers may review how effectively an emergency was managed when determining the validity of a claim. This may impact on claims made for injury, property damage or loss of business following an incident. If your fire wardens have not been adequately trained, you may find yourself battling with your insurer while your organisation is vulnerable.
Poor fire warden training can also leave your organisation open to operational risks. Incomplete or poorly executed evacuations can lead to longer downtime should an incident occur. This may occur while remaining occupants are located, while the issue is investigated or rectified and before the building is declared safe to reoccupy. The longer your systems are down, the more your productivity, revenue and staff morale may be impacted.
Finally, poor fire warden training can negatively impact your brand and reputation. Emergency situations are high-pressure and attract scrutiny from both inside and outside of your organisation. Taking the necessary steps to ensure fire wardens are trained and procedures are accessible demonstrates your commitment to providing a safe and healthy workplace.
Fire warden arrangements must consist of more than training to be effective. Site-specific planning, detailed and accurate record keeping as well as installed fire safety systems that operate dependably when it matters are all crucial elements. At Alexon, we help ensure that fire warden frameworks are suited to the practical and legislative requirements of AS3745, with emergency roles, processes, and responsibilities supported by your fire safety plan.
We help businesses provide knowledgeable, site-specific guidance when it comes to fire safety, enabling fire wardens to operate confidently and correctly within their workplace. Evacuation protocols, emergency control structures and safety-critical measures are all assessed to ensure they align with the building design, occupancy risk, and operational practices. When fire wardens are required, we make sure their roles are upheld by systems and records you can defend.
Additionally, our team provides expert services for safety-critical items such as installation of fire extinguishers, maintenance of fire alarms, and smoke alarm testing. Dependable technology and compliant systems are key to ensuring your fire wardens can carry out their roles correctly, allowing for the clear activation of alarms, safe evacuation of occupants and properly coordinated response from emergency services.
Not only that, we can assist with compliant record-keeping should you need an audit trail, including ESM reports and ongoing record-keeping. Paired with refreshers scheduling and regular reviews, your fire warden arrangements will stay up to date and compliant for years to come.
Give us a call today for comprehensive advice on how you can improve your fire warden compliance and overall fire safety responsibilities.
Fire extinguishers are an important part of every building’s fire safety equipment. Correct usage of these devices enables prompt suppression of emerging fires. However, if incorrectly chosen for the fire risks within a building, they could put occupants at greater risk and do little to slow the spread of fire.
Fire extinguishers are categorised by colour bands in Australia which designate the fire type they are capable of extinguishing. Australian Fire Safety Standards specify the classes of fire extinguishers suitable for different types of buildings and fire risks. They provide detailed guidelines on the identification, placement and maintenance of fire extinguishers throughout their service lives.
Building owners, facility managers and employers should familiarise themselves with fire classes and fire extinguisher colour codes to meet their legal responsibilities and help occupants react quickly and effectively if a fire occurs.
Regular inspection and servicing are essential to confirm extinguishers are suitable for the specific fire risks present within a building and will perform as intended when required.
Below is our complete guide to fire extinguisher classes and colour bands, including ABE dry chemical powder extinguishers, carbon dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguishers, foam extinguishers, water fire extinguishers and wet chemical fire extinguishers. Learn how each type operates, the types of fire they are capable of controlling and where they should be installed to keep your workplace safe, compliant and prepared.
Fire extinguisher classes categorise fires depending on fuel type. Fire classifications provide helpful information when determining the suitability of fire extinguishers for different fire risks. By learning the differences between fire classes, you can choose the correct fire extinguisher based on the types of fuel located throughout your premises.
Class A fires involve solid combustibles like wood, paper, cardboard, textiles and plastics.
Class B fires include flammable liquids like petrol, oils, solvents, paints and fuels of any kind.
Class C include flammable gases such as LPG, propane and butane. Again, the best method of control is isolation of the gas if safely possible.
Class D involves combustible metals such as magnesium, aluminium, sodium and potassium. Class D fires are relatively rare for most businesses but should be considered if you work with these materials on-site.
Class E involves fires where the fuel source is energised electrical equipment. Although electricity doesn’t burn, it can pose serious risks to occupants if water or conductive agents are used during firefighting. Class E-rated fire extinguishers are non-conductive and can be safely used on live electrical equipment.
Class F fires include cooking oils and fats. Usually found within commercial kitchen environments.
As you can see, fire classes refer to the type of fuel that’s burning. Whereas fire extinguishers refer to the agent’s fire suppression capabilities. Different suppression agents tackle fires differently, which is why there are multiple fire classes.
Selecting an inappropriate fire extinguisher can make a fire worse or be completely useless against certain fire classes. Ensuring you have the right fire extinguisher for the right fire classes reduces overall risk to your occupants and guarantees your fire extinguishers will perform correctly should the need arise.
Fire extinguishers are classified in Australia under AS1841, which sets standards for portable fire extinguishers, including classifications, labelling, and colour coding. Under AS1841 standards, all fire extinguishers must have a red body with a coloured band to identify what type of extinguishing agent is inside the fire extinguisher.
The red body allows extinguishers to be universally recognised as emergency equipment, while the coloured band allows the classification of fire extinguisher type to be quickly visible. This allows people in the building, fire wardens or emergency services to quickly identify and grab the correct fire extinguisher without having to worry about reading instructions or finding the correct label during an emergency.
The different colour bandings used for fire extinguishers in Australia are:
ABE dry chemical powder fire extinguisher. Suitable for Class A, B and E fires.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) fire extinguisher. Most commonly used for Class B and electrical fires.
Foam fire extinguisher. Used for Class A and B fires.
Water fire extinguisher. Suitable for Class A fires only.
Wet Chemical fire extinguisher. Wet Chemical extinguishers are suitable for Class F fires and are commonly found in commercial kitchens.
Labels are still required by AS1841 which include fire class ratings and clear instructions on operating the extinguisher. It’s important that the colour band and label are used together and are clearly visible and legible. Some facilities choose to rely solely on the colour band, but this is not recommended. When fire extinguishers get painted over, stored in cabinets or located in poorly lit areas it can make identification difficult.
Colour coding will be inspected during your fire equipment services inspections and audits.
ABE dry chemical powder extinguishers are identified by a white colour band and are rated for use on Class A, Class B and Class E fires. This multi-class capability makes them suitable for environments where combustible solids, flammable liquids and energised electrical equipment may all present a fire risk.
Their non-conductive properties allow them to be safely used on live electrical equipment, which is particularly important in workplaces where fire detection systems, fire indicator panels, and fire alarms in the workplace rely on a continuous electrical supply.
Colour Band: White
Fire Classes Covered: A, B, E
ABE extinguishers work by removing the chemical chain reaction produced by a fire. When discharged, the extinguisher releases a fine powder that suppresses combustion by effectively “blanketing” the fire and stopping the chemical reaction that allows it to burn.
This allows it to quickly control and ultimately extinguish the fire. It doesn’t conduct electricity, so it will not short-circuit or conduct energy from an electrical source. ABE extinguishers are typically used in areas where other types of extinguishers are ineffective, or where isolating power is not an option.
ABE dry powder extinguishers can be found in many locations around commercial properties. They are ideal for installation in plant rooms, switch rooms, and service corridors due to their multiple application across different classes of fire. Owing to their ability to tackle different classes of fire, they are often used to provide general coverage of the workplace.
Dry powder extinguishers leave a large amount of residue on equipment, machinery and electrical components. The powder should be cleaned after use as it can cause damage if left.
Use of dry powder should be avoided in confined areas, as visibility may be reduced when using the extinguisher. Allow persons to evacuate the area first if possible. Due to these reasons they are not recommended for confined food preparation areas.
ABE dry powder extinguishers comply with Australian Standards when installed and maintained correctly. Have professionals inspect your extinguishers regularly to ensure they are still at the correct pressure, the body is in good condition and the seal has not been broken.
The guidelines set out in AS1851 state that in the event of a fire extinguisher being discharged, even partially, it must be taken to a fire equipment supplier to be inspected, cleaned or replaced if necessary. Leaving residue from powder extinguishers can cause you to become non-compliant.
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used in atmospheres where there is a risk of fire from flammable liquids and energised electrical equipment, when the damage caused by the residue of other extinguishing agents is unacceptable. According to AS1841 standards carbon dioxide fire extinguishers with a black colour band serve as the primary clean-agent fire control solution for technical environments.
Colour Band: Black
Fire Classes Covered: B, E
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers remove oxygen from the fire zone. On discharge, carbon dioxide quickly blankets the flame and displaces the oxygen feeding it. The fire is suffocated at the source as the oxygen level is dropped below that which is required to maintain combustion.
CO₂ discharge also allows for rapid cooling at the flame front due to expansion of the gas as it is released under pressure. This provides some level of cooling however does not significantly cool the surrounding material.
Due to their non-corrosive and non-conductive discharge by-product CO₂ fire extinguishers are common within server rooms, data centres, communication rooms and other critical facilities.
Units are often mounted close to electrical cabinets, control panels and switchboards. Laboratories also regularly use carbon dioxide fire extinguishers where there is a risk of flammable liquids and residue from other extinguishing media cannot be tolerated.
Carbon dioxide extinguishers can often be found used in conjunction with fire suppression systems. Where detection, fire alarm and automatic fire control processes are installed, extinguishers provide first response to firefighting.
Carbon dioxide will displace oxygen. As a result, if discharged in a confined area there is the potential for the space to become oxygen-deficient causing an asphyxiation risk to those present. When using CO₂ extinguishers occupants should ensure they discharge for the shortest amount of time possible and vacate the area when fire is under control.
Due to there being no cooling effect after application CO₂ extinguishers also do not offer any post-fire control. As such materials will remain at a high temperature and will likely re-ignite if exposed to an ignition source.
As pressurised containers carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are required to be hydrostatically tested in accordance with Australian Standards for pressure vessels. This process validates the integrity of the cylinder itself and ensures the extinguisher can safely contain pressure.
Cylinders must also be examined to ensure the valve and discharge horn are in good working order, correctly labelled and have no signs of damage or corrosion.
Foam fire extinguishers are multipurpose extinguishers which can be used on Class A fires (solid materials such as wood, paper or textiles) and Class B fires (flammable liquids). Due to their versatility they can be used in locations where both of these fire risks are present. Foam fire extinguishers are identified by a blue colour band. AS1841-compatible foams extinguish surface fires effectively and greatly reduce the risk of re-flash.
Colour Band: Blue
Fire Classes Covered: A, B
The action of foam extinguishers is by blanketing the burning material with a stable foam. This smothers the fire by denying it oxygen, while cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature. When used on flammable liquid fires, foam also suppresses vapours that can lead to re-flash.
Foam fire extinguishers are ideal for use in locations such as fuel stores, vehicle or mechanical workshops and car parks, where flammable liquids may be stored, used or handled. Foam extinguishers can cope with incidents involving both solid materials and liquid fuels, which may be prevalent in these areas.
Foam extinguishers are often located alongside exit routes and near high-risk areas but should be located considerately so they do not obstruct exits or emergency lighting.
Foam extinguishers should not be used on live electrical equipment as the contents can conduct electricity. If there are electrical fire risks present in an area alternative extinguishers suitable for electrical fires should be located nearby.
Foam extinguishers should not be used in certain chemical hazards where the chemical may interact with the foam to create a greater risk. If you have doubts about the process, you must consult professional advice.
Foam fire extinguishers require regular inspection, testing and maintenance in accordance with AS1851. Visual inspections should be carried out to ensure the extinguisher is in the correct working pressure, has no damage to the hose or discharge nozzle and is clearly legible. Extinguishers should be serviced periodically to ensure the foam is in good condition and has not passed its use-by date.
Older foam fire extinguishers contain PFAS which are harmful to the environment. Newer foam fire extinguishers are available which are designed to have limited or no impact on the environment. Regardless of the type of foam fire extinguisher you have, proper servicing and disposal is important.
Please contact us for a safe disposal method when your foam fire extinguisher has reached its use-by date or has been used.
Water fire extinguishers have no coloured band and are rated for Class A fires only. Class A fire risks include solid combustibles like wood, paper, cardboard, textiles and some plastics. Water fire extinguishers must only be installed where there are no flammable liquids, gas or electrical fire risks.
Colour Band: Solid Red (no band)
Fire Classes Covered: A only
Water fire extinguishers work by cooling the fuel they are applied to below its ignition temperature. These extinguishers do not suppress vapours or remove oxygen, so they are only suitable for use on very specific risks.
Class A fire risks include offices, schools and general commercial indoor use where there is a high likelihood that fires will involve things like paper, furniture and office equipment but a low likelihood of electrical or flammable liquid fires.
Water fire extinguishers are usually provided as part of a suite of essential safety measures intended to help occupants control fires in their early stages and have minimal impact on the environment and ease of use.
Water should never be used on live electrical equipment or flammable liquid fires. If a water extinguisher is used on live electrical equipment, there is a risk that the person using the extinguisher may receive an electric shock.
If a water extinguisher is used on a flammable liquid fire, the fire will likely spread as the burning liquid moves away from the original fire area. Both these situations will cause the fire to rapidly grow larger.
Australian Standards detail how far extinguishers should be placed from travel distances (the distance an occupant would have to travel to reach the extinguisher). However, extinguishers should not be placed so far that occupants hesitate to evacuate to use one. Height, obstruction and visibility of extinguishers should also be considered and they should be located in obvious locations along normal lines of travel.
Correct signage should be installed to make occupants aware of extinguisher locations if they are not immediately visible due to building layout or furnishings. As part of the regular inspection and ongoing servicing process a water fire extinguisher’s operating condition will be verified. Signage clarity will be checked, along with the fire extinguisher’s expiry date to ensure it stays compliant and has not passed its use-by date.
Wet chemical extinguishers offer essential protection against cooking oil and fat fires. As standardised by an oatmeal coloured band, wet chemical extinguishers are distinguished from other types under AS1841.
Colour Band: Oatmeal
Fire Classes Covered: F (and A in some cases)
Wet chemical extinguishers are a control measure specifically designed to extinguish high-risk cooking fires. They work by releasing an agent that causes saponification, a chemical reaction that forms a soapy film over burning oil and cuts off its oxygen supply. This film also cools the oil very quickly.
Wet chemical extinguishers are generally required by law in commercial kitchens.
Wet chemical extinguishers must be provided in any workplace risks that use deep fryers, hotplates, or cooking oils. This includes industrial kitchens, food courts, cafes, restaurants, caterers, and other food businesses.
Wet chemical extinguishers must be readily accessible and nearby the cooking risks they are mitigating. They should be installed so that the operator is not put at risk when fighting a fire. Ensuring wet chemical extinguishers are provided in areas with cooking risks is a frequent point inspectors look for, and one that can often be missed.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are one of three controls that should be provided in a commercial kitchen. Wet chemical extinguishers are usually found alongside fire blankets and fixed kitchen fire suppression systems.
Fire blankets should still be used to control smaller fires or initial flames that may occur within a pan, until the wet chemical fire extinguisher can be used. Staff should be trained to know the difference between when an fire extinguisher should be used, and when a fire blanket is more appropriate. Fire blankets should be regularly tested to ensure they are always in working order.
Wet chemical extinguishers are required to undergo inspection, service, and testing in line with AS1851. Like all portable fire extinguishers, they must bepressure tested, inspected for condition, and have their extinguishing agent checked at set intervals.
As the name suggests, you cannot substitute wet chemical extinguishers for another type of fire extinguisher. Using another fire extinguisher type on a Class F fire will not adequately control the fire and is deemed non-compliant.
Fire extinguishers are a key part of the fire safety guidelines within your building. Installing the correct extinguisher should be based around your fire risk assessment, not what looks best or easiest to fit. Your risk assessment will identify what materials are stored, what could catch fire, how many people occupy your building and what processes take place there.
For instance, you wouldn’t select the same extinguisher for a kitchen area as you would a computer room. Your building type will determine your fire risk and therefore what class of extinguisher and agent you need to install. Cooking areas such as commercial kitchens or plant rooms will have different fire hazards to that of an office space or high-rise apartment building.
Ensure you comply with your National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards when selecting your fire extinguishers. They should be easily accessible and allow for safe evacuation of the premises where possible.
Your local fire authority or council may also have requirements around what extinguishers you need to install. Additionally, your insurance may require you to have specific extinguishers installed based on fire hazards. They may also require you to provide proof that you have fire protection in place such as extinguishers, fire alarm testing and tagging, and spray foam systems.
Ensuring you have the right extinguishers in place based on your fire assessment not only provides you and your team with peace of mind but can reduce the likelihood of your fire insurance being used. Always ensure you follow best practices and your local laws when selecting fire extinguishers.
If you have multiple storeys or a high occupancy building like an office building, inner city apartments, mixed retail spaces you should have a fire safety plan. This fire safety plan should involve where extinguishers are located, fire detection systems, evacuation points and fire wardens.
Fire extinguisher placement in Australian buildings must comply with AS2444: Portable Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets – Selection and Location, which specifies requirements for installation, mounting, visibility, accessibility, and spacing to ensure extinguishers are available and usable in an emergency.
Installation of extinguishers should be with the carrying handle positioned at a height not exceeding:
Mounting should not obstruct and be suitable for the intended location; not be placed in areas where they may be inadvertently damaged or interfered with.
AS2444 allows travel distances to an extinguisher depending on the classification of fire and occupancy:
Fire extinguishers should be visible from all normally accessible directions. Signs complying with AS2444 should be placed either above or beside the fire extinguisher indicating:
Signage should not be blocked from view, illegible or hard to reach. Signs should be illuminated if they are in a low-light area.
Extinguishers should be easily accessible and should not be obstructed by furniture, storage or equipment. Install extinguishers along normal routes of travel and nearby areas of high fire risk. Ensure extinguishers are accessible to everyone, including response teams and people with limited reach or mobility.
As part of your monthly inspections, check that extinguishers are easily accessible and have not been moved from their required mounted position.
