Workplace Fire Alarms in Queensland: Safety Rules to Follow

In the event of a fire, every second counts. Quick response and suitable safety measures can save lives. 

Facility owners and managers can have hundreds of people on their property every single day. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure your workplace follows the appropriate fire safety rules. 

This article will run you through all the safety rules your business needs to know to remain compliant and ensure your staff and customers stay safe along with details about fire alarms in Queensland. ..  

Australian Fire Emergency Procedures 

Current laws require that all workplaces have the appropriate provisions to ensure a rapid evacuation can occur in an emergency.

This emergency can be anything from a fire to a gas leak, a flood, a bomb threat, a hazardous material leak, or anything else that poses a threat to life. 

According to the Metropolitan Fire Service of South Australia, a compliant emergency fire procedure should include the following: 

• Alerting others to the fire
• Ensure the safety of anyone near the fire
• Calling the fire service for assistance
• Fighting the fire yourself if safe to do so
• Evacuating the area

Even if businesses have an automatic alarm installed, a “000” emergency call should still be made to confirm the alarm and provide further details of the threat. 

Smoke Alarm Laws – Fire Alarms in Queensland

From 1st January 2022, all homes being sold, leased, or having their lease renewed must have interconnected smoke alarms. From January 2027, this will apply to all homes.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services work with industries to ensure all businesses and fire alarms in QLD are compliant. 

Current Requirements

Current fire alarm requirements are outlined in the following:

• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
• Building Fire Safety Regulation 2000
• Electrical Safety Act 2002

Current Queensland fire safety requirements state that all properties should have a smoke alarm installed.

They should also be maintained and tested regularly. Landlords can perform this maintenance themselves; however, to ensure everything is working correctly, it’s recommended that a trained fire safety compliance specialist inspects your fire alarms. 

New Requirements 

For rental properties, these new requirements will come into place in January 2022:

• Smoke alarms need powering by either 240 volts or a 10-year lithium battery
• Smoke alarms need to connect with each other
• Smoke alarms must be photoelectric – not ionized
• All smoke alarms need to comply with AS3786:2014

Dwellings constructed before 1997 may have battery-operated smoke alarms. Homes built post-2014 are required to have their smoke alarms interconnected to each other. This will apply to all fire alarms in QLD. 

What is AS3786 – 2014?

This is the Australian standard for smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light, or ionization. Companies manufacturing or designing your smoke alarms will need to comply with these regulations. 

Do You Have to Change Your Fire Alarms Now?

You will need to make changes and replace your current fire alarms if:

• Your smoke alarms are older than ten years or if they fail to operate when tested.
• If they are replaced, they must be compliant with photoelectric smoke alarms. These must be powered by the voltage that is currently in the building.
• For example, if they are powered by 240-volt, they must be replaced with 240-volt smoke detectors. Otherwise, they can be powered by 10-year non-removable batteries.

What’s a Photoelectric Smoke Alarm?

These smoke alarms use light to detect fire. Each alarm is fitted with a light-sensing chamber. Inside this chamber, an LED light shoots light in a straight line across the chamber.

This alarm detects smoke, and when the smoke enters the chamber, it deflects the LED light from the light path into a photosensor in a different compartment of the main chamber.

When the light hits this sensor, the alarm will sound. All fire alarms in QLD will need these photoelectric alarm mechanisms. 

Where Do Smoke Alarms Need Installing?

The centre of a room is the preferred location for a smoke alarm; however, this is not a requirement. For example, if your alarm is positioned on the ceiling, it must be 300mm from the room’s corners or any light fittings.

It should also be 400mm away from anything that can blow air, such as an air conditioner or the blade of a ceiling fan.  

Establishing Evacuation Procedures

You’ll need to establish a safe evacuation procedure for all customers and personnel in your workplace. The Metropolitan Fire Service provides businesses with the following outline to develop their own system. 

• Draw a map detailing all exits from the building. Display this in prominent locations and give all employees a copy.
• Create assembly points outside the building and inform all employees of these locations.
• Establish who will search the area in the event of an evacuation (only if it’s safe to do so).
• Conduct evacuation drills regularly to ensure your evacuation process is efficient.
• Ensure employees are familiar with the locations and sounds of your workplace fire alarms and any appropriate communication systems.
• Make all visitors and contractors on the site aware of your emergency procedures.
• Do not let anyone enter or re-enter the building until the fire service has deemed it safe.
• Ensure any employees with physical, visual, or hearing impairments are involved in evacuation planning.

Lastly, work with your local fire service personnel to keep your plan compliant and up-to-date.

Questions About Fire Alarms and Fire Safety?

As a business owner, you’ll need to follow stringent regulations to ensure your business remains compliant with Queensland fire safety laws.

This will also guarantee the safety of yourself, your staff, and your customers in the event of an emergency.

Find a reputable fire alarm provider today to find out more about regulations and get professional advice about your fire solutions and fire alarms in Queensland.