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Maintenance
According to AS 1851-2012, fire safety equipment needs to be maintained regularly. This includes fire extinguishers, sprinklers, smoke detectors, and many other fire safety measures.
You might be the property manager of a 10-storey building, or simply responsible for getting the sole extinguisher in your office maintained. Regardless, it is crucial you stay up-to-date with maintenance schedules to ensure that if a fire does break out, you're prepared.
Fire Extinguishers
Everyone knows what a fire extinguisher is, and you probably have a good idea of how to use one. But did you know, extinguishers need to be checked and tested every six months?
Extinguishers can be prone to pressure leaks, pins coming loose, and other seemingly minor mishaps that may lead to the extinguisher failing to work as designed. Plus, they only have a lifespan of 5 years, meaning regular testing is crucial.
Fire Panels
More commonly found in large residential or commercial buildings, these panels govern all the detectors and alarms on the premises. They are usually located in the reception/foyer, and are connected to a red strobe light on the outside of the building.
Fire panels need an alarm test performed every month, as well as six-monthly (slightly different test to monthly). As the test is noisy, yet brief, we can work around any time restrictions you might have, such as testing prior to regular office hours.
Fire Blankets
An absolute essential in all commercial offices and kitchens, fire blankets are a great tool for extinguishing fires. They are small and reusable, and ideal for putting out small fires without the hassle of using an extinguisher.
Blankets need to be tagged and tested every six months, like extinguishers. However, they are quite durable and tend to have longer lifespans than their metallic counterparts.
Emergency Lights/Signs
If you're in an office, have a look around. You can probably see a green exit sign, or a small, circular LED, known as a spitfire. These are two common emergency light types, found in most buildings, which also need to be tested regularly.
How do we test them, I hear you ask? They need to withstand a 90 minute battery test, in which normal 'mains' power is switched off, simulating a total loss of power. This test occurs every six months.
Smoke/Heat Detectors
These devices come in all different shapes and sizes, but are vital in alerting people to the presence of a fire. They can become extremely dusty and grimy, and thus, lose their responsiveness to smoke or heat. As a result, it is crucial to ensure detectors are regularly maintained.
They are required to be tested every six months. This includes setting off their alarm to make sure they can detect heat/smoke, and a quick clean if necessary.
As well as many, many more...
There's a good chance your building/workspace has other fire safety measures we haven't listed on this page. This may include, but is not limited to: diesel pumps, sprinklers, fire hydrants, fire hose reels and fire doors.
If you've got fire safety equipment, chances are, we can maintain it for you! Just give us a call, send us an email, or fill out the form and we'll get back to you ASAP!
A copy of AS 1851-2012, detailing the minimum required maintenance frequencies.