Fire extinguishers are an important part of a building’s fire protection system, they must be inspected, tested and serviced regularly to comply with regulations and function correctly.
Generally in Australia extinguishers are serviced under AS1851 and linked to AS1670 when they are connected to fire detection, alarms or warning systems.
The servicing and maintenance schedule required by AS1851 is designed to ensure that fire extinguishers are kept in working order, accessible and ready for use. Visual inspections take place once per month to ensure extinguishers are in their correct location, not obstructed, mounted properly and showing no obvious signs of damage or pressure loss. Checking signage is also visible and the tamper seal and pin remain intact.
Every six months, extinguishers should be inspected and serviced by a trained fire technician who will ensure that the extinguisher is in good condition, showing the correct pressure, weighing or measuring the charge to ensure it is adequate, and determine if the extinguisher type is still suitable for the risk it was installed for.
Once per year additional servicing takes place that includes everything in the six monthly inspection as well as checking the internal condition of the extinguisher, inspecting the agent if applicable and ensuring it hasn’t deteriorated and checking that it still meets current standards and requirements. Some extinguisher types also require pressure testing and replacement of parts throughout their life.
AS1670 details maintenance and servicing requirements for fire extinguishers where they are linked to other fire protection systems such as alarms, detection systems and occupant warning devices. This can require inspections and tagging to match the schedules of other tests or documentation for the whole fire system.
It is vital that all inspection and maintenance visits are recorded in compliant logbooks or computerised records. These records act as proof of compliance during fire safety audits and inspections and are often used by insurance companies when assessing risk or reviewing policies.
Maintenance reports often tie into annual statements of compliance such as an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) or Essential Safety Measures reports. Missing services or untaged extinguishers are one of the most common fire extinguisher related breaches.
Alexon provides inspection, testing, maintenance and compliance services to ensure your fire extinguishers are compliant, in working order and ready for audit.
Mounting the wrong type of extinguisher for your given fire risk is one of the most severe forms of non-compliance. This can often happen where a ‘one size fits all’ solution has been applied without performing a fire risk assessment on the premises. Units found to be unsuitable for use on electrical fires, flammable liquids or cooking oils will fail both compliance and safety-first-response.
Fire extinguishers must be accessible at all times and should never be blocked by furniture, stored items, equipment or temporary walls/partitions. This is another common form of non-compliance spotted on audits. Partially blocked units can slow down response time in an emergency and classifies as non-compliant with AS2444 position guidelines.
If an extinguisher is due, or overdue, for inspection, service or pressure testing it is considered non-compliant and may not work when needed. Missing service tags, or outdated dates are common examples of how your fire safety may not be meeting AS1851 maintenance requirements.
Fire extinguisher signs are a legal requirement as opposed to a visual indicator. Missing or damaged signs make extinguishers harder to locate and identify when lighting is low or in smokey conditions. Signs should state what type of extinguisher is mounted as well as clearly identifying its position per AS2444.
Fire extinguishers mounted at the incorrect height, on unstable brackets or on the floor (where ceiling mounts are required) will be deemed difficult to access or use. This is commonly found in older premises or where refurbishments have taken place and extinguishers have been moved without reassessment.
Fire extinguisher maintenance isn’t a “set and forget” task – it’s a continuous responsibility that spans risk management, regulatory compliance and life safety. Doing it correctly requires educated advice, proper placement and installation, rigorous servicing and record-keeping you can have confidence in.
Our fire equipment maintenance services are designed to support building owners, facility managers and businesses at every step. From risk-assessments that verify suitable fire extinguisher types and placement reduce risk to occupants and assets, to providing expert guidance based on Australian Standards and the NCC. We’ll even implement a scheduled maintenance program to keep your systems fully serviceable and compliant with your audit requirements.
Utilising our services means you’ll have an expert maintaining your fire extinguishers year-round. Everything from inspections, testing and servicing will be performed in accordance with AS1851, and your records will be maintained to help you confidently meet audit, insurance and statutory obligations. That means you can rest easy knowing your fire extinguishers have been professionally maintained by experts, rather than having missed inspections, incorrect installations or missing documentation.
Don’t leave your fire safety up to chance. Contact Alexon today to make sure your fire extinguishers are compliant, reliable, and ready to perform when you need them.
Fire detection and alarm systems are an important safety feature of any building, so it’s critical that they are installed and functioning to Australian standards. AS1670 outlines all requirements for the design, installation, commissioning and integration of fire detection, fire alarm and occupant warning systems. Adhering to this standard for your building can give you the peace of mind that your fire safety system will function as intended when needed most in a real-life emergency situation.
At Alexon, our expert team provides commercial clients and building managers with complete compliance to AS1670 with professional fire equipment maintenance, inspections and testing. Regular servicing and testing by our qualified fire experts keeps all detectors, alarms, visual devices, and control panels fully operational, adequately documented and ready to perform when an emergency arises.
Our fire safety experts have compiled this easy-to-understand breakdown of AS1670 to provide you with everything you need to know to keep your building compliant, safe and prepared for any emergency.
AS1670 is the Australian Fire Safety Standard detailing the design, installation and commissioning requirements for fire detection, alarm and warning systems installed in buildings. The Standard sets the technical parameters and requirements to ensure the systems are capable of early fire detection, notifying building occupants, and reliable and continued operation during all circumstances including power failure or system faults.
The Standard applies to all classes of buildings and all types of fire detection and alarm systems including simple smoke alarm installations and fully networked addressable fire indicator panels (FIPs). Note: It’s important to distinguish between a smoke alarm (typically used in residential properties) and a fire detection system (designed for commercial buildings with integrated monitoring and control functions). The Standard sets minimum performance requirements for detection coverage, alarm audibility, and the interconnection between other fire protection systems such as sprinklers, smoke control systems, and emergency warning systems.
AS1670 has an important role in all facets of the fire protection industry and for all stakeholders in the design, installation, inspection, maintenance and testing of these systems. From fire engineers and system designers who need to demonstrate compliance as part of the approval process, to installers and contractors who need to ensure all system wiring, zoning and control equipment is in accordance with AS1670. For building owners and facility managers, AS1670 is the basis for meeting the National Construction Code’s (NCC) fire safety obligations and certification.
AS1670 does not stand alone; there are several other Australian Standards that are applicable in different areas to provide a comprehensive approach to building protection during the entire life cycle of a fire safety system. AS1670 outlines requirements and guidelines for the installation of fire alarms and the system design and design of the fire detection system. It does not, however, extend beyond when the installation of the system is complete.
Standards such as AS1851 provide guidelines on inspection, testing and fire alarm maintenance, with requirements for ongoing inspection and testing of all detectors, sounders and control equipment, to ensure the ongoing and reliable operation of the system. AS1668 contains requirements and guidelines for smoke control and ventilation, and the NCC includes mandatory performance requirements for construction.
They all work together to create a comprehensive compliance journey. In the case of fire detection and alarms, a system must be designed and installed according to AS1670, then maintained and regularly tested according to AS1851, and of course, the building as a whole must comply with the NCC.
The AS1670 standard is split into a range of different parts, each one of which is specific to various building types and fire safety system requirements. This division of the standard into many different components allows for each type of fire detection, alarm, and occupant warning system to be designed, installed, and commissioned in a manner that is fit for its purpose and application.
Knowing which part of AS1670 is relevant to your premises can make the standard much easier to understand and follow.
This is the most referred part of the standard and relates to most commercial, residential and industrial premises. It details the design and performance requirements of fire detection systems including smoke and heat detectors, control panels, alarm sounders and defines the zoning and layout of detectors and alarm circuits that should be installed to ensure correct detection, clear warning of occupants and effective system monitoring.
If you are a building owner and are looking at upgrading an existing building this part of the AS1670 series is vital in ensuring the installation of a new system or retrofitting an old one works with the existing infrastructure and minimising problems like false alarms and constant smoke alarm beeping.
Meeting requirements outlined in AS1670.1 will also ensure your smoke alarm installation and fire detection system as a whole is compliant with Australia's National Construction Safety Standards, and give you and your occupants peace of mind through consistent reliability.
Tailored for high-security settings, this section addresses tamper-resistant installation practices, system integrity, and secure access to control panels and manual call points. It also provides for safe interfacing of fire detection systems with custodial security features, such as automatic door release, surveillance and intercom, to allow safe evacuation without jeopardising security.
This section covers the requirements for the design and installation of emergency warning systems and public address and intercommunications systems, as part of a broader fire safety plan for buildings. This includes sound levels, placement of speakers, speech intelligibility and emergency communications to provide clearly audible notification and warning messages to occupants so they may hear and understand directions or announcements for emergency evacuation or other protective action.
Interface requirements with other types of fire protection equipment are also included such as smoke detectors, alarm panels, annunciators, mass notification, and sprinkler systems.
AS1670.1 sets out detailed technical parameters to ensure that every fire detection and alarm system performs reliably under real-world conditions — including during power failures, environmental fluctuations, or equipment faults.
While the standard’s scope is extensive, several core design and installation principles form the foundation of compliant, high-performing systems:
Detector coverage is important to get good, reliable and early fire detection. Under AS1670, coverage is dependent on a number of factors including ceiling height, air flow patterns and the environmental conditions of the protected zones. Detectors need to be placed in locations that will detect smoke or heat as early as possible without being affected by ducted air-conditioning vents or physical obstructions that could impede detector performance.
Coverage is also affected by the traffic flow of occupants and other equipment or machinery that may impede airflow in areas where fire alarms are fitted in the workplace. The location of each detector will be dependent on the above variables and will be calculated to ensure detectors are at the correct sensitivity for the alarm system to respond effectively and provide those vital few seconds to evacuate the premises and activate the system.
Under the Australian Standard AS1670, zoning of fire compartments has to be performed so the source of the alarm can be easily identified. Zoning and mapping will allow first responders and the building wardens to accurately identify the location of the problem which should result in a shorter response time and limited loss of damage or disruption.
The zones have to be indicated and labeled consistently on all fire indicator panels and the visual indication and zone descriptions have to match the building's fire safety documentation. This enables a rapid evacuation but also allows maintenance teams to isolate and test the area affected.
AS1670 mandates that fire detection and alarm systems be designed such that they maintain 100% capability during power supply failures. To this end, every system must be provided with an independent secondary power supply (usually a dedicated battery supply) sufficient to power the full system for the required duration as stated in the standard. Verification and discharge tests performed on a regular basis ensure that batteries have the required capacity and that the charging system is functioning correctly.
AS1670 mandates all detection and alarm circuits be continuously supervised for open, short or earth faults at the first instance of their occurrence. This degree of supervision enables any wiring defect or disconnection of a device to be directly communicated to the control equipment for continuous integrity monitoring. Correct fault annunciation assists in the quick identification of a problem area for timely corrective action.
AS1670 makes a requirement that all fire detection and alarm system wiring should be fire rated and installed as part of an approved cabling method. Segregation of the required circuits is also necessary from other electrical services to avoid electromagnetic interference and for circuit integrity in the event of a fire.
Correct choice of cable, routing and support should also be considered in order to maintain signal integrity and the long-term operation of the system. Terminations, junctions and containment should be inspected to ensure continued compliance with standards and full operational capability.
Accurate and complete documentation is a fundamental principle of AS1670. Each fire detection and alarm system should be supported by a set of record drawings, equipment schedules, and commissioning certificates, that reflect as-built conditions. These records provide a basis for verification, testing and ongoing maintenance.
Updated documentation should also be available when an annual fire safety statement is prepared, to confirm that the system continues to operate to design intent, and meets current compliance requirements. Clear and traceable records also help to maintain accountability, support future modification work, and make the audit and certification process more efficient.
Before an AS1670 system can be certified, it must undergo a comprehensive commissioning process. This includes:
Functional testing is the process of verifying that a fire detection and alarm system performs the correct functions, in the correct sequence, and to the required standard. For each detector, sounder and indicator, AS1670 requires activation and testing to verify correct operation, response times and coordination with other devices and system components. This includes ensuring devices respond correctly to fire conditions, that alarms and signals are raised as required, and that inter-panel and inter-detection loop connections are working correctly.
Comprehensive fire alarm testing during commissioning and periodic maintenance is important for verifying correct operation of all devices, and for identifying any system faults or misconfigurations.
Interface testing verifies that the fire detection and alarm system interfaces successfully with other systems within the building. AS1670 requires detectors and alarm devices when activated to successfully activate connected systems, such as sprinklers, HVAC shutdown, smoke control systems, and emergency exit lighting. This coordinated response is vital to ensure that fire and smoke can be controlled, safe evacuation paths are maintained, and life safety is provided to the entire building.
Interface testing, both as part of commissioning and ongoing maintenance, can help find interface communication issues or delays so technicians can correct problems before they affect system operation. Interface verification can ensure all systems are properly coordinated and are working together to provide a reliable, fully integrated fire safety solution.
Acceptance of a fire detection and alarm system does not occur until all relevant documentation, installation and function test reports have been examined and signed off by a competent certifier or fire engineer. The acceptance certificate provides a record that the fire detection and alarm system has been installed and commissioned according to the AS1670 and will function dependably in practice. Acceptance also gives the owner confidence that all the detectors, sounders, control panels and any other interface systems will perform as specified.
During the system audits, some common issues can stop a fire detection or alarm system from being compliant with AS1670. These can range from minor oversights during installation to documentation errors that have major compliance impacts discovered later.
Some examples are detectors installed too close or too far apart, missing or outdated system drawings or diagrams, or cabling that has not been labelled or installed to the required standard. Interface faults between the fire system and the building management system are also common if these connections are not programmed and tested properly.
Fixing these errors early on can help to avoid rework costs, certification delays, and potential compliance penalties. By having a regular inspection and testing regimen performed by qualified fire safety technicians, any non-conformances are less likely to become significant issues.
Be sure to check for these non-conformances when assessing AS1670 compliance:
When your fire alarm installation has been completed it is important to remember that maintenance of the system is just as important as the design and installation of the system itself. AS1670 systems must be maintained in accordance with AS1851. This Standard prescribes the inspection, testing and reporting requirements to maintain your fire detection and alarm systems in a fully operational and compliant condition.
This should include regular testing of detectors, sounders and alarm controls to ensure all devices are working and event logs are correctly logging. Any modifications to the system including new zones, new panels or new devices must be recorded to ensure full traceability.
Building owners and building managers should also ensure that maintenance logbooks and test reports are kept up to date. This will provide you with the necessary evidence of compliance at the time of an audit or fire safety inspection. Regular maintenance and system reviews will also help to ensure that your systems are still in compliance with the latest version of AS1670 and are protecting both your building occupants and your ongoing compliance obligations.
To stay compliant, work with qualified fire safety technicians like the team at Alexon. Our specialists provide routine servicing, documentation support, and expert advice to ensure your fire alarm installation remains fully compliant with AS1670 and AS1851 standards.
Complying with AS1670 is about more than just ticking a box; it’s about safeguarding people, property, and peace of mind. By ensuring your system is designed and installed to this standard, you can be confident that your fire detection and alarm system will work when you need it most.
A fire can start at any time, and in an emergency, every second counts. AS1670 covers everything from early detection of smoke or heat to the activation of alarms and safe evacuation. It also ensures that your fire suppression systems will remain operational during a power outage or other emergency situation. Compliance with AS1670 also helps you minimise your legal and insurance exposure by providing evidence that you have fulfilled your obligations under workplace health and safety and building regulations.
On the other hand, non-compliance can result in serious consequences, from hefty fines and insurance claims to the much greater risk of injury or damage to building occupants and property.
At Alexon, we specialise in the design, installation, and certification of AS1670-compliant fire detection and alarm systems. Our qualified technicians and engineers ensure every project meets or exceeds the requirements of AS1670, AS1668, and AS1851.
We also provide comprehensive fire system audits, documentation support, and system upgrades to help your building remain compliant as standards evolve.
If you’re looking to ensure your fire detection systems meet AS1670 requirements, contact Alexon today on 1300 001 004 or submit an enquiry online to book your next fire safety inspection.
Fire safety is a life-critical issue wherever you go – from large commercial structures to hospitals and hotels, and up and down high-rise apartment blocks. The number of incidents every year that result in low-level damage and disruption as opposed to serious consequences is a testament to the value of early fire detection, rapid alert and coordinated response. In every well-protected building, there is a complex system of fire detection and alarm systems, suppression systems, and central control and monitoring equipment.
The heart of that system is a Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), the equipment that monitors fire zones, reads signals from smoke and heat detectors, and ensures appropriate alarms are raised at the right time. Facility managers and safety engineers understand the importance of keeping this equipment fully operational at all times.
Alexon’s team of fire safety specialists offer equipment maintenance, inspections and advice to help organisations ensure their fire safety systems are compliant, reliable, and fully ready for any emergency situation.
Today, our technicians will provide a closer look at how fire indicator panels work, why they’re essential for the safety of buildings, and why their maintenance is vital.
The Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) is the central control and monitoring device for your building’s entire alarm system. The FIP processes and interprets signals from a variety of fire detection devices, including smoke, heat and flame detectors, monitors zone integrity, initiates audible and visual alarms and interfaces with emergency response systems.
As your FIP relies on these detectors and monitors as the first line of defence, smoke alarm testing is considered foundational for your fire safety. With the support of these first lines of defence and other essential safety measures, your FIP coordinates rapid, reliable responses during a fire emergency.
Your FIP is critical to maintaining system integrity, providing real-time information about faults, isolations, or active fire conditions, and allowing facility managers to respond immediately. By ensuring that detection, alert, and emergency response measures operate in concert, the FIP underpins a building’s entire fire safety strategy.
Note: Precision, reliability and adherence to fire safety codes are key components of an effective fire protection program. As such, all your fire safety systems and equipment must be routinely serviced, tested, and maintained in strict accordance with AS 1851 standards to ensure ongoing compliance with Victorian Building Codes and any other relevant industry regulations.
Fire Indicator Panels are designed to process and record signals from a network of fire safety equipment (i.e. smoke and fire alarms) and then generate the appropriate response in the detection of that fire-related danger. From here, the FIP interfaces with other equipment, such as audible and visual alarm devices, automatic fire suppression systems, and various other emergency response systems.
