Unwanted Alarms
Dear Industry Professional
Currently, Queensland Fire & Rescue Service (QFRS) respond to over 21,000 unwanted alarm activations from monitored fire alarm systems per year. The negative impact of unwanted alarms on QFRS, industry and the wider community have been documented and include:
- Increased public complacency to activated alarms, jeopardising safety.
- Reduced safety for fire crews and public in regards to alarm activation and the subsequent response- increased probability of traffic accidents.
- Increase of costs and disruption to the community and industry.
Accordingly, QFRS have developed Fire Alarm and Building Design Guidelines for the Reduction of Unwanted Alarms which provide building professionals with information on how to reduce unwanted alarms in new buildings. The guidelines will apply to all building approval applications that are submitted for QFRS assessment from 01 September 2007.
Utilising these guidelines QFRS Building Approval Officers will be adopting a more robust approach to the building approval process, ensuring that design teams work together across disciplines, by adopting a holistic approach to ensure a building is fit for purpose.
I urge you to take the necessary time to read the attached summary and the Fire Alarm and Building Design Guidelines for the Reduction of Unwanted Alarms . To further assist you in understanding your obligations, QFRS will be holding two hour presentation seminars throughout the state. (The dates, times and locations of the seminars are noted below)
In conclusion, I am confident that the strategies we are now implementing in partnership with industry will address unwanted alarm activation and provide tangible benefits to all parties.
If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact our Unwanted Alarms Taskforce on email uahelpdesk@emergency.qld.gov.au .
Yours sincerely
Lee A Johnson AFSM MIFireE
Commissioner
Documents
- Application for Assessment of Special Fire Services (PDF / 477 KB)
- Fire Alarm and Building Design Guidelines for the Reduction of Unwanted Alarms (PDF / 773 KB)
- Notice to Test Special fire Services (PDF / 422 KB)
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