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State Government regulations concerning the maintenance of fire protection
equipment are generally covered by the Fire
Service Act 1979
and the General
Fire Regulations 2000.
Permits
The Fire Service Act 1979 Section 128 (1)(ba) requires that a person
shall not:
"install, maintain or repair any fire protection
equipment unless he is the holder of a permit issued in accordance with the
General Fire Regulations".
The permit may cover the following:
- Fire detection systems
- Fire extinguishing systems
- Portable fire-fighting equipment
Standards
Tasmania Fire Service provides extracts of the Australian Standards relating
to fire equipment maintenance to permit holders at the time of issue. It
is incumbent on the permit holder to assiduously apply and maintain these
standards.
General Fire Regulations 1975 require fire equipment used in schools
be maintained as required by the relevant Australian Standard.
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Site managers and principals are responsible for the maintenance
of portable fire equipment including fire extinguishers and fire
blankets. This includes the appropriate location of equipment.
Hose Reels and Hydrants are maintained under the fire systems contract
although schools are responsible for their physical protection against
vandalism.
Hose Reels may not be required in general learning areas or related corridors
provided there are other adequate fire fighting equipment available. To remove existing hose reels requires a
report from a qualified qualified building surveyor and provision of adequate fire extinguishers to the
satisfaction of Tasmanian Fire Services. Where hose reels do exist they
are maintained to current standards. Hose
reels are required in places of public assembly, such as Gyms and Halls that are
leased out to others or where open assemblies may occur. The positioning
and maintenance of these are subject to current regulations and standards. Hose
Reels are serviced every six months, evidenced by punch marks in the attached
metal tag.
Fire Hydrants and on-site booster pump sets are
inspected and operated every six months. A registered plumber may perform minor maintenance on fire
hydrants if required.
Emergency Lighting and Emergency Exist Signs are maintained under the central
fire contract although schools are responsible for their protection.
The emergency and exit lights are tested on an 6 month basis. The
testing involves turning off normal lighting for a period of time to verify the
emergency lighting activates and that the back up batteries are capable of
keeping the light on for a minimum time period.
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Fire detection and alarm systems including sounders, bells and sirens are
maintained under the central fire contract although schools are responsible for
their physical protection.
Automatic Fire Detection panels and Alarm Systems (sirens) are tested monthly
which includes verification that the alarm works and is audible in all areas of
the site.
The thermal detectors and smoke detectors commonly seen on ceilings are
tested on an annual cycle with a percentage being tested each year dependent on
the type of detector.
Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems are tested annually where
installed.
Fire doors and walls should be maintained in good condition and not modified
or compromised in any way. Problems can occur where door closures are
modified or removed due to vandalism, doors are chocked open for convenience, or
walls are breached to allow for cables or air system.
Fire sprinkler system are maintained under the fire
systems maintenance contract.
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