Advanced FIPs have complex cause and effect circuits for controlling zones, devices and alarm stages. The panel monitors the system for faults or failures and indicates when a zone's detection and/or notification are impaired. A FIP centralises detection, fire alarm initiation, and system monitoring functions to assure fast, accurate and reliable control of fire-related emergencies.
Fire indicator panels boast the following key features in order to facilitate their emergency response capabilities:
Indicators uniquely identify the location and type of alarm or event, providing facilities managers with instant visibility of which fire detection devices have been activated. This quick location of the alarm condition allows for effective response and management of an event.
Zones partition a building into a specified area so that alarms can be located to a specific zone. Zoned monitoring means responders can act quickly and avoid unnecessary disruption to the unaffected zones.
Control buttons allow authorised personnel to acknowledge an alarm, silence audible or sprinkler system notifications, reset the system and manually activate outputs. Manual control is maintained in a fail-safe way to ensure strict compliance with fire safety procedures.
Fault monitoring ensures the detectors, wiring and panel are working correctly, alerting staff to any problems before safety is compromised. Fault monitoring can help detect problems at the earliest possible stage, so the fire detection system can remain fully operational at all times.
Fire Indicator Panels are generally split into two main types: analogue addressable panels and conventional panels. However, in some cases, FIPs can include both conventional and analogue addressable inputs on one panel.
The conventional FIPs work by keeping track of the circuits in zones. If any of the detectors on a circuit in a zone are activated, the panel will be able to show the responder which zone the alarm came from. Conventional panels are more suited to smaller buildings or where the extra level of detail available in analogue addressable panels isn’t required.
Analogue addressable FIPs allow for more detailed information to be obtained from each of your different connected types of fire safety devices. This makes it easy to identify exactly which detector was triggered and what type of event it detected.
The added detail of analogue addressable FIPs is made possible by giving every detector connected to the panel a unique address. Panels will show the exact device that was activated, which allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and a quicker response to larger or more complex fire systems.
When choosing between these two types of panels, it’s best to consider the size of the building, the occupancy and how much control is required over each zone in the fire system, as well as device monitoring.
The primary role of a Fire Indicator Panel is to monitor the status of fire alarms across several fire zones in a building at any given time. A Fire Indicator Panel provides a central monitoring location for fire alarms in a building. The FIP gives a building manager the ability to view all alarm and trouble conditions from a single location.
Fire Indicator Panels aid in giving early warning of any fire outbreak and providing insights about which areas or zones need immediate attention. FIPs also provide the status of any faults in the system and device failures in real-time.
In the event of a fire outbreak, the FIP can be programmed to manage the operation of audible and visible alarms, as well as to send signals to different response groups to ensure prompt and appropriate action. This level of coordination helps building occupants evacuate the building and reach their assembly points as quickly and safely as possible.
The FIP is a critical component of an overall fire safety and response strategy, particularly in larger or higher-risk buildings and inner city buildings. Similarly, Fire Indicator Panels also play a vital role in facilitating overall fire monitoring and initiating fire emergency plans in commercial spaces. If you have fire alarms in your workplace that are currently not connected to fire suppression systems, you will benefit from integrating your ESMs with the use of a Fire Indicator Panel.
Regular servicing, functional testing and preventive maintenance in accordance with Australian Fire Safety Standards are necessary to ensure that your FIP and associated fire detection and alarm equipment are always in full working order. Our certified fire protection engineers at Alexon provide comprehensive fire alarm maintenance and inspection services to ensure your fire detection system remains compliant and fully operational at all times.
Regular fire panel maintenance is designed to be intensive, including testing schedules that verify every detector, alarm and linked device reacts in a predetermined manner exactly as designed to. Cleaning detectors, replacing batteries and full system diagnostics are also completed during FIP testing.
With a consistent program of FIP maintenance and fire panel testing, you not only help ensure your building is compliant with fire safety codes but will have peace of mind your smoke alarms and broader fire detection system will do what they are designed to do – to protect lives and property.
Error codes, constant fault lights, or unexpected alarms can all be signals that your FIP needs immediate professional attention. Troubleshooting, or even turning these signals off and silencing the panel without checking up on the system can leave you vulnerable in the event of a fire-related emergency.
Professional FIP servicing must be left to qualified fire protection engineers with experience in fire electrical service diagnostics, fire panel repair, and component replacement to upgrade existing fire panels to modern fire safety standards. Consistent servicing by an experienced technician not only reactivates your panel but also ensures it remains compliant with Australian fire safety regulations and supports ESM reporting.
With early detection and alarm coordination, as well as evacuation guidance, your FIP is crucial in saving lives and preventing damage. That’s why they are an integral part of building fire safety and evacuation. Regular and professional servicing, maintenance, and testing are key to keeping your fire panel in working order and compliant with Australian standards.
Get in touch with us today and book your fire panel inspection or maintenance.
Smoke alarms are an essential component of any home or workplace fire safety strategy – after all, in an emergency, their piercing beep is the first thing that alerts you to the presence of smoke. This smoke may be caused by a fire, an electrical fault, or any number of other serious risks to life and property. Fast detection is critical to fire safety, which is why it’s so important that your smoke alarms are always functioning properly.
What if your smoke alarm continues to beep even when there’s no smoke in sight?
Continuous or irregular beeping is often an indicator that a smoke alarm requires servicing, maintenance, or professional diagnostic testing. Smoke alarms use different beep patterns to communicate different issues – for example, a low battery, dust contamination, or sensor errors. Interpreting what type of beep means what is an important step in maintaining a safe and compliant home or business.
Smoke alarms in Australia and New Zealand are required to adhere to strict standards such as AS 3786: 2014 which set out performance requirements and the beep patterns that smoke alarms use to indicate malfunctions or other faults. If your smoke alarm has begun to emit one of these beep patterns, the beeping is not just a warning for you to respond – it’s telling you exactly what the issue is.
In this article, we’ll explain what steps you can take to resolve the issue and how regular maintenance can help prevent false alerts in the future. We also provide guidance on when it’s time to call in the expert fire safety technicians from Alexon. When it comes to fire safety, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Flat batteries are the number one culprit behind a chirping smoke alarm. Most models need a fresh set every six months to stay fire-ready. You can use a battery tester to confirm if the cells are running low, or simply swap them out as a precaution.
Before you reload, double-check the new batteries match the required voltage and have a full charge. Don’t insert duds as they won’t silence the alarm, and you’ll be right back where you started.
If you’ve changed the battery and the chirping still won’t quit, don’t panic. Some hardwired alarms with battery backup hang onto fault codes like stubborn smoke in a backdraft. You’ll need to reset the unit to clear its processor and restore normal operation.
It sounds simple, but it’s a common issue - a partially closed battery drawer will stop your smoke alarm from making a proper connection with the battery terminals. Without that contact, the unit can’t power up fully, and it’ll keep chirping to warn you.
If the alarm’s beeping and you notice the battery drawer isn’t flush, shut it firmly until you hear the click. That minor gap could be the only thing standing between you and a silent, fire-ready detector.
Check for any obstructions preventing contact with the terminals. The most common culprit? The protective pull tab of your smoke alarm battery hasn’t been fully removed.
Until the battery terminals are in direct contact, the alarm can’t draw power, and it will keep signalling that fault. Remove the tab completely to ensure a solid connection and restore the detector to full operational readiness.
Ceiling-mounted detectors collect dust like any other surface, and they’re a favourite hiding spot for spiders and insects that can interfere with sensors.
To keep your alarm operating as intended, clean the sensing chamber and surrounding area at least every six months. A quick clean can prevent nuisance beeping, false alarms, and unnecessary callouts.
If your alarm won’t stop chirping (even after a fresh battery change), there could be a fault caught in the unit’s processor. To clear it, perform a hard reset: press and hold the test/hush button for 15 to 20 seconds until the alarm sounds a full-volume test tone. This should clear any false signals in the system’s memory.
If the reset doesn’t silence it, and the unit’s over 10 years old, it’s likely reached end-of-life and no amount of troubleshooting will bring it back to code. Replace it with a compliant, photoelectric unit to stay protected and meet regulations.
If you’ve ruled out battery issues, checked for terminal obstructions, cleaned the sensing chamber, and confirmed the device isn’t exposed to environmental triggers like steam or heat, it’s time to check the manufacture date. You’ll find it stamped on the back of the unit. If it’s older than eight years, consider replacing it to stay ahead of failure.
This isn’t just about stopping an annoying sound. A faulty or expired smoke alarm puts lives and property at risk. For full compliance and protection, always replace expired devices with a photoelectric alarm that meets Australian fire safety standards. And remember, routine smoke alarm testing and maintenance are critical to keeping your first line of fire defence in working order.
Regular testing is the simplest and most effective way to ensure your smoke alarms are operational. Press and hold the test button on each unit for at least 5 seconds until the alarm sounds. If the sound is weak or nonexistent, immediate action is required.
Even if your alarms are hardwired with battery backup, replacing the batteries once a year as part of your annual fire statement is essential. Relying solely on intermittent chirps to signal low battery risks missing the alert entirely.
Dust, dirt, and insect debris can impair sensor performance and lead to false alarms or failure to detect smoke. Clean the sensing chamber and external vents with a vacuum brush or compressed air at least twice a year.
For peace of mind and to ensure full compliance with Australian fire safety standards, it’s best to have your fire equipment inspected and maintained by certified fire safety professionals.
Contact Alexon today for expert fire equipment servicing, testing, and fire safety advice tailored to your property’s needs.
In the event of a fire-related emergency, smoke alarms beep to alert us to the presence of smoke, which may be resulting from a fire, electrical fault, or other danger that could become even more hazardous without early detection. This is what makes smoke alarms a vital component for any fire safety plan – whether for a residential property or even for your business premises.
But what if your smoke alarm is continuously beeping without the presence of smoke? If you’ve recognised different beeps emitting from your smoke alarms, then you may be due for servicing or maintenance of your smoke alarms, or will require diagnostics testing from expert fire safety technicians. It’s important that you learn to understand the difference between the types of beeps from your smoke alarm units, and respond appropriately to each.
Smoke alarms in Australia and New Zealand are required to meet stringent standards, such as AS 3786:2014, to ensure they provide reliable smoke detection and effective alerting. These standards cover their construction, performance, and the patterns they use for beeping, which are not random but are designed to convey specific information.
In this post, we will discuss the most common reasons that a smoke alarm may be beeping, how to identify each one and what actions you should take, and when to contact our qualified professionals from Alexon.
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Smoke alarms are an essential safety measure designed to get your attention, and they do so for a reason. Most commonly, smoke alarm beeping is a response to a low battery, a fault in the unit, or a genuine detection of smoke or heat. In newer installations, it can also be something as simple as a battery pull-tab not being removed, or the battery drawer not being properly closed.
Environmental factors can also trigger nuisance alarms. Excessive dust, humidity, or heat (especially in areas like kitchens or bathrooms) can cause false readings if the unit hasn’t been installed correctly or isn’t suited to the location.
Wiring faults, inconsistent mains power, or interference in interconnected systems can also result in unexpected smoke alarm beeping. And if the unit is more than 10 years old, it’s likely due for replacement – most alarms are rated for a decade of use, and will alert you when they’ve reached the end of their service life.
Whether it’s a maintenance issue or a sign of something more serious, a beeping alarm shouldn’t be ignored. If basic checks don’t resolve it, the unit should be inspected in line with AS 3786:2014 and, where applicable, maintained in accordance with AS 1851.
Most alarms follow similar patterns, but always refer to the manufacturer’s guide. In general, here’s what your smoke alarm beeping may be alerting you to:
If your smoke alarm is part of an interconnected system, don’t assume the beeping unit is the source of the issue. You’ll need to trace the network thoroughly to pinpoint the cause for the beeping.
Once the battery’s charge falls below the operational threshold, the alarm emits periodic chirps as a warning. Ignoring low battery signals compromises the ability of your smoke alarm unit to provide early fire detection, creating a significant safety risk and breaching compliance obligations under AS 3786:2014.
Replacement batteries must meet manufacturer specifications (typically 9V alkaline or lithium types) and should be changed promptly upon first indication.
Under the National Construction Code (NCC) and in accordance with AS 3786:2014, all domestic smoke alarms must be replaced every ten years from the date of manufacture – not the date of installation. For landlords and property managers, ensuring alarms are within their service life is a compliance requirement, not a recommendation.
One of the most common issues is simply not knowing how old the device is. If the date of manufacture isn’t visible on the alarm casing, it should be treated as expired and replaced.
Most modern smoke alarms include an “end-of-life” alert, an audible warning that the unit is no longer compliant and must be changed. This sound often resembles a low battery chirp, but the exact tone will vary between manufacturers. If the smoke alarm is beeping and a battery change doesn’t resolve it, it’s likely at the end of its operational life.
Dust and debris inside the unit block the sensing chamber of the alarm. In some circumstances, there can be a false activation of the alarm and a rapid beeping sound.
Smoke and fire alarms can be affected by debris wherever they are installed in your office building or property. These alarm units are sensitive to high-dust areas, flying insects, and flammable gases. Also, avoid installing the smoke alarm near windows, doors, or air-conditioning vents, where external elements may directly affect the sensor’s air.
If your smoke alarm is making a beeping noise, then it is suggested you reinstall it in a different area, or at least make sure it is away from direct heat, windows, doors, or HVAC air vents.
Smoke alarms are sensitive to environmental conditions and designed to detect a particular level of smoke or heat particles. Rapid temperature changes in the room and high humidity may cause the smoke alarm to beep intermittently or sound a false alarm.
Steam, excessive heat, or condensation is often found in bathrooms, kitchens or other enclosed areas and will cause the unit to beep randomly. High humidity and moisture in the air can also cause smoke alarms to emit a low, loud beeping sound.
If your smoke alarm is mains powered (with battery backup) a beeping sound can be caused by a power fault in the unit or the wiring. Power surges or power loss, or even a loose connection, can cause a smoke alarm to beep intermittently.
The age of the house and poor quality electrical work can often cause the smoke alarm to malfunction as there is sometimes no segregation of smoke alarms and other house power circuits during electrical upgrades and renovations.
A continuous loud alarm from your smoke alarm means the alarm has detected smoke or fire. Once the fire alarm sounds it is regarded as a real fire situation, and you should treat it as such. Smoke alarms have a sensing chamber that is calibrated to detect a specific range of size combustion particles. When the smoke or fire particles exceed the specified size, the alarm will automatically be activated and emit a loud noise.
If your smoke alarm is making a continuous loud noise, please exit the building and call the emergency services (or undertake the same as specified in your evacuation plan) and do not disregard the alarm until you have established the cause of the alarm. Smoke alarms have a high-reliability rate when maintained and tested according to AS 1851.
If your smoke alarm keeps chirping even after you’ve cleaned it, reset it, and swapped out the batteries, it might be time to bring in a professional. There could be an internal fault you can’t see, and when it comes to fire safety, it’s not worth taking chances.
A licensed technician can carry out a full inspection of your smoke alarms to make sure they’re compliant, correctly placed, and functioning as intended. They'll also check for wiring faults, outdated hardware, or environmental factors that could be triggering false alerts.
If your alarms are over eight years old, or you’re still relying on standalone units, it might be time to upgrade. Interconnected alarms (whether wired or wireless) ensure that when one goes off, they all sound. Smart alarms go a step further, offering mobile alerts and remote monitoring.
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If you’re unsure whether your fire safety equipment is up to standard (or you're ready to upgrade to interconnected or smart systems), the Alexon team can help. We’ll assess your space, recommend the best solution, and make sure it’s installed and tested to meet fire safety codes.
Fires can start in seconds (from something as small as a cigarette ember or an unexpected electrical fault), and the consequences can be devastating if left unmitigated. Having a properly maintained fire extinguisher on hand is one of the most effective ways to control small fires before they escalate.
It’s critical to use the correct type of fire safety equipment for the situation (whether it’s a Class A fire involving common combustibles, a Class B fire fueled by flammable liquids, or a Class E fire caused by electrical equipment). That’s why fire extinguisher installation and routine maintenance are legal requirements for all applicable properties in Australia, and a vital component of regulatory compliance across virtually all Australian industries. When it comes to fire safety, early intervention with the right equipment can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
At Alexon, our fire safety specialists often get asked, “How long do fire extinguishers actually last?” The answer depends on a few key factors, including the type of extinguisher, how it’s stored, and whether it’s been properly maintained over time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about extinguisher expiry, servicing requirements, and how to make sure your workplace or home stays compliant and protected.
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Under AS/NZS 1841, the Australian Standard for portable fire extinguishers, fire extinguishers must meet strict requirements regarding their size, construction, labelling, and performance. The appropriate size and type of extinguisher will depend on the fire risks present in the environment, ranging from smaller 1 kg units suitable for domestic use to larger extinguishers designed for commercial and industrial settings.
Fire extinguishers also vary in terms of their extinguishing agent, discharge pressure, and the material of the cylinder itself. Choosing the right extinguisher means considering both the type of fire you’re likely to face and the compliance requirements for your premises.
Water extinguishers handle Class A fires that originate from common materials like wood, paper, textiles, and some plastics. The extinguishing process works through lowering the temperature of the material on fire until the fire is completely extinguished.
Not suitable for fires involving electrical equipment or flammable liquids, and should never be used in those situations.
Foam fire extinguishers work on fires that involve solid materials (such as wood and paper) while also being effective against flammable liquids (including petrol and oils). The extinguishers produce a dense foam barrier to suffocate flames while simultaneously reducing surface heat.
Not suitable for use on electrical fires and should be avoided in those situations.
Effective on a wide range of fires, including those involving ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical equipment. These devices interrupt the chemical processes that feed the fire and rapidly suppress the flames.
Commonly used in commercial and industrial environments where different fire risks may be present.
Ideal for fires involving flammable liquids and live electrical equipment. They put out fires by quickly removing oxygen and decreasing the temperature.
