ASK OSCAR
Understanding the Fire Safety Regulations
Have questions? Ask Oscar today!
Fire Safety Measures Maintenance Requirements According to Australian Standard 1851
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers come in many different types and sizes. The type and size is dependent on the fire risk. Fire extinguishers are serviced:
1. Bi-Annually
2. Annually and replaced every 5 years
Signs indicating the type, use and operating instructions must be displayed on and above the extinguisher.
Fire Hydrant
Fire hydrants are used by fire department to extinguish fires. Fire hydrants need to be inspected:
1. Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annual Flow and Pressure Test 5 Yearly
Hydrant Block Plan is required to map locations of all hydrants.
Fire Hose Reel
Fire Hose Reels are used for fighting fires commonly caused by normal combustibles like paper, wood, and plastics. Fire Hose Reels must be tested and serviced:
1. Bi- Annually
2. Annually
Fire Pump Set
A Fire Pump Set is a pressure increasing component of the water supply for an fixed-placed fire suppression system, hydrants and foam system. Needs to be tested:
1. Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annually
4. Five Yearly
Fire Blanket
Fire blankets are used to put out small fires and wrap around people whose clothing is on fire. Need to be inspected:
1. Bi-Annually
2. Annually
Must be replaced after use.
Sprinkler System
A fire sprinkler system is fire suppression system that uses water to automatically extinguish or control a fire. Needs to be serviced:
1. Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annually
4. Five yearly
5. Ten yearly
6. Twenty five yearly
7. Thirty yearly
Fire Indicator Panel
A fire panel is the central hub of a fire detection system that works by monitoring and controlling the various components of a fire safety system. Must be serviced:
1. Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annually
4. Five yearly
Sprinkler Head
A fire sprinkler system is fire suppression system that uses water to automatically extinguish or control a fire. Needs to be serviced:
1. Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annually
4. Five yearly
5. Ten yearly
6. Twenty five yearly
7. Thirty yearly
Fire Doors
A fire door is a door with a fire-resistant rating that is used to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between areas of the building. Fire doors must be inspected:
1. Bi-Annually
2. Annually
Smoke and Heat Detectors
Smoke and Heat detectors detect heat or smoke and alert people to the potential danger of fire. Need to be tested:
1. Annually
Fire Dampers
Fire dampers are mechanical devices that prevent the spread of fire and smoke in a building by closing automatically when they detect heat or smoke. Need to be tested:
1. 3 Monthly
2. Bi-Annually
3. Annually
Emergency Lifts
Emergency lifts are passenger lifts that are used to help people evacuate a building quickly and safely in the event of an emergency. Need to be tested:
1. Annually
Mechanical Air Systems
Mechanical systems provide ventilation, reduce air infiltration, and maintain pressure relationships between spaces. The design, installation, and control systems of these functions are often integrated into one or more systems. Must be inspected:
1. Annually
Fire Shutters
Fire shutters are the metal shutters that are installed on exterior windows and doors to prevent the spread of fire and smoke during a fire. They need to be inspected:
1. Annually
Exit and Emergency Lights
Exit and emergency lights are used to help people safely evacuate a building in an emergency, such as a fire. Need to be tested:
1. Bi-Annually
2. Annually
Fire Seals and Collars
Fire seals and materials that block the spread of fire, smoke and heat by filling gaps and openings in fire-resistant components. They are designed to expand to heat or flames. They need to be inspected:
1. Annually