Their lack of residue makes them ideal for deployment in areas with sensitive electronics and machinery where avoiding damage during clean-up is vital.
Commercial kitchens face frequent hazards from cooking oil and fat fires which specially designed fire extinguishers aim to combat. The extinguishers function by both cooling the fire quickly and creating a thick soapy barrier which prevents the fire from flaring up again.
Essential for any kitchen environment.
These extinguishers specifically target infrequent yet severe fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, and aluminium. These extinguishers use special agents that suppress burning metals by both smothering them and reducing their extreme heat which water and conventional extinguishers cannot achieve.
Outside of industrial or manufacturing environments, these extinguishers are not often needed but become essential wherever metal fires could occur.
Over time, fire extinguishers can lose pressure and become less effective. Misuse and general wear and tear can impact the efficacy of your fire extinguisher unit when used in an emergency. While there’s no fixed expiry date for fire extinguishers in Australia, strict maintenance standards are in place to make sure they stay in working order.
Under AS/NZS 1851:2012, which sets the guidelines for servicing fire protection equipment, all portable and wheeled extinguishers must be tested, inspected, and tagged at least every six months. This includes visual checks, pressure testing, and refilling if needed. Regular servicing is the only way to guarantee your extinguisher will work when you need it most - and to stay compliant with Australian fire safety regulations. And a 5-yearly pressure test is also required.
The extinguishing agents inside fire extinguishers (depending on if it’s water for Class A fires, dry chemical powder for Class B and E fires, or foam for flammable liquids) don’t usually expire. But that doesn’t mean the unit will always function as expected.
We believe understanding fire safety compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes - it’s about knowing when your equipment needs to be inspected, recharged, or replaced to ensure it meets Australian standards and performs in a real emergency.
One of the most common issues is a gradual loss of pressure, which can happen over time even if the extinguisher hasn’t been used. And without the right internal pressure, the extinguisher won’t discharge properly in an emergency, making it essentially useless when you need it most.
That’s why regular equipment maintenance and servicing are essential safety measures that help ensure your extinguisher will perform reliably, no matter what type of fire you’re facing.
If you have a disposable fire extinguisher at home, it’s important to identify the type you’re dealing with. Portable aerosol fire extinguishers (often mistaken for spray cans) are designed for one-time use and come with a clear expiry or “use by” date printed on the canister. In Australia, this lifespan typically ranges around five years from the manufacture date, though it can vary depending on the brand and model.
Unlike refillable extinguishers, disposable aerosols cannot be serviced or recharged, so replacing them on time is crucial for reliable fire protection. For detailed guidance on maintaining fire suppression systems and staying compliant, refer to the Product Safety Australia website.
To determine the manufacturing date of your fire extinguisher, start by inspecting the cylinder itself. In most cases, the date will be stamped into the metal at the base of the cylinder or printed near the product label as part of a serial or batch number. This is standard practice across all reputable extinguisher manufacturers in Australia.
Fire extinguishers don’t technically expire the way food or medicine does, but that doesn’t mean they can be left unchecked. Even if a unit appears untouched, fire extinguisher testing is critical to ensure it's pressurised, operational, and compliant.
Knowing the manufacturing date is essential for compliance with AS/NZS 1851:2012. This standard requires that portable fire extinguishers undergo regular inspections and pressure testing, including a hydrostatic test every five years from the date of manufacture. Failing to identify or act on this timeline can result in non-compliance and, more importantly, unreliable equipment in the event of an emergency.
This maintenance schedule isn’t just a recommendation - it forms part of your legal obligations under your annual fire safety statement, which confirms that all fire protection equipment on your premises is in proper working order. If servicing has been missed or records are incomplete, the extinguisher may need to be replaced, even if it looks fine on the outside.
At Alexon, we’re dedicated to making fire safety simple and reliable, which means ensuring your fire extinguishers are ready when you need them most. Fire extinguishers are a critical part of any fire safety plan. But simply having one on site isn’t enough.
Like all essential safety equipment, fire extinguishers require regular checks to confirm they’re in good working order, properly mounted, and fully compliant with Australian fire safety standards.
Routine fire extinguisher maintenance involves visually inspecting the unit for damage, checking pressure gauges, confirming the safety seals are intact, and verifying that everyone on site knows its location and proper use. These simple, regular inspections can make a vital difference during a fire emergency.
If you’re unsure whether your fire extinguishers need servicing, recharging, or replacement (or if you want expert advice on maintenance and compliance), contact the team at Alexon today. We’ll help you stay protected and confident that your fire safety measures are up to standard.
A fire blanket is a simple yet essential type of fire safety equipment expressly designed to tackle Class A (carbonaceous), Class B (flammable liquid), and Class F (oils and cooking fats) fires. Designed to withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees Celsius, fire blankets are considered an essential safety measure for workplaces across Australia, and are required by law for installation in commercial kitchens, laboratories, workshops, and other environments with a higher risk of small fires involving flammable liquids or cooking fats.
Alongside correct installation and maintenance, it’s essential for you and your team to learn how to use a fire blanket correctly to make sure that this fire suppression system is as effective as possible in the event of a fire-related emergency.
Today, our team of fire safety specialists at Alexon break down how to properly use fire blankets, so you can be prepared and ensure safety in your home or workplace.
Fire blankets are a simple but powerful fire suppression system. They're made from layers of fire-resistant material, including woven glass fibre, and aramid fibres or silicone-coated fabrics that are non-combustible and able to smother fires fast. By smothering fires, fire blankets are able to cut off the supply of oxygen to quickly snuffle out flames.
According to our fire safety specialists, most small fires can be controlled early with the right equipment - if they’re caught quickly enough. That’s where fire extinguishers and blankets come in, but not every fire can be tackled with an extinguisher. Fires involving cooking oils and fats (known as Class F fires) burn at extremely high temperatures and aren’t suitable for extinguishers. This is why fire blankets were also developed to not only smother fires, but also to protect users from radiant heat when approaching flames.
As per AS/NZS 3504:2006, one of the Australian Fire Safety Standards that outline the requirements for fire blankets, fire blankets must measure at least 1 metre by 1 metre in size. These minimum size fire blankets are often referred to as ‘economy blankets’, and are suitable for most residential kitchens.
The different types of fire blankets available don’t just differ in size. Fire blankets are available in varying levels of thickness and material compositions as well.
Recommended for residential kitchens and smaller commercial cafe or office kitchens.
These fire blankets provide a slightly larger coverage area, making them suitable for larger residential or smaller commercial kitchens.
With a wider span, these fire blankets are suitable for commercial kitchens with 5-6+ burners, or laboratories and warehouses with risks of larger fires.
The largest of the standard fire blanket sizes, as outlined in AS/NZS 3504:2006, these fire blankets are suitable for commercial kitchens, laboratories, warehouses, or other commercial environments where there are risks of larger fires.
There are also car fire blankets which refer to AS2444:2001 covering portable fire equipment, not to AS/NZS 3504:2006 that relates specifically to the installation and maintenance of fixed fire blankets.
The most common material found in fire blankets, fibreglass is non-combustible and highly durable, making it an optimal material for fire blankets. Fibreglass blankets can, however, become brittle when exposed to heat over time, which is why routine fire blanket testing and maintenance is essential.
Renowned for their high heat resistance, aramid fibres are also durable and less susceptible to wear and tear when compared to fibreglass.
As well as providing increased heat resistance, silicone-coated fire blankets are also water resistant and reduce risks of irritation caused by fibreglass splintering. Their improved durability and performance against Class F fires make silicone-coated fire blankets ideal for larger commercial kitchen and laboratory environments.
Fire blankets are designed to be quick and easy to use, especially important in a high-stress situation. In the event of a fire, all it takes is a simple grab and pull of the handles to release the blanket from its wall-mounted container. As it drops, the fire blanket naturally folds over the user’s hands, offering protection from heat and flames while moving in to smother the fire.
Although fire blankets are expressly designed to be easy to use, it’s still essential to ensure you and your team are trained in not only how, but also when to use their fire blankets. Reviewing the instructions printed on your fire blanket container can help make sure your team can act correctly when needed.
In fact, reviewing simple safety equipment like fire blankets can be part of your Annual Fire Safety Statement process, helping ensure that everyone on-site knows what to do when every second counts.
Fire blankets are most commonly used in kitchens when dealing with cooking oil or grease fires. These types of Class F fires can become much more dangerous if exposed to water, but a fire blanket can smother the flames safely without making things worse.
In offices or homes, small electrical fires can happen too, maybe from an overloaded power board or a faulty appliance. In these cases, a fire blanket is a safe option as they do not conduct electricity.
Fire blankets are also really useful if someone’s clothes catch fire. You can wrap the person in the blanket to cut off the supply of oxygen and help put the flames out quickly. Here, fire blankets provide a fast, effective way to prevent serious burns, and in more serious situations, like if you need to move through a smoky or fire-affected area, wrapping yourself or someone else in a fire blanket can give you an extra layer of protection from the heat while you find a way out.
Before a fire emergency occurs, it’s essential that everyone in your home or workplace knows how to safely exit the building. In our experience, having a strong evacuation plan is always a good idea, with everyone knowing where the fire blanket is stored and how to use it.
Here’s a simple guide on how to properly use a fire blanket in an emergency.
If a fire breaks out in the kitchen or involves something like a toaster or stovetop, and it’s safe to do so, one of the first things you should try is switching off the heat or unplugging the appliance. Cutting the source of power helps make sure the fire doesn’t flare back up once it’s out.
Fires need heat to keep going, so taking that away, even after you’ve smothered the flames, gives you a better chance of stopping it for good. Just remember: only do this if you can reach the switch without putting yourself at risk. Staying safe is always the top priority.
When a fire breaks out, head straight to the spot where your fire blanket is stored - this might be in a kitchen cupboard, mounted on the wall, or in an easy-access drawer. Before you get too close to the fire, take a moment to protect your hands. In our experience, grip the corners or tabs of the blanket and fold the top edge back over your hands, almost like you're creating makeshift mitts. This extra layer helps shield your skin from the heat and gives you a more secure hold on the blanket.
Not only does this reduce your risk of burns, but it also gives you better control as you move in. With your hands protected and your grip steady, you’ll feel more confident getting close enough to safely smother the flames.
It’s important not to panic or rush - we know staying calm in an emergency will help you stay in control. When you're close enough, resist the urge to throw the blanket. It might feel like the faster option, but tossing it can leave gaps or even make the flames worse.
Instead, carefully place the blanket over the fire, starting from the edge closest to you and working forward to cover the entire flame. Make sure the blanket fully smothers the fire - this is key. The blanket acts like a seal that cuts off its air supply. If even a little bit of flame is exposed, it can keep burning or reignite. So our best recommendation is take your time to get full coverage and let the blanket smother effectively.
Do not attempt to move the blanket after covering the fire completely. Place the blanket over the fire for at least 30 minutes - we understand that even though this seems like a long time, it’s essential. This additional time allows the fire to burn out completely and prevents any remaining embers from reigniting.
You should resist checking too soon because taking off the blanket prematurely might let oxygen reach the fire, causing it to burst into flames unexpectedly in front of you.
It is important to contact your local fire brigade even when it appears that the fire has been fully extinguished. Fires may continue to smoulder and have hidden areas where they reignite even after we believe they have been extinguished. Your local fire officials will inspect the area to verify safety after arriving at the scene.
If your attempts to control the fire fail and it starts spreading further, you must act immediately. Leave the area at once to reach a secure location. As soon as you get to safety, call emergency services immediately.
You should dispose of a fire blanket after one-time usage. In compliance with Australian fire safety standard AS1851, used fire blankets must not be reused. While the fire blanket may appear undamaged externally, the materials inside could suffer damage from the fire, causing potential future performance issues.
Quickly purchasing a new fire blanket puts you in the right state of mind because you’ll know you’re ready for any emergency. Proper maintenance of your fire safety equipment helps ensure its readiness when emergencies arise.
At Alexon, we’re committed to making fire safety straightforward, and that includes making sure your fire blanket is ready when it counts. Fire blankets are an essential part of any safety kit, especially in kitchens, caravans, offices, and other high-risk spaces. But just having one handy isn’t enough.
Like all fire alarms and other safety equipment, fire blankets should be checked regularly to ensure they’re in good condition, properly stored, and like having a new fire extinguisher installed, compliant with Australian fire safety standards.
Routine fire blanket testing must involve visually inspecting fire blankets for signs of damage, checking the container and mounting, and ensuring everyone on-site knows where it is and how to use it. These routine checks are a small step that makes a big difference in the event of a fire-related emergency.
If you’re not sure whether your fire blanket is due for replacement or need guidance on best practice for testing and storage of fire blankets, contact our team at Alexon today. We’ll help you make sure you’re covered (literally) and give you peace of mind that your fire safety plan is up to scratch.
Fire safety is crucial for both homes and businesses, and one of the key components of fire protection is the proper use of fire hose reels. These devices provide a reliable method for controlling fires before they escalate, especially in commercial and industrial settings. In addition to installing fire extinguishers and fire sprinkler systems, a fire hose reel is an essential tool for addressing larger fires quickly and effectively.
For managers and business owners (whether you run a hospital, school, hotel, factory, or any other facility) fire safety is just as critical as staffing and operations. A single fire incident can result in substantial financial losses, along with potential harm to employees, customers, and long-term business viability. This is why understanding how to use fire hose reels is so important.
Our fire protection services assist businesses across Australia with expert advice, equipment supply and ongoing fire safety maintenance to ensure you stay protected and compliant. Before learning how to use fire hose reels, it’s important to understand the different types available and which fire classes they’re designed to combat.
Fire hose reels are a key piece of fire protection equipment. A fire hose reel is a hand-operated device that consists of a pair of hoses on a reel. Each fire hose reel typically provides up to 35 metres of non-kinking tubing. The system includes a manual on/off valve, a hose guide and a nozzle that allows the user to direct and control water flow.
The device consists of a motor, gearbox and a reel, which is the main component of the device. The reel is powered by a hydraulic motor that operates the gearbox, which in turn, operates the reel.
The hydraulic motor is powered by hydraulic fluid, which is housed in a pressurised container. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid is maintained by the pressure of the water being pulled out of the hose. The hydraulic fluid is then delivered to the reel through an oil-filled hose.
Reels are usually installed on a fire hydrant and are usually controlled by a nearby panel. When properly installed and maintained, they allow for rapid response, helping control fires before they escalate.
They are intended for use by building occupants to suppress Class A fires, including those involving paper, textiles, wood, most plastics and rubber. They are not suitable for electrical fires. Water conducts electricity, and using a hose reel in these situations can result in serious injury or death by electrocution.
In a fire, every minute counts and it’s important to have essential safety measures in place. The condition and accessibility of your fire hose reel can mean the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
Fixed hose reels are the most common type of fire hose reel installed across Australia. Permanently mounted to a wall in a designated location, these reels are directly connected to the building’s main water supply, ensuring a continuous and reliable water source in the event of a fire.
They are typically positioned in accessible areas along evacuation routes, such as hallways, stairwells, or near building exits, making them easy to locate during an emergency.
To ensure the reel can be used quickly and effectively, it’s essential to keep the surrounding wall space clear of any obstructions. Items stored too close to the hose reel can restrict access, hinder the hose from fully unwinding, or cause dangerous delays during a fire situation.
Proper signage, routine inspections and clear access pathways are all part of maintaining the readiness of a fixed hose reel. In commercial or multi-storey buildings, regular servicing in line with Australian Standard AS 1851 ensures compliance and functionality when it matters most.
Swing-arm fire hose reels are designed with flexibility in mind. This swinging motion allows the hose to follow the operator as they move toward the fire, reducing friction, tangles, or resistance and helping ensure a faster, more controlled response.
Because of their ease of movement, swing-arm models are commonly installed inside recessed cabinets or narrow corridors where space is limited but access is critical. To function properly, the cabinet door and swing-arm path must remain completely unobstructed.
Swing-arm fire hose reels offer a smart balance between safety, space efficiency and fast deployment, making them an ideal solution in commercial buildings or high-traffic environments.
Portable fire hose reels are commonly used as fire safety equipment in construction sites, large open facilities, warehouses, or temporary structures. Basically, anywhere fire risks are present but the building infrastructure doesn’t support permanent hose reel installations.
Because they’re not fixed in place, it’s really important that portable reels are stored in clearly marked, accessible areas and routinely checked to ensure they’re ready for use. This includes checking hose integrity, seeing if the nozzle is operational and confirming a reliable water source is nearby.
While portable reels can be a practical addition to a fire safety plan, they should complement (not replace) different types of fire safety equipment in permanent buildings.
Our fire hose reels are manufactured and assembled to meet the requirements of Australian Fire Safety Standard AS/NZS1221.
This means that at their full 36-metre extension, 19mm hoses must be capable of delivering a minimum of 0.45 litres of water per second at a pressure of 220kPa. To meet this benchmark, each component - along with the fully assembled reel - undergoes strict performance testing.
That’s why it’s important to use only compliant, approved spare parts when repairing or replacing any part of a fire hose reel. Installation and signage requirements must follow Australian guidelines to ensure fire hose reels are easy to locate and access in an emergency.
Fire hose reels should be checked every six months, and your annual fire safety statement should be kept up to date in your site's fire safety records. Each reel should display a fire equipment maintenance tag to indicate the date of its last inspection.
At Alexon, our priority is keeping Melbourne safe by ensuring your fire hose reel is always compliant with safety standards, offering expert advice and maintenance to make sure you’re fully equipped and know how to use fire hose reels in any fire situation.
If your fire hose reel is fitted with an anti-tamper seal, break it to access the hose. This seal is designed to deter misuse and ensure the reel remains ready for use in a real fire.
Turn on the water supply at the stop valve. This will allow water to flow through the hose once you're ready to activate the nozzle.
Pull out the hose to the required length - only as much as needed to reach the fire. Unlike lay-flat hoses, fire hose reels are semi-rigid and don’t need to be fully uncoiled before use, making them quicker and easier to deploy.
At the nozzle, turn the handle to release water and direct the stream at the base of the fire. This is the most effective way to suppress flames. Use only as much water as necessary to extinguish the fire.
Once the fire has been extinguished, turn off the water at the nozzle first. This helps you maintain control and prevents unnecessary water from escaping as you begin packing the hose away.
Next, rewind the hose in smooth, even layers. It’s easier to do this while there’s still water inside the hose, as the weight helps it coil more neatly. Avoid tangles or kinks to ensure the hose is ready for use next time.
After the hose is fully rewound, turn off the stop valve to shut off the water supply. Then, open the nozzle briefly to release any built-up pressure - ideally into a bucket to avoid creating a mess.
Finally, close the nozzle and return it to its holder. This ensures the hose reel is left in good condition and ready to go in case of another emergency.
The key benefits of knowing how to use fire hose reels include the:
The intuitive design is a direct result of the need for quick, straightforward action in a high-pressure situation. The hose is designed to unspool smoothly and the reel mechanism requires minimal effort to deploy.
These features allow users to focus their energy on properly directing water to the base of the fire, rather than wrestling with the equipment. This thoughtful design is rooted in the understanding that, in a fire, users may be under a lot of stress.
By removing unnecessary complexity, fire hose reels ensure that people, regardless of their training or experience, can confidently and quickly operate them, maximising their effectiveness in controlling small fires before they escalate.
The ability of fire hose reels to remain connected to a constant water source is a key advantage. This connection ensures that the user has access to an uninterrupted supply of water, crucial for maintaining control over fires that may escalate rapidly.
Fire hose reels provide a steady, high-volume water stream, which makes them an excellent choice for tackling larger fires or those that could potentially spread. Unlike portable fire extinguishers, which can only handle smaller fires and have limited capacity, hose reels provide the duration of water flow needed for more comprehensive fire suppression.
The mains water connection means that a fire hose reel can deliver consistent pressure and volume over extended periods, making them ideal for high-risk environments. This continuous water source ensures that you can tackle the fire effectively, without worrying about running out of resources in the heat of the moment.
When using a fire hose reel, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. First, make sure to alert everyone in your vicinity as soon as you notice a fire. This ensures that everyone knows what’s happening and can evacuate if necessary.
Once you've done that, activate the emergency fire alarm systems to notify the entire building and then contact the Fire Brigade immediately for professional assistance. It’s also crucial to identify the fuel source of the fire, as this will guide your response.
Avoid using a fire hose reel for fires caused by flammable liquids, as water can make the situation worse by floating the liquids, spreading the flames even further.
Lastly, always ensure you have a clear path to the nearest exit. If the situation escalates, you’ll need to have a safe evacuation plan.
When a fire breaks out, time is critical. Fire hose reels provide a fast, reliable method of delivering high-pressure water to contain and control Class A fires before they escalate.
Whether mounted on the wall or ceiling, these systems are designed to be deployed quickly by occupants, delivering a continuous stream of water that helps prevent a small fire from turning into a major emergency.
But equipment is only as effective as its quality. Poorly made hose reels can rupture or fail under pressure, especially during crucial moments when performance matters most. That’s why choosing heavy-duty, UV-stable fire hose reels, manufactured to Australian Standards, is non-negotiable for long-term safety and compliance.
At Alexon, we only supply fire hose reels that meet rigorous performance testing. Our expert team can help you select the right model for your environment, handle professional installation and provide scheduled maintenance to keep your system ready for action. We also offer emergency call-outs if your existing system shows signs of wear or isn’t functioning correctly.
Need advice or a fast response on how to use fire hose reels? Contact us today for personalised maintenance and product recommendations. Or to arrange an emergency fire safety call-out.
Your safety is our priority - and when it comes to learning how to use a fire hose reel, there’s no time to wait.
There are stringent requirements for ensuring that inner city residential and commercial buildings maintain compliance with Building Codes of Australia. Although there are hundreds of Australian standards to follow when constructing residential and commercial buildings, there are only a few you’ll need to keep in mind once a structure has been built. Australian fire safety standards are amongst these few.
Fire safety is an ongoing concern both in regional areas as well as the city centres. Although residents and citizens can do their part in keeping their homes safe from the risk of bushfires and other fire-related events, it is ultimately the responsibility of business owners and strata managers to ensure that commercial and multi-storey residential buildings are compliant within the Australian fire safety standards.
Whilst working with dedicated fire protection technicians can help strata managers identify the Australian standards pertaining to their building, it’s always a good idea to understand these fire safety standards for yourself . To help, our technicians at Alexon have outlined 10 of the most important Australian fire safety standards for ensuring building compliance in chronological order. Be sure to display information of all relevant fire safety standards and australian fire safety standards building codes in your building or on your workplace premises to help further support your regulatory compliance.
The 10 important Australian Fire Safety Standards to know are:
AS/NZS1221 outlines the maintenance requirements for fire hose reels in commercial and multi-storey residential buildings. According to this particular Australian standard for fire safety, maintenance for fire hose reels must be carried out every six months in order to maintain compliance and make sure that your reels perform as required in the event of a fire-related emergency. Maintenance for reels includes a test flow to gauge water flow pressures, as well as a physical inspection of equipment to check that all couplings, joints, the spray nozzle, and other components are connected and free of damage.
At Alexon, we offer thorough inspections and maintenance for all fire safety systems, ensuring your fire hose reels meet the required standards.
AS1603 and AS1670 are two important Australian fire safety standards that strata managers should be familiar with. While AS1603 defines the design and manufacturing standards for fire detection and warning systems, AS1670 outlines the installation requirements for these systems. Therefore, it is essential for strata managers to comply with the installation and testing requirements for their smoke alarm and fire alarm systems, as stipulated in AS1670.
Moreover, during system testing, fire safety specialists will ensure that all hardware installed in the building complies with both AS1670 and AS1603 standards. This is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of the fire safety systems in case of an emergency. Therefore, strata managers should make sure that their building's fire safety systems are not only installed and tested in accordance with AS1670 but also comply with the manufacturing standards outlined in AS1603. This also applies to fire alarms in the workplace.
Our team at Alexon ensures your fire alarms are not only installed correctly but tested to ensure optimal performance.
AS1850 outlines the six different classifications for portable fire extinguishers, as well as the individual rating and performance testing requirements for each type. If you have a diagram of the six different types of extinguishers and their effectiveness across different classes of fires (from Class A carbonaceous fires to Class F fires ignited by cooking oils or fats) hanging in your workplace, then you can bet all the information provided in that diagram was taken directly from this particular Australian standards for fire safety.
Any business owners who are utilising water, chemical, foam, carbon dioxide, or vaporising liquid extinguishers should consult AS1850 for further information on the testing and maintenance requirements of their extinguisher to ensure compliance.
We offer comprehensive fire extinguisher maintenance and extinguisher installation, ensuring all units are correctly rated and functioning.
AS1851 standards refers to a wide range of different essential safety measures (ESMs) and the individual testing, maintenance, and record-keeping requirements for virtually all fire protection equipment included in your building. AS1851 makes mention of hose reel systems, extinguishers, blankets, gaseous and water mist systems, doors, alarms, and an assortment of other commonly used fire detection and suppression equipment.
Because of the wide range of maintenance information provided in AS1851, it’s very common to see this particular Australian fire safety standard displayed in workplaces by your fire safety officer, and the office space of your strata manager. Even if your workplace or building does not include all the fire protection equipment outlined in AS1851, having this collection of information will certainly come in handy, especially for commercial buildings which may house a range of different businesses.
Our fire maintenance service at Alexon ensures your fire protection equipment is in peak working condition, fulfilling all AS1851 requirements.
Fire-resistant doorsets as defined in AS1905, are used to protect openings in fire-resistant walls or partitions that are required in buildings to inhibit the spread of fire. Fire doors are also installed in alignment with standards outlined in AS1905 to facilitate the safe passage of building occupants in the event of a fire.
Fire-resistant doors can also be smoke-resistant, or effective barriers to the spread of smoke for a specified period of time. All fire-resistant door frames, door leafs, locks, grilles, exterior panelling, and other components must also adhere to the regulatory australian standard for fire safety as outlined in AS1905.
At Alexon, we supply and install compliant fire-resistant doors to protect your building.
AS2118 specifies the manufacturing, installation, and testing requirements for automatic fire sprinkler systems. AS2118 also provides further information on the types of sprinkler heads and other classifications that building managers should consider when identifying the most ideal sprinkler system for their building.
Keep in mind that not all of the specifications outlined in AS2118 are mandatory to maintain regulatory compliance. For instance, revisions of AS2118 over the past few years have included a focus on water conservation, achieved by using a recirculation tank for reusing water during sprinkler control valve testing. This particular standard also does not cover compliance requirements for water mist fire protection systems, which are instead covered by AS4587.
How Alexon can help is where our certified experts can install and regularly test sprinkler systems to meet AS2118 standards.
Accompanying AS/NZS1221, AS2419 outlines the wider design, installation, and commissioning and testing requirements for fire hydrant systems used to protect buildings, structures, storage yards, marinas, wharves, and fabrication plants. Alongside manufacturing and installation requirements for hydrants outlined by AS2419, AS1851 (mentioned above) states that hydrant systems should be inspected and tested at least once every six months to maintain building compliance. Hydrant flow tests are to be conducted once every five years, but can be conducted earlier if a building strata manager or fire safety officer deems it necessary. Testing should be conducted imminently if your hydrant system shows any signs of damage or faults.
At Alexon, we are known to conduct fire hydrant inspections and flow testing to ensure your compliance with AS2419.
Fire blankets are commonly used in commercial environments that contain food preparation areas and are thus likely to experience Class A, Class B (flammable liquid), and/or Class F fires. Fire blankets are an effective fire suppression measure that extinguishes these three classes of fires by smothering the flames underneath the fire blanket material. AS/NZS3504 stipulates the manufacturing and design standards for effective fire blankets, alongside outlining the ideal location and placement of fire blankets in commercial kitchen and factory settings.
We offer fire blanket installation in commercial kitchens and other high-risk areas to ensure compliance with AS/NZS3504.
Drawing on from AS/NZS3504’s overview of the correct production, placement, and utilisation of fire blankets, AS3772 takes a wider view of all fire protection considerations to be made in cooking areas and for cooking equipment. This relates to commercial kitchen spaces that can be found in cafes, restaurants, and food production and packaging facilities, office kitchens and break rooms, as well as common space cooking areas that are located in multi-storey residential buildings such as apartment complexes.
Here at Alexon, we install specialised gaseous fire suppression systems to protect sensitive equipment.
For commercial buildings that house delicate electrical components or other contents that cannot be exposed to water or foam-based fire suppression equipment, gaseous fire suppression systems are used to remove the risks of gross financial loss that may occur due to water damage in the event of a fire. As the development and installation of gaseous fire suppression systems are quite distinct from water-based sprinkler systems, AS4214 was designed to specifically outline the unique regulatory requirements for maintaining these specialised systems. Gaseous fire suppression systems are most commonly found in networking data centres, electrical or chemical plants, electronics manufacturing facilities, and other facilities that work with computers and other electrical equipment.
Different states and territories in Australia have their own fire safety requirements. It’s essential to be aware of your local regulations to ensure compliance and protect your property. These fire safety standards and requirements for each state include Queensland, New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania, Northern Terriorty (NT) and Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Based in Melbourne and servicing greater Victoria, we specialise in helping clients navigate Victoria’s building fire safety regulations, providing expert guidance to ensure full compliance with current fire safety legislation, Australian Standards, and National Construction Code (NCC) requirements.
Once again, there are hundreds of building and construction standards alongside fire safety standards, such as emergency lighting standards. While builders are responsible for complying with construction standards, such as the installation of fire-resistant cladding and insulation, it is the responsibility of strata managers and building owners to ensure that all fire equipment, infrastructure, and other essential safety measures (ESMs) on their premises are regularly tested and maintained in compliance with Australian fire safety standards, Building Codes of Australia and fire regulations.
Working with Alexon can help ensure that all of your fire safety equipment and other ESMs are kept in good working condition, and that any potential concerns are diagnosed and addressed promptly with Australian fire safety standards in mind.
If you’d like to know more about Australian fire safety standards or organise any equipment testing or electrical services with the fire safety technicians at Alexon, simply contact us today at 1300 001 004 to schedule your appointment. You can reach us via phone or by filling out our enquiry form to receive further information and a no-obligation quote on any of our fire safety services.
See Also: Understanding Strata Fire Safety Compliance Plans
See Also: What Is An Annual Fire Safety Statement?
See Also: What Are Essential Safety Measures
See Also: What Are The Different Types of Fire Safety Equipment?
Having the right fire safety equipment and an accompanying fire safety plan in place is essential for ensuring the safety of your building or premises. Whether by stopping a small flame from spreading or even just by providing you with enough time and access to evacuate before help arrives, having reliable types of fire equipment on-site is a vital component of any risk mitigation strategy.
Different types of fire safety equipment serve different purposes, from fire extinguishers and blankets to alarms and sprinkler systems. Knowing what the different types of fire safety equipment you need and the maintenance and servicing requirements for this equipment can help ensure your building or premises maintains compliance with Australian Fire Safety Standards.
At Alexon, our fire protection safety specialists use their extensive industry knowledge to help keep people and property safe. From system installation to equipment maintenance, our expert team ensures you not only have the right types of fire safety equipment but that all of this equipment is maintained in accordance with the relevant safety standards.
Here are the most common types of fire safety equipment required for commercial and residential buildings across Victoria.
Designed to activate upon the detection of smoke, heat or both, fire alarm detection provides building occupants with the critical time needed to respond appropriately to a fire-related emergency. Without properly functioning alarms, fires can spread undetected, increasing the risk of injuries, fatalities and extensive property damage.
For maximum effectiveness, fire alarms must be strategically placed throughout a building and installed in accordance with relevant fire safety standards. Hallways, stairwells, elevators and common areas should always have alarm coverage to ensure that no matter where a fire starts, people are alerted as quickly as possible.
High-risk areas such as kitchens, mechanical rooms and boiler rooms require specialised alarms designed to detect early signs of combustion in environments where fire hazards are more likely. However, having fire alarms installed in the workplace is only the first step.
Over time, alarms can accumulate dust, dirt or debris that may interfere with their sensors, reducing their effectiveness. Power failures, battery degradation, or faulty wiring can also compromise an alarm’s ability to function when needed most.
To remain compliant with Australian fire safety regulations, ensure your fire alarms are tested regularly. Routine fire alarm maintenance is also essential – this includes checking battery levels, testing sound output, and ensuring alarms are interconnected properly so that a signal from one unit activates the entire system.
Additionally, routine fire drills can help confirm that alarms are functioning as intended while also preparing building occupants for an actual emergency.
By detecting smoke early, smoke alarm systems provide valuable seconds that can make all the difference in an emergency, helping to protect both people and property.
Smoke alarms detect smoke particles in the air through either ionisation sensors or photoelectric sensors. Ionisation smoke alarms effectively detect rapid fire outbreaks with visible flames whereas photoelectric alarms excel at recognising gradual smoke buildup from smoldering fires. Contemporary smoke alarm systems integrate both ionisation and photoelectric technologies to deliver full-range protection.
Unlike fire alarms, which are often part of a larger, interconnected system in commercial buildings, smoke alarms are typically standalone units designed for homes, apartments and smaller businesses. They are essential in key areas such as bedrooms, hallways, stairwells and living spaces, with additional alarms recommended near kitchens and laundry rooms where electrical fires are more likely to occur.
Australian fire safety regulations require smoke alarms to be tested regularly and replaced every 10 years to ensure they remain effective. Monthly at-home checks can be done by pressing the test button to verify the alarm sounds correctly, while an annual inspection by a licensed professional ensures the sensors remain unobstructed and fully functional.
Having the right fire extinguisher readily available can make all the difference in protecting lives, and property and minimising potential damage to your building. Whether you are responding to a small kitchen fire or a larger electrical or chemical blaze, an installed fire extinguishers are designed to tackle different types of fires.
Regular extinguisher maintenance is crucial for ensuring they are in full working order when needed. This includes checking for signs of wear, ensuring the pressure gauge is in the green zone and inspecting for any physical damage. Any that have been used, regardless of how small the fire was should be recharged or replaced immediately.
You can choose the right type of fire extinguisher for your needs by identifying the most likely types of fires that could occur in your environment. For instance, if your space includes a kitchen, you’ll want to have a wet chemical fire extinguisher to handle cooking oil fires. For office environments with electrical equipment, CO2 or dry powder extinguishers are best suited for handling electrical fires among the different types of fire safety equipment.
Ideal for Class A fires, such as those involving wood, paper, and textiles, water fire extinguishers are commonly installed in warehouses and storage facilities as well as some office or classroom environments. Class A fires burn with a solid flame and are also most common in homes, offices and other environments where paper materials are found.
Foam fire extinguishers are suitable for Class A and B fires, including flammable liquids like petrol or oils.
Class B fires can be especially dangerous in environments such as garages, kitchens or industrial settings where these materials are commonly used or stored. These fires leave behind no ash and typically spread quickly due to the nature of the liquid or gas.
CO2 fire extinguishers are best for electrical fires where there are risks of electrical shock if there are attempts to suppress flames using water. As CO2 gas does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue, CO2 fire extinguishers are expressly designed to be ideal for use against all Class E electrical fires.
Dry chemical powder extinguishers are effective on Class A, B, and C fires, including flammable gases, liquids and electrical fires. As Class C fires occur when electrical systems, devices or wiring malfunction and ignite, dry chemical powder aids in reducing risks of electrical shock in much the same way as CO2 fire extinguishers. These two extinguisher types aren’t interchangeable, however, as CO2 fire extinguishers aren’t effective against Class A, B, or C fires.
Specifically designed for Class F fires, wet chemical fire extinguishers are typically found in commercial kitchens. This is because Class F fires are fires that are ignited specifically by the burning of cooking oils and fats and can thus, not be suppressed using water.
As for the different types of fire safety equipment, fire blankets are made from non-flammable, heat-resistant materials capable of resisting temperatures of up to 900°C and extinguishing flames through smothering and oxygen blockage.
One of the big safety advantages of having a fire blanket is it protects against kitchen fires triggered by cooking oils and fats (Class F fires) and provides a safe solution for physically suppressing electrical fires where water or foam extinguishers can create dangers. Fire blankets can also be wrapped around a person whose clothing has caught fire, helping to suppress flames and prevent severe burns.
You can make sure your fire blankets stay compliant with fire safety standards by ensuring they’re correctly installed and maintained in accordance with Australian fire safety standards. The best spot to place your fire blankets is mounted on walls near high-risk zones such as kitchens or workshops, to maintain their effectiveness.
AS1851 also outlines requirements and timelines for regular fire blanket testing to verify the blanket's condition and storage for emergency readiness. Even if unused, fire blankets should be replaced according to the manufacturer's guidelines to maintain reliability.
Fire safety doors are a different type of fire safety equipment installed primarily in multi-storey residential and commercial buildings. They help to contain fires and smoke, preventing them from spreading to other parts of the building and supporting building evacuation plans.
To ensure full compliance with AS1905.1, the gap between a fire door and its frame should be no more than 3mm at the top, while the clearance at the bottom should not exceed 10mm. Additionally, every fire door must have its fire rating clearly displayed to indicate its level of protection.
But proper installation is just the first step. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your fire doors remain in peak working condition. Components such as locks, hinges, knobs, reinforcing plates, tracks and runners all play a role in the operation of your fire doors and should thus, be routinely inspected.
Checking for wear, damage or obstructions helps to prevent malfunctions that could compromise safety in an emergency. AS1851 requires sliding fire doors to also be inspected every three months, hinged fire and smoke doors every six months and fire-rated access panels to be inspected annually.
Fire hose reels are typically installed in commercial buildings, warehouses, industrial sites and other high-risk areas where quick access to water is critical for fire control.
The installation height for fire hose reels should fall within the range of 1.4 metres to 2.4 metres above ground level with 1.5 metres considered ideal for easy access. The spindle which holds the fire hose and the reel's cabinet must also be constructed from metal according to AS2441 to ensure both durability and reliability. If a fire hose reel is installed outside, it must be placed inside a secure metal cabinet. This ensures the hose is protected from potential damage or tampering.
To remain operational and compliant with Australian Fire Safety Standards, regular servicing and maintenance are essential. This includes checking for hose wear and tear to ensure the reel operates smoothly and verify the water pressure is adequate.
Fire hose reels are designed to deliver a water stream to a distance of at least 4 metres unlike fire extinguishers which work effectively up to 2 metres. This means that water pressure testing is also crucial for ensuring optimal performance for your fire hose reel.
According to AS1851, standard fire hose reel needs to release water at a minimum rate of 0.33 litres per second to effectively extinguish fires. The hose should also be able to fully extend to a length of 36 metres and be installed within 4 metres of an exit.
Fire sprinklers play a crucial role in protecting your property and its occupants in the event of a fire. Depending on the design and layout of your building, our team at Alexon can help determine the right type of fire sprinkler system to suit your needs.
Fire sprinklers are typically installed in high-risk areas such as kitchens, warehouses, industrial spaces and multi-story buildings. These types of fire equipment are vital for minimising fire damage and controlling the spread of flames until emergency services arrive.
Keep in mind, however, that there are many types of fire sprinkler and suppression systems, all of which are tailored to specific environments. For instance, wet pipe systems, the most common type, contain water in the pipes at all times for instant activation. Foam deluge systems provide rapid, full-area coverage for high-hazard locations.
Contrastingly, dry pipe systems have a pre-action valve located between the water tank and system pipes. Despite the secondary step required for activation, dry pipe fire sprinkler systems are ideal for combatting leak risks that may occur across wet pipe systems, or reducing risks of water freezing inside pipes in areas with a colder climate.
Fire sprinkler systems must be regularly inspected and maintained according to Australian Standards. Routine checks help identify any potential issues, such as blockages or pressure loss so that the system remains in optimal working condition when needed.
During a fire, smoke and power failure can significantly reduce visibility inside a building. Emergency exit lighting systems are essential for guiding occupants to the nearest exit safely.
A couple of different types of emergency lights are available. Exit signs are typically illuminated with LED or photoluminescent technology. Standard emergency lighting ensures basic visibility in corridors and stairwells while powerful floodlights illuminate large spaces to keep them visible.
These lights should be installed along designated escape routes like hallways and stairwells. Additionally, emergency lights should be placed near fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers and hose reels.
According to emergency lighting standards, these fire and building safety essentials need regular inspections and battery tests along with full-duration testing to ensure they function during emergencies.
Ensuring that your property is fully protected from fire hazards requires more than just purchasing fire safety equipment. It’s crucial to have fire safety specialists install and maintain these different types of fire safety equipment and systems to ensure they work effectively when needed most.
At Alexon, our team of experts is dedicated to providing reliable installation and ongoing maintenance for all your fire safety needs. On top of being able to assist you with your system testing and maintenance, our fire specialists can also provide ESM safety reports for your building or business, ensuring you can keep track of your compliance with all fire safety standards and building codes year-round.
Don’t leave the safety of your property to chance. Learn more about the different types of fire safety equipment and contact us today to book your next scheduled fire equipment maintenance or servicing appointment and to ensure all of your fire safety equipment is up to standard and fully operational.
Selecting a building’s essential safety measures requires a fair amount of strategic planning, both from building managers as well as fire safety specialists. It’s imperative to conduct a fire risk assessment and collate an assessment report that clearly outlines all the identified fire hazards within a worksite or building. The findings of this fire risk assessment can then provide more guidance alongside Australian Standards on the selection of effective ESMs for that particular environment.
The reason why a fire risk or safety assessment is required prior to finalising ESMs is simply that not all types of ESMs are designed to suppress all fire types. There are different ESMs for grease fires or cooking fires as opposed to paper or wood fires. On this same note, you wouldn’t put out an electrical fire with a fire hose, as adding water can not only ruin electrical equipment but also potentially result in an electric shock.
This raises the question of understanding which fire suppression systems are a good fit for your building? Our fire safety technicians at Alexon will be answering that question today by providing an overview of the most common types of fire suppression systems and giving examples as to where these systems would be most effective.
As its name suggests, a fire suppression system is a system that’s designed to extinguish or suppress fires and uncontrolled flames within a building. Some fire suppression systems are even designed to prevent fires from occurring altogether.
The most common types of fire suppression systems that you’re likely to see include water-based fire sprinkler systems that are typically heat-activated and release water from its sprinkler heads. But there are a few more fire suppression systems that you may be less familiar with.
The following are the fire suppression system types that we’ll be exploring today:
1. Water-based fire sprinkler systems
2. Water mist sprinkler systems
3. Foam deluge fire suppression systems
4. Dry chemical fire suppression systems
5. Gaseous fire suppression systems
As we mentioned, water-based sprinkler systems are amongst the most commonly utilised fire suppression systems today. These systems work by using pipes installed building-wide to direct a flow of water straight to an area that has triggered a sprinkler due to extreme heat.
The extreme heat activation mechanism usually involves the breaking of a glass bulb or ampule that covers a sprinkler head. This glass ampule is filled with a glycerin-based liquid that naturally expands when exposed to heat. The expansion then prompts the glass to break, which then opens the sprinkler head and allows for the flow of water.
Water sprinkler systems can be wet-pipe or dry-pipe (also known as pre-action valve) systems. The difference between these two system configurations is essentially that dry-pipe systems have a pre-action valve located between the water tank and system pipes. This valve must also be activated via a detector in order to open and allow water to flow from the tank and into the opened sprinkler heads.
Water sprinkler systems usually require buildings to have a dedicated water tank installed. The water pressure of your sprinkler system must also be tested annually as per Australian Fire Safety Standard AS2118.
This next one is fairly similar to your traditional water sprinkler systems, except for the fact that it utilises a water mist rather than a water spray, or a heavier stream of water. Water mist systems can be used as humidification systems in greenhouses, food stores, and other environments. They can also be effective alternatives to water spray sprinkler systems, catering particularly for work environments that house mechanical or electrical equipment that may become damaged when exposed to high levels of moisture.
Water mist systems come with a fair few advantages of their own, including reduced water consumption and the fact that they can work with smaller, lighter pipes, making installation of these systems fairly easy to complete. As water mist systems expel less water, they are usually also safe to use in fighting Class A & B fires, which are solid combustible materials and liquid chemical fires respectively.
High-pressure water mist systems may also be used in kitchen environments and even environments with machinery, although there are still some risks with using water mist for electrical fires. Be sure to consult with your fire safety specialist to determine if a water mist system is the right fire suppression system for your building.
Instead of using water, foam deluge fire suppression systems utilise a chemical suppressant and water-based foam mixture to combat fires. The foam in question is designed to have a lower density than oil, gasoline, or water, allowing it to easily coat or blanket fires, with the foam’s moisture and air pockets effectively smothering open flames. It’s often referred to as ‘firefighting foam’.
Foam deluge fire suppression systems can be used for Classes A, B, and F fires, these being fires originating from solid combustible materials, liquid materials, and cooking fats or oils. Foam deluge systems are, however, not effective for combating Class C, D, and E fires, these being fires originating from flammable gases, flammable metals, and electrical equipment respectively.
As foam deluge systems are reliant on retaining a balance between the chemical suppressant and water molecules in the foam mixture, servicing this fire equipment in accordance with AS1851 is absolutely critical for ensuring the effectiveness of these systems.
Unlike foam deluge systems that utilise a moisture-rich chemical mixture, dry chemical fire suppression systems use a chemical powder to extinguish fires. Dry chemical fire suppression systems usually use the same chemical powders found in powder fire extinguishers. Monoammonium phosphate is the most commonly used chemical powder in dry chemical fire suppression systems in Australia.
Dry chemical fire suppression systems can be used to combat Class B and C fires, these being fires originating from flammable liquids like paint or petroleum, and fires originating from flammable gases like methane. So dry chemical suppression systems may also be useful for combating Class A solid combustible material fires, but this is dependent on the chemical powders that are used for your dry chemical system.
If you’ve been thinking about the fact that none of the fire suppression systems outlined above actually work for electrical fires, then we thank you for staying with us this far. Pressurised gas fire suppression systems are the answer to the novel problem that is fighting electrical fires without causing further damage to plant and equipment, as well as to a building and its occupants.
As you may have guessed, gaseous fire suppression systems work in a similar fashion to water-based systems, except instead of raining down water, they disperse gas as a means of reducing the oxygen supply in the affected areas. Carbon dioxide or CO2 gas is what’s most typically used in these fire suppression systems, however other inert gases like nitrogen and argon have also been used in recent years.
Rest assured that these composite gas suppressants are breathable, so reducing the oxygen availability in an affected area won’t cause any immediate adverse effects for occupants of that space. That being said, it’s best to proceed with the emergency evacuation protocol in your fire safety plan in the event that your gaseous fire suppression system is activated.
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Selecting the appropriate fire suppression system depends on the specific fire risks associated with each industry. Different environments require tailored suppression solutions to effectively mitigate fire hazards while protecting assets and personnel. Below, we explore the best fire suppression systems for various industries.
Data centers house high-value servers and IT infrastructure that are critical to business operations. The primary fire risk comes from electrical faults, overheating equipment, and short circuits, making traditional water-based suppression systems unsuitable due to the risk of damaging sensitive electronics. Instead, gaseous fire suppression systems, such as FM-200, Novec 1230, or Inergen, are the best choice. These systems work by releasing an inert gas that displaces oxygen, effectively extinguishing fires without leaving any residue or moisture. This ensures that electronic components remain undamaged while fires are swiftly controlled.
Restaurants and commercial kitchens are prone to grease fires, which can spread rapidly and are not extinguishable with water. The high temperatures in cooking areas, combined with flammable oils and fats, require a wet chemical fire suppression system. This system releases a potassium-based agent that quickly cools burning grease and forms a protective layer to prevent reignition. These suppression systems are typically installed above cooking stations and ventilation ducts, ensuring that fires are contained before spreading. Complying with fire safety codes and health regulations, wet chemical suppression is the most effective solution for kitchens in hotels, restaurants, and catering facilities.
Warehouses and large storage facilities often store combustible materials, such as paper, packaging, chemicals, and flammable liquids, increasing the risk of fire. Given the size and open space of these facilities, foam deluge systems or automatic sprinkler systems provide the best protection. Foam deluge systems work by rapidly flooding an area with foam, smothering the fire and preventing oxygen from feeding the flames. Meanwhile, water-based sprinkler systems activate automatically when heat is detected, containing the fire before it spreads. These systems help minimise inventory losses, structural damage, and operational downtime, making them essential for logistics centers, distribution warehouses, and storage units.
Factories, refineries, and production facilities handle flammable chemicals, metals, and gases, making them highly susceptible to explosive fires. The best suppression system depends on the type of materials being processed. Dry chemical suppression systems are ideal for flammable liquid fires, as they release a fine powder that interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. For electrical and machinery-related fires, CO₂ fire suppression systems are the preferred choice, as they extinguish fires without leaving any residue that could harm industrial equipment. Many manufacturing plants also integrate hybrid suppression solutions to ensure protection against multiple fire hazards, maintaining compliance with industry safety regulations.
Hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories contain highly sensitive equipment, oxygen-rich environments, and flammable chemicals, making fire suppression a critical safety requirement. Using traditional water-based suppression systems could pose significant risks to patients, medical devices, and laboratory specimens. Instead, water mist systems and gaseous suppression systems are preferred. Water mist systems disperse ultra-fine droplets that cool flames and suppress smoke, reducing water damage while ensuring fire control. Meanwhile, gaseous suppression agents like Novec 1230 are effective for protecting MRI rooms, pharmaceutical storage, and pathology labs. These advanced suppression technologies prevent fire-related disruptions while ensuring safe evacuation procedures in medical environments.
By selecting the right fire suppression system based on industry-specific needs, businesses can enhance fire safety, protect assets, and comply with legal requirements. Whether safeguarding data centers, commercial kitchens, warehouses, manufacturing plants, or healthcare facilities, implementing the correct fire suppression solution is essential for preventing costly damages and ensuring operational continuity.
To ensure legal compliance and safety, fire suppression systems must meet regulatory standards. Below are key compliance requirements:
Staying compliant avoids penalties and ensures effective fire response in emergencies.
Advancements in fire suppression technology provide faster response times, improved efficiency, and eco-friendly solutions. These innovations enhance fire prevention, minimise damage, and ensure compliance with evolving safety standards.
AI-driven sensors detect heat, smoke, and gas anomalies before a fire starts, enabling early suppression and preventing major incidents. IoT-based systems provide real-time alerts and remote activation, ensuring a faster response and reducing manual intervention. These technologies are ideal for critical infrastructure, data centers, and high-risk environments where early detection is crucial.
Sustainable alternatives like Novec 1230 and Inergen gases replace harmful Halon-based systems, suppressing fires without damaging the environment or sensitive equipment. Water mist systems use fine droplets to cool flames and reduce smoke, minimising water damage in museums, hospitals, and heritage buildings.
Hybrid systems combine water mist and gas suppression for multi-layered protection. These systems are ideal for industrial plants, data centers, and manufacturing facilities, where different fire types require varied suppression methods. Hybrid technology ensures rapid fire control while reducing damage to property and equipment.
By adopting smart, sustainable, and hybrid suppression systems, businesses improve fire safety, reduce risks, and align with environmental goals.
With a clearer understanding of these fire suppression systems, building managers should find it easier to engage with their building’s ESMs and develop an effective fire safety plan as well as tailored maintenance procedures for all your installed fire systems.
Want to inquire about securing an ideal fire suppression system for your building? Or are you looking for expert fire safety technicians to provide equipment testing, maintenance, or fire safety reporting services? Then simply contact the team at Alexon today. Our dedicated specialists are here to offer their assistance with all things fire safety.
There are a lot of components that come into play when maintaining compliance with Australian building codes and fire safety compliance is no exception. In fact, ensuring that buildings are compliant with fire safety regulations is usually the top priority for body corporations.
As different essential safety measures (or ‘ESMs’) possess their own maintenance requirements, building managers are tasked with keeping maintenance schedules for their buildings that ensures all fire safety systems and equipment are kept in good working order. That’s where annual fire safety statements come into the picture. Also referred to as AFSS certification in New South Wales and an ‘Annual Essential Safety Measures Report’ or AESMR in Victoria, these annual statements are designed to prove your building’s fire safety compliance to your state building authority. But what is an annual fire safety statement exactly?
AFSS and AESMR statements are easy to organise, so long as building managers fulfil their responsibilities and are proactive with the process of securing their annual fire safety certification.
So what do you need exactly to receive an AESMR for your building? And how do you know that all boxes have been ticked before your building can prove its compliance? We’ll be answering these questions as well as some of the other frequently asked questions surrounding AESMR and AFSS development today. Read on to learn a little more about how building managers and body corporations can uphold their responsibilities when it comes to annual fire safety certification.
So what do you need exactly to receive an AESMR for your building? And how do you know that all boxes have been ticked before your building can prove its compliance? We’ll be answering these questions as well as some of the other frequently asked questions surrounding AESMR and AFSS development today. Read on to learn a little more about how building managers and body corporations can uphold their responsibilities when it comes to annual fire safety certification.
The follow are frequently asked queries when it comes to understanding AFSS/ AESMR:
As per Australian building regulations, only accredited fire safety technicians are authorised to provide building owners and managers with annual fire safety statements. This is because only fire safety technicians are qualified to assess whether or not your building’s essential safety measures are in good working order.
Your fire safety specialist can also provide you with your annual fire safety statement only after confirmation that all of the ESMs in your building have been deemed compliant with Australian fire safety standards. This means that you will need complete servicing and maintenance history for all the ESMs (including your emergency exit lighting and doorways) in your building in accordance with their individual maintenance requirements, as outlined by Australian Standards.
For example, if your building has been fitted with a fire sprinkler system, your AESMR can only be issued by your fire safety technician if records of its annual servicing appointment have been finalised, as AS1851 stipulates that these particular sprinkler systems be inspected at least once every 12 months. Testing and servicing can be confirmed by evaluating the maintenance log books or records kept for all the ESMs in your building.
The cost of procuring your annual fire safety statement is dependent on the number of ESMs requiring testing and fire safety certification. Naturally, larger buildings with more ESMs or fire suppression systems with a greater number of components, can expect their annual fire safety statement to be accompanied by a higher service fee.
Keep in mind that some fire safety specialists may provide offers or special service rates depending on the scope of your building’s fire safety service requirements. We recommend contacting your local fire safety specialists to place a formal inquiry regarding the costs of procuring an AESMR for your building, and any additional benefits that they may be able to offer (i.e. state-of-the-art tools or technology that streamlines the maintenance and testing of your fire safety equipment).
Some states may require building managers to manually submit or lodge their AESMR every year through your state building authority as well as through local council offices. Manual lodgment of your AESMR is not required through the VBA in Victoria, but the VBA does stipulate that the annual essential safety measures report must be made available by building managers upon request from either their representatives or from members of your local fire safety authorities. Failure to produce your AESMR after 24 hours’ notice may result in you receiving a fine as well as an infringement notice.
Building owners are also required to ensure that a copy of the building’s current AESMR and the building’s fire safety schedule are prominently displayed in the building itself. Note that different penalties are given in different states for failure to comply with these regulations.
Whether you’re looking to procure an annual fire safety statement in NSW, an AESMR in Victoria, a ‘Schedule 16, Form 3’ in South Australia, or an Occupier’s Statement in Queensland, there’s no denying that these state-regulated annual fire safety statements is a crucial component of fire safety compliance for body corporations and buildings located across the country. Building managers are responsible for ensuring that this fire safety statement is available at the request of both your state building regulatory body, as well as your local fire authority and council offices.
Working with dedicated fire safety technicians like our team at Alexon can help you stay on top of your ESM maintenance, allowing you to promptly finalise your AFSS or AESMR with every calendar year. If you’re looking to produce detailed essential safety measure reports to help fulfil all the AESMR certification requirements for your building, contact our team at Alexon today.
In one of our previous blogs, we touched on some of the different fire safety standards that business owners and building managers alike must adhere to in Australia. This outlined the different Australian fire safety standards as they all pertain to their own types of fire safety equipment.
There is one standard in particular pertaining to multiple types of essential safety measures (or ‘ESMs’). This is Australian Standard AS1851 2012, developed to standardise the maintenance requirements of fire protection systems.
AS1851 standard specifies the routine testing, maintenance, and inspection requirements for a wide range of different ESMs which we’ll be outlining below as well as looking more closely into the regulatory requirements outlined in AS1851.
Not sure if your building is due? Call our team at 1300 001 004 to check and stay compliant.
Today we will answer some FAQs such as:
AS1851 is an Australian fire safety standard developed to standardise the maintenance, testing, and inspection requirements for the many different types of fire suppression and fire detection systems. As this Australian standard refers to a wide range of different equipment, it’s common for building owners and operators to keep a copy of AS1851-2012 on-hand to refer to in tandem with their fire equipment maintenance schedule.
AS1851 outlines all the regulatory requirements that must be met in order for buildings and work premises to maintain compliance with state and federal fire safety standards. In Australia, each state has its own legislation developed to enact AS1851 under Australian Law. You can find a full copy of AS1851-2012 at Standards Australia, or you can find additional resources on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website, the Country Fire Authority (CFA), or even with your trusted fire safety technicians.
The following is covered:
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AS1851 has been developed to provide a generalist overview of maintenance requirements for all the fire equipment outlined above. This generalist overview is valuable as the fire equipment can be installed in a wide range of different commercial and residential settings.
It is also important to note that AS1851 doesn’t include in-depth instructions for installing fire equipment in industry-specific settings ie. commercial kitchens. As a result, business owners working in specialised industries such as hospitality, must also refer to the Australian Standards pertaining to those industries (i.e. AS3772, detailing fire protection of cooking areas).
Alongside this, AS1851 doesn’t explicitly include maintenance requirements for emergency and exit lighting. Requirements for these ESMs can be found in AS2293.
The best way to meet AS1851 standards is by booking routine testing and maintenance appointments with your fire safety technicians and by fulfilling your equipment logbook and ESM reporting responsibilities.
It’s also valuable to read through the regulations outlined in AS1851-2012 yourself, and understand the terminology used across this Australian Standard. To support your efforts here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the more prominent terms you can expect to come across when reading over AS1851-2012.
In short, maintaining compliance with AS1851 standards requires building managers and business owners to stay up-to-date with maintenance, testing, inspection scheduling, and reporting in accordance with maintenance timelines for all the fire equipment and systems that can be found on-site. Practising a step-by-step approach can help simplify meeting AS1851 requirements during your fire equipment inspection appointments.
Here’s an overview of the four-stage approach outlined in Section 1 of AS1851-2012:
A physical inspection of all fire equipment and fire protection systems. This initial phase helps to detect any visible faults or signs of damage that may inhibit your ESMs from being effective in the event of a fire-related emergency.
A technical inspection that involves controlled testing of all fire equipment and fire protection systems found on-site. These tests are vital to ensuring that all installed ESMs are operating correctly and can also be safely handled by personnel or building occupants in the event of a fire-related emergency.
Carrying out routine maintenance and servicing requirements for all ESMs installed on the worksite or premises. This stage helps to ensure that all tested equipment can continue to perform at a standard that complies with AS1851.
Completing maintenance logbooks for all serviced fire equipment, as well as collating ESM reports. The record-keeping stage of ensuring AS1851 compliance will also typically include developing your AFSS report (or ‘annual fire safety statement’).
As Australian state governments maintain their own legislation for AS1851, penalties for non-compliance can vary from fines and other legal liabilities to prison sentences in cases of gross negligence. Penalties can be severe on the basis that non-compliance with AS1851 can result in injuries, property damage, and in worst cases, the loss of life in the event of a fire-related emergency.
If you are found non-compliant, the best solution is to rectify any identified critical defects and non-conformance as promptly as possible and to secure an emergency testing and maintenance appointment with your local fire safety technicians.
Maintaining AS1851 compliance is vital for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of your personnel or building residents and other occupants. Understanding all the requirements outlined in AS1851 and keeping track of maintenance schedules for all fire equipment and protection systems installed in your building or workplace is paramount to staying compliant.
If you’re looking to book fire equipment maintenance or testing services to help your building maintain its AS1851 compliance, then contact our team at Alexon to secure your next scheduled fire safety appointment. Call 1300 001 004 to book your appointment today.
What are essential safety measures? With more large commercial buildings and multi-storey residences being developed across Melbourne’s inner city suburbs, there is a growing number of residents and business owners living and operating in buildings managed by body corporates or owners corporations. These building management bodies are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all building features and facilities that are considered common property including ESMs, or ‘Essential Safety Measures’.
For strata managers, being aware of your building’s unique ESM configurations and maintenance timelines is crucial for keeping your building compliant with industry regulations, as outlined by both the Victorian Building Authority and the National Construction Code. Australian fire safety standards have also been developed to provide owners corporations with outlined installation and maintenance requirements for different types of ESMs that may be found in modern commercial and multi-storey residential buildings.
Our fire safety technicians here at Alexon have had extensive experience with the installation, servicing, and testing of ESMs across a range of both residential and commercial buildings. We’ve utilised our experience to provide the following guide on ESMs to be used by both strata managers.
Read on for some expert answers to some of the most common questions we receive about ESMs.
Our fire safety technicians here at Alexon have had extensive experience with the installation, servicing, and testing of ESMs across a range of both residential and commercial buildings. We’ve utilised our experience to provide the following guide on ESMs to be used by both strata managers.
Read on for some expert answers to some of the most common questions we receive about Essential Safety Measures:
1. What are essential safety measures?
2. Who is responsible for maintaining ESMs?
3. What goes into an annual ESM report?
4. What happens if your building is deemed to be non-compliant?
Essential Safety Measures are effectively any safety equipment or feature required by law in a building to protect occupants in the event of a fire-related emergency. Virtually all fire protection equipment and systems – from fire sprinkler systems to fire blankets – falls under the umbrella of ESMs.
ESMs also include fire safety features or architectural fixtures that are found in the building. In other words, fire doors, stairways, and fire exits (as well as the signage and lighting for these features) are also considered to be ESMs, and come with their own regulatory requirements. For example, all fire stairways, doorways, and exits are required by law to be kept free from obstructions to ensure the safe and prompt evacuation of building occupants in the event of a fire-related emergency.
As body corporates are responsible for maintaining common property (i.e. property that does not belong to any individual strata title owners), they are also responsible for the maintenance of ESMs that can be classified as ‘common property’. These are ESMs that can be found in common areas like car parks, foyers, elevators, staircases, on the building’s rooftop, and any shared facilities (i.e. gyms, kitchens, pools, etc.) within the building.
The costs associated with the installation of new ESMs in the building, as well as the repairs, maintenance, and testing of existing ESMs, must all be covered by annual strata fees and sinking fund levies. If emergency repairs are ever required, it’s the responsibility of body corporates to provide notice in writing to all strata title owners that a special levy will need to be paid by title owners to cover the costs of these repairs.
Although owners corporations are responsible for maintaining the ESMs in common areas, it is the responsibility of individual strata title owners to ensure that the ESMs located on their strata lot are kept in good working order. Owner occupiers and landlords are responsible for maintaining smoke alarms that are located on their strata titles, as well as any other fire protection equipment that may not be connected to a building-wide system. This does not include fire sprinklers or any other fire protection equipment or features that have been provided by the building, as these ESMs are also considered to be common property and are thus, the responsibility of your strata management team.
One other question that our technicians are often asked when performing installation and maintenance jobs is how strata managers can provide evidence that their buildings are compliant with industry regulations. Upon the completion of maintenance or servicing appointments for your ESMs, your fire safety technicians should provide you with a certification for all of the ESMs that have been serviced and deemed to be compliant with Australian Standards.
For individual ESMs, your fire safety technicians will provide summaries of the maintenance and testing conducted in the form of fire protection equipment logbooks. These logbooks can either be a physical record from each routine servicing appointment, or electronic files sent from your fire safety technicians through to your body corporation via email. At Alexon, we use Uptick software to provide a highly streamlined reporting and logbook entry process.
The records in your fire protection equipment logbooks should include the following information:
There is more to fire safety reporting than just providing logbook entries. Building owners are also responsible for collating ESM annual safety reports, these being reports that outline all of the installation, maintenance, and testing that has been conducted within that given year. ESM annual reports are used by your local fire authorities or building surveyor’s offices to determine whether all the ESMs in your building are adhering to the maintenance requirements outlined in the Australian Standards, such as AS1851, that pertain to that particular equipment or fire safety system.
Working with fully licensed and qualified fire safety specialists will help ensure that your ESM logbooks and annual reports are consistent and presented in full detail. These records can then be shared with your local fire authorities and municipal building surveyors to prove that your building is adhering to the regulations outlined within the Building Codes of Australia. Both your local fire authorities and building surveyor’s offices have the right to request a copy of both your ESM logbooks as well as your most recent annual report with just 24 hours notice for building managers. For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that strata managers keep their ESM annual reports up-to-date and stay on top of the maintenance schedules for each of their building’s ESMs.
Just as it is the role of the owners corporation to ensure all building ESMs are compliant with Australian Standards, it’s also the responsibility of strata managers to accept penalties if a building is ever deemed to be non-compliant. In these rare instances, local fire authorities and municipal industry offices may provide owners corporations with an infringement notice as well as a fine.
In some instances, non-compliance may also result in heftier fines if the risks to building occupants and occupants in adjoining buildings is considered to be high. Prolonged failure to comply may even result in prosecution, as non-compliance already opens your building up to litigation on the grounds of negligence.
Still stuck on understanding what are essential safety measures? We can help. Although owners corporations play a vital role in the maintenance of ESMs, all technical aspects of the servicing and testing of your building’s fire protection equipment and systems must be taken on by qualified fire safety specialists. This is where our team at Alexon comes into play.
With over twenty years of experience, our team at Alexon is equipped to provide tailored fire safety solutions across residential and commercial settings. We are one of Melbourne’s premier providers of fire safety services and are proud to do our part in keeping this city and all of its residents safe.
Melbourne-based strata managers are advised to contact our team of fire safety experts today to ensure that you can reap full advantage of our top-tier ESM reporting capabilities as well as all the other exceptional fire safety services that we provide here at Alexon.
Understanding emergency lighting standards and providing clear signage to indicate the location of building exits is an essential safety requirement for all Australian commercial and residential buildings. The definition of building exits for Australian fire safety standards includes all external doors as well as fire stairways, fire escapes, ramps, enclosed passageways, and all other means of egress from the building that are safe and accessible to the public.
Just as all exits are required to boast exit signage, all emergency exits come with their own unique requirements for ensuring regulatory compliance. For instance, fire stairways must be kept clear of obstructions to boost efficiency and maintain the safety of evacuation procedures. Similarly, all emergency exit lighting in your building requires routine maintenance and testing performed in accordance with Australian & New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 2293).
In truth, regularly testing and replacing emergency lighting is just as crucial to ensuring building safety as scheduling routine fire equipment maintenance appointments. So what maintenance requirements should Australian building managers and business owners be aware of?
Our fire safety technicians here at Alexon have used their industry know-how to provide an overview of Australian emergency lighting standards in order to illuminate the process of maintaining regulatory compliance. Read on to unearth answers to some of the most common questions surrounding emergency lighting standards.
View our frequently asked questions when it comes to understanding emergency lighting standards:
Just as fire extinguishers and other fire equipment are accompanied by their own unique classifications, so too are emergency lights. Classifications for emergency light fittings include numeric and alphabetical elements, varying from anywhere between a Class A and Class E fitting, with this alphabetical classification then being followed up by a numeric value that generally ranges between 1-180 to represent degrees on an axis.
The alphabetical value of a light fitting classification refers to the five different classes of photometric light distribution curves. Contrastingly, the numeric value refers to the lux requirements (or illumination intensity) for that particular light distribution curve. In other words, the higher the alphabetic and numeric value, the greater the lux intensity of that light fitting.
Some emergency exits may come with their own requirements surrounding light fitting classifications. For example, emergency exits like enclosed passageways with no natural light availability boast emergency lighting standards that require a minimum of 1 lux. On the other hand, open air evacuation points may possess more modest emergency light standards, opting instead for a combination of 0.5 lux lighting and reflective signage for directing evacuators in both daylight and evening low light conditions.
The placement of emergency light fittings can also be determined by their lux intensity. If a single emergency light is bright enough that it’s visible from the end of a passageway, for instance, then it’s unlikely that you’ll need to install a secondary light to maintain compliance. If that emergency light isn’t visible, however, a secondary installation may be required. If in doubt, we recommend consulting with a commercial electrician that’s experienced with the installation of emergency light fittings.
By Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2293.2-1995), all emergency lighting and signage should be inspected at least once every 6 months. These inspections should include lamp flicker tests, swapping out any bulbs that are deemed defective or have surpassed their usable lifespan, and the conducting of a 90 minute electrical discharge test. This test involves an electrical technician powering off the battery charger for all emergency lighting in order to simulate a power outage for a period of 90 minutes.
Australian emergency lighting standards stipulate that lights should be able to retain illumination in the face of power outages, allowing building occupants to find their way out of buildings in the event of electrical grid failures, adverse weather, and other emergency situations that may result in your building’s power being cut. Therefore, emergency lighting systems are powered by an isolated battery off the main circuit. This places the 90 minute discharge test amongst the most essential safety measures for all Australian commercial and residential businesses.
Alongside these 6-monthly inspections, emergency lighting standards also stipulate that light fittings and reflective surfaces are cleaned and generally maintained at least once every 12 months. This is to ensure that your emergency lighting systems and signage are clearly visible in all light conditions.
As you can imagine, keeping a strict testing and maintenance schedule to ensure your emergency lighting stays in good working order, is integral to maintaining compliance with Australian emergency lighting standards. This is why enlisting the assistance of specialised lighting technicians and building safety professionals is a non-negotiable for all modern Australian building managers and business owners.
Considering light classifications and lux intensity requirements for select settings is also crucial for maintaining regulatory compliance. Alongside this, building managers are required to develop at least two separate emergency evacuation routes for their building to be compliant. This is to ensure that traffic moves promptly and the building can be cleared with minimal disruption in the event of an emergency evacuation.
As leading providers of fire protection services in Melbourne, Alexon is designed to be your first point of call for both the assurance of emergency lighting standard compliance as well as any and all other concerns you may have about your building’s fire and emergency systems. With impeccable, transparent processes, thorough inspection reporting, and only the most experienced and knowledgeable fire safety technicians on our team, you can be rest assured to receive the results you seek with each and every scheduled emergency lighting inspection, as well as all other services we offer here at Alexon.
Contact the Alexon team today via our website or call at 1300 001 004 to book your next emergency lighting inspection.
Upholding strata fire safety compliance can be one of the most complicated components of managing a strata scheme situated in the inner city. This is even with Australian Standards set in place to ensure fire safety equipment is maintained consistently and is fit for use.
This is generally because the strata plans that make up the city of Melbourne are quite unique, to say the very least, and range from townhouses, ground floor units, and multi-level apartment complexes, amongst many others. Naturally, the fire safety requirements of one complex aren’t likely to be identical to another.
So how can strata managers ensure that the Fire Safety Schedule as outlined in their body corporate’s documents, is perfectly suited to protect your strata scheme? Today, our fire safety specialists at Alexon will be sharing all their expert knowledge on maintaining strata fire safety compliance plans, to support both strata managers and owners corporation committees in keeping their complex and its community safe year-round.
This is how to ensure you maintain your strata fire safety compliance plans:
1. Submit AFSS & Fire Safety Certificates
2. Develop your strata scheme’s Fire Safety Schedule
3. Consider essential fire safety measures
4. Understand the penalties that apply for non-compliance
According to Australian Standard AS3876, all buildings must be fitted with a working smoke alarm on every level and positioned in proximity to all bedrooms and living room spaces. Although strata title owners are responsible for replacing dead batteries in their smoke alarms, strata managers are responsible for ensuring that these smoke alarms are serviced annually, alongside all other fire systems installed within their strata plan at the time of its registration with council offices.
An Annual Fire Safety Statement (or ‘AFSS’) must be submitted by strata managers every year for the purpose of confirming that all fire safety systems and equipment installed upon registration of a strata plan are in good working condition. The AFSS should be submitted to your local council offices and to your local fire safety authorities to be reviewed by qualified personnel. It’s common for your local authorities to charge an administrative fee to body corporations upon receiving or following the review of their submitted AFSS.
Unlike the AFSS that must be submitted annually, Fire Safety Certificates are generally issued only upon completion of a building development, following preliminary fire safety inspections conducted by an accredited fire safety specialist. This practitioner then submits their inspection report to local council offices in order for that new development to receive its Fire Safety Certificate. Fire Safety Certificates must be reissued if any new fire safety systems or equipment are installed in that building. Fire Safety Certification can be revoked if strata managers fail to submit the AFSS or other supplementary documentation required to maintain certification for that calendar year.
Now that you have a solid understanding of the AFSS and how it relates to Fire Safety Certification for your strata plan, let’s take a closer look at developing Fire Safety Schedules (or ‘FSS’). The FSS for your strata plan is a sort of maintenance checklist designed to ensure that all fire safety systems and equipment that can be found throughout each lot and in common areas of your strata scheme, are tested annually and are included in your AFSS.
As your FSS will largely be shaped by the fire safety equipment and systems installed in and around your strata scheme, you’ll find that these schedules can differ greatly from complex to complex. For instance, a complex of free-standing units or townhouses that are all fitted with their own smoke alarms will have a fairly simplistic FSS. Contrastingly, a multi-level apartment complex with smoke alarms in every strata lot, a fire hose reel in the carpark, and a sprinkler system that runs across all floors, will be accompanied by a lengthier safety schedule.
As you can see, the bulk of responsibilities surrounding maintaining fire safety compliance for strata managers revolves around making sure that all fire safety systems and equipment adhere to strict maintenance schedules. That being said, there are naturally additional safety measures that must be considered in order to ensure that your strata fire safety compliance plan and all of the lots that make it up, are as safe as possible for title holders.
For starters, strata managers are encouraged to consider whether additional fire safety systems or equipment is required to support fire safety for their strata plan. Would your strata plan benefit from the installation of a fire hose reel to be used on common property? Should there be access to a fire extinguisher in common areas? Do emergency exit lighting or signage need to be installed?
If your strata scheme doesn’t possess shared amenities like a building lobby, car parks, swimming pools, or fitness facilities, then chances are that you don’t require too much fire equipment installed on your strata scheme aside from smoke alarms and perhaps a sprinkler system. However, if these larger amenities, rooms, or buildings comprise your common property, then these fire safety systems and equipment must be installed in these areas, alongside clear informational signage outlining how the equipment must be used. Similarly, fire exits or staircases are required on all multi-storey residential buildings, alongside clear emergency exit signage.
There are many potential penalties for failing to remain compliant with Australian fire safety requirements for strata plans. If your strata manager fails to submit your AFSS to local council and fire safety authorities, they may receive fines of up to $110,000 by authorities for non-compliance. Strata managers may even be prosecuted if steps are not taken to maintain strata fire safety compliance following the issue of fines.
Alongside this, non-compliance may result in strata managers being liable for potential lawsuits by strata title holders or even civilians who may accrue injuries during incidents where fire safety equipment had failed or had not been provided.
In truth, maintaining compliance with fire safety standards for strata schemes isn’t too far removed from the essential fire safety measures that are practised by commercial building owners and managers, or even the safety measures you use every day in your own household. Regardless of whether your strata plan is a multi-level complex or a subdivided plot of land for two or three units alone, maintaining strata fire safety compliance is best achieved by sticking with the maintenance schedules for all your fire safety equipment and following maintenance expectations as outlined by Australian Standards.
See Also: Fire Alarms In The Workplace
Fire Safety Plan For Inner City Buildings
Fire safety is an essential component of maintaining workplace health and safety regulations across all industries. Regardless of whether your company primarily works out of a warehouse, office space, or conducts business operations across multiple locations, business owners have an obligation to invest in fire alarms in the workplace, both in order to support the safety of their workforce, and to make sure that their company stays compliant with Australian workplace health and safety standards, and is not at risk of receiving penalisations, sanctions, or other legal repercussions.
In order to maintain compliance with WHS standards and any industry safety regulations, business owners are required to schedule both fire alarm installations alongside investing in additional fire systems and equipment for their workplaces. Today, our fire safety specialists here at Alexon will be providing in-depth information surrounding the installation and maintenance of fire alarms and other basic fire equipment in Australian workplaces. Read on to learn more about your obligations as a business owner when it comes to fire safety in the workplace.
Today we will cover the following when it comes to fire alarms in the workplace:
Although setting up fire alarms in your workplace must be conducted by installation specialists, it’s still valuable for business owners to develop a good understanding of what they can expect from the installation process. With this in mind, our fire safety specialists have provided a basic sample installation checklist used to conduct the installation of hardwired fire alarms in the workplace:
If your fire alarm will be connected up to additional fire safety equipment like a sprinkler system, then ensure that your fire safety specialists test connections between these fixtures, alongside providing maintenance timelines for both systems. Workplace smoke and fire alarms should also never be covered or disconnected. If you suspect that any of your fire alarms are experiencing faults due to excessive or unprompted beeping, consult with your fire safety electricians and organise for the alarms to be assessed and serviced or replaced, if need be.
Your smoke alarms should be tested annually in accordance with Australian standards for fire safety to ensure that they stay in good working order and are prepared in the event of fire in the workplace. Like your initial fire alarm installation, fire alarm testing should be carried out by fire safety specialists and experienced fire alarm and smoke detector inspectors. Your fire safety specialists should test your smoke alarms and other workplace fire equipment in accordance with the Australian Standards AS 1851-2012.
Heat or smoke-activated sprinkler systems should also be maintained and serviced alongside standalone smoke or fire alarms. Business owners should ensure that the fire safety specialists or electricians they enlist to conduct the maintenance of these dynamic approach systems have experience working with and servicing these particular system configurations.
Failure to maintain your workplace fire alarms and other fire systems may result in penalties and other legal repercussions due to breaches of workplace health and safety regulations alongside potential building code violations for commercial building owners and managers.
Fire alarms or smoke detectors are truly just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to investing in fire safety. As per WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code for workplace amenities and the work environment, all Victorian workplaces are expected to be fitted with the following fire safety resources and equipment:
If you’re working in an industrial environment, you may also benefit from installing a fire hose reel and other fire safety infrastructure to be used by firefighters if needed. Emergency contact information for local fire authorities, your local hospital, and other relevant services should also be displayed throughout your workplace, including in employee break areas, and in all other areas where emergency procedures have been displayed.
Our fire safety specialists at Alexon have been providing exceptional installation, maintenance, and system maintenance reporting services across a range of both commercial and industrial settings. With over 20 years of diverse experience, our fire safety specialists are well-versed in the installation, servicing, and maintenance of an array of fire safety systems and equipment.
When you call on Alexon, you can be rest assured that our fire safety specialists are equipped with all the necessary tools, equipment, and industry information to ensure that your workplace fire alarms, extinguishers, fire blankets, and all other fire safety equipment and installed systems are kept in good working order and are ready for anything, whether it be your workplace’s next fire drill or a genuine fire emergency.
Want to book a fire alarm installation or system maintenance appointment for your workplace? Contact the team at Alexon in order to book your installation and servicing request now.
See Also: Fire Safety Plans For Inner City Buildings
With Australia’s urban centres being more densely populated than ever before, developing fire safety procedures has become a matter of utmost importance for all responsible building managers, developers, and residents alike. Having a succinct and effective fire safety plan in place alongside installing fire alarms as well as other fire safety measures, can help to not only mitigate risks of fires occurring in your building, but also ensure that your building occupants maintain the strongest chances possible for evacuating in the unlikely event that a fire does occur.
Today, we’ll be sharing some fire safety tips specifically for residential and commercial inner city buildings. Our own fire safety specialists here at Alexon will also be providing some information surrounding fire safety protocol and regulations so that both inner city building residents and building managers can be fully informed on fire safety standards and how their building can maintain compliance.
The steps to develop a fire safety plan are:
First and foremost, any modern fire safety plan should naturally include fire equipment testing and routine equipment maintenance. Maintaining all of your active fire protection (or AFP) equipment is foundational to developing a good fire safety plan for your building, simply because virtually all instances where your building could experience a fire will call for the utilisation of fire equipment.
Fire equipment, like fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, is also one of the most important ESMs (or ‘Essential Safety Measures’) that your building will require. Other ESMs will actually work in conjunction with your building’s fire equipment. For example, ESMs all stipulate that alongside all buildings being fitted with fire exits on every floor, all fire doors must also be kept closed, unlocked, and clear of obstructions at all times.
If you’re a tenant in a residential building or even a business owner in a commercial building and have reason to believe that your building is fitted with faulty fire equipment or a failure to maintain other ESMs, then you’re encouraged to alert the issue to your building managers. If your building managers fail to rectify the situation in a timely manner, they may be in breach of urban fire safety laws and could be issued a fine from your local council or the Fire Authority.
Although fire safety procedures are vital to healthy and secure living in all inner city spaces, these plans become increasingly essential in high-rise buildings or buildings with multiple storeys. The reason for this is simply because fire or emergency evacuation processes can naturally become more complicated when elevators, escalators, or staircases are involved. This is precisely why all inner city buildings are expected to develop and maintain an emergency evacuation plan that can be used in the event of fires or other emergencies like natural disasters.
Your building’s evacuation plan should also be printed and posted in full detail on every floor of your building so that all occupants can familiarise themselves with the fire safety procedures they are expected to follow. Copies of your evacuation processes should also be clearly displayed with large graphics and in simple English by fire exits and in foyers for any guests who may be visiting the building as well as existing building occupants.
Having a building evacuation plan in place is one thing, but making sure that all your building’s occupants know just how to act in the event of a fire, is a whole other task on its own. That’s why it’s a requirement that all buildings or facilities conduct fire drills at least once annually. If your building houses a business that possesses a higher fire risk (such as a workshop, factory, or even a hospitality business), then your industry standards may require multiple fire drills to be conducted annually.
On top of being a highly essential component in your building’s fire safety plan, running fire drills is also a superb way of staying on top of your ESMs and their maintenance requirements. If you experience faults with sirens or alarms during your fire drill, then you can take note of these during your drill with minimal fuss. These faults can then be easily rectified by fire safety electricians proactively rather than retroactively.
Alongside knowing how to act in the event of a fire, your building’s occupants should also maintain strong personal fire safety themselves by following fire safety tips or best practices for lighting fires in domestic or commercial settings. For instance, if your building is fitted with air conditioning units or ducted heating, then providing occupants with written information on how to help mitigate fire risks when using these fixtures, can also help support your building’s fire safety strategies.
Conscientious building managers could take measures to provide new residents or building occupants with fire safety tips and other documents that can help maintain their building’s impeccable fire safety measures. And this information doesn’t necessarily have to come in the form of printed pamphlets. Even digital safety resources for new residents or building occupants could help maintain responsible fire safety throughout your building.
If you can ensure that both your building evacuation plan and recommended fire safety tips are provided to new residents or occupants, then you’ll know that you’ve done your due diligence as a building manager.
With all the fire safety tips and fire risk mitigation strategies we’ve shared and outlined above, chances are you’ll be leaving this little guide with a lot to think about. But let us leave you with just one final, ultimate fire safety tip: the best fire safety plans are ones that take a dynamic approach to fire preparedness. For building managers, it’s not enough to fit your building out with fire safety equipment. And for residents, it’s not enough to participate in fire safety drills or evacuation processes without actively practicing fire safety yourself in your own personal and professional lives.
At the end of the day, fire safety is a collective responsibility. Treating it as such and holding one another accountable for upholding fire safety standards in your building, will help keep you all firmly at low risks of experiencing damaging fires in your inner city building.
See Also: Fire Alarms in the Workplace
At Melbourne Fire and Maintenance we’re strong believers that businesses shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not their emergency fire equipment will be operational in an emergency. Which is why we offer expert fire equipment services in Melbourne for body corporates, high-density residential buildings, shopping centres and a range of other businesses, giving them peace of mind knowing all of their equipment is functional and compliant with relevant safety standards.
Whether you have a single fire hose reel and a couple of fire sprinklers or dozens of fire alarms, fire pumps and smoke detectors, our team of highly qualified and knowledgeable fire technicians will ensure all of you fire equipment is up to scratch, and if it’s not, we can organise replacements, upgrades or ongoing maintenance.
Penalties are severe for businesses who fail to comply with fire safety regulations, not to mention the potential risk business’s put customers, employees and contractors at by not properly maintaining their fire equipment.
As fire protection specialists, our team have experience working with thousands of businesses across multiple industries, all of which have different safety standards and requirements. This means we have the knowledge and skills to make sure you’re compliant with all relevant standards and procedures.
When it comes to ensuring your businesses is compliant with Essential Safety Measures you need to take into account everything from emergency lighting and signage, to alarms, equipment and fire-related building materials. This is a lot to consider – which is why it substantially benefits businesses to enlist the help of the protection experts at Melbourne Fire and Maintenance to carry this out for them.
Proper fire equipment and fire equipment maintenance and servicing is essential to ensure buildings are safe in the event of an emergency. Contact the team at Melbourne Fire and Maintenance, we provide a range of fire equipment services for Melbourne businesses.
Melbourne Fire & Maintenance is thrilled to announce the acquisition of DMR Fire Protection. Based in Mulgrave, DMR Fire Protection has been trading for more than 25 years, with nearly 3000 sites to maintain across Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. The acquisition of DMR Fire Protection provides the newly consolidated business more than 25 specialist fire technicians, covering more of Melbourne in a shorter time frame, whilst delivering more integrated one-stop Fire Protection Services to its expanded client base.
Melbourne Fire and Maintenance was purchased by the current owners in 2015 and the last three years has been specifically dedicated to re-building each part of the business with a clear goal to adhere to the following principles:
With recent fire incidents at the Lacrosse building in Melbourne and the Grenfell Tower in London, the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) is pushing for tighter regulations and adherence to compliance standards AS 1851 and others.
Under these standards, fire testing, maintenance and service providers must provide detailed and compliant documentation to Body Corporates, Building Managers and Owners Corporations to ensure compliance with essential service requirements as set out under the building code.
In addition to Australian Standards, fire testing, maintenance and service providers must also comply with essential services regulations set by the Victoria Building Authority (VBA) Building Regulations, Energy Safe Victoria, WorkSafe Victoria, the FPAA, plumbing industry and more.
The recent changes in legislation have put added pressure on fire testing, maintenance and service providers, requiring a higher level of servicing that requires upskilling, certification and training of people and updating technologies that some providers may have difficulty adhering to.
The DMR Fire Protection acquisition is a perfect fit for our existing business, providing the right mix of technically competent staff, reducing the need for our clients to use multiple contractors. With a larger team of technicians and access to additional technologies, Melbourne Fire & Maintenance has the capabilities to service a wider range of residential and commercial sites around Melbourne, including:
This acquisition helps us better service Body Corporates, Building Managers and Owners Corporations, ensuring they have maximum peace of mind in their essential services being safe and compliant.
Please contact Melbourne Fire & Maintenance for more information about the merge or to find out more about our services.
The team at Melbourne Fire and Maintenance was proud to be involved in the ‘Bowties and Tiaras’ function held by the Body Corporate Strata Group to raise money for the Young Diggers.
Congratulations to the Body Corporate Strata Group for putting on a fantastic evening including door prizes, raffles, silent auctions and hearing from special guest speakers, as well as top-quality food and entertainment.
Two of our directors and six staff attended the event on Saturday 21st October, which we are thrilled to announce raised more than $26 000 – all of which will be donated directly to the Young Diggers.
The Young Diggers runs rehabilitation programs providing support for ex-serving military personnel and their families. The money raised through this fundraiser will help provide specialist training for a post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) companion and assistance dog, to help improve quality of life for returned soldiers living with PTSD and other mental illnesses.
Melbourne Fire and Maintenance is pleased to support important community initiatives. Please contact us for more information.
As part of our Melbourne fire protection maintenance services, our team can ensure your evacuation plans comply with all relevant laws, standards and regulations – protecting your property and your people.
In light of recent disasters like the Greenfell Tower fire in London, it’s vitally important to have the right fire evacuation procedures in place. It is a responsibility of the building owner to ensure everyone from tenants to employers and visitors all have clear access to vital safety evacuation information in the event of an emergency.
Under Australian Standard AS 3745-2010, Planning for emergencies in facilities, there is an increased emphasis on providing emergency and evacuation information and detailed diagrams and signage as part of the evacuation plan and compliance for all buildings.
The Standard further highlights the importance of having evacuation plans displayed where all occupants and visitors can see them – as well as having the right people trained and aware of what the specific procedures are for each building.
Our fire protection maintenance services help identify and correctly detail the key aspects of your evacuation plan, including:
At Melbourne Fire and Maintenance, we can provide site specific evacuation diagrams, oriented and installed in compliance with AS 3745-2010, Planning for emergencies in facilities, as well as complying with the Building Code of Australia. Important aspects of an emergency plan that are often overlooked include, evacuation training for occupants and how to assist occupants with a disability.
No matter your industry, we can supply and install perspex, laminate and aluminium evacuation plans.
Please contact Melbourne Fire and Maintenance to conduct an audit and deliver evacuation plans in line with all legal requirements.
See Also: Fire Alarms in the Workplace
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