Fire protection specialist
Wormald urges property managers to implement a regular inspection, testing and maintenance program to help ensure their life safety systems are always in proper working order.
Building and property managers are responsible for ensuring the safety of the building’s occupants and users. Having well maintained fire protection equipment and systems on site can mean the difference between a minor fire and a devastating blaze.
Garry Kwok, National Technical Manager with Wormald emphasises the need for reliability when it comes to fire protection equipment. He explains that a building’s fire protection systems and equipment should perform to the standard to which they were originally designed and installed.
Regular maintenance and servicing can validate the functionality of the systems and equipment and help uncover any faults or issues that may prevent them from working correctly at the time of need. Kwok also points out the need for property managers to be aware of their region’s applicable regulations, relevant standards and compliance requirements.
Australian Standard AS 1851-2005 – Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment – details inspection and testing schedules for various fire protection systems and equipment.
In New South Wales, the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations (2000) stipulates that all essential fire safety measures must be maintained. The regulation also demands that an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) be prepared by a building’s owner or their agent and submitted to the respective governing authority. This certifies that a building’s fire safety measures have been assessed by a qualified person and found capable of performing as intended to their original design standard.
But, given the number of individual components that make up typical fire protection systems such as portable fire protection equipment, sprinkler systems and fire detection systems with each component requiring a specific approach to testing and servicing, the mandatory fire audits, strict standards and reporting requirements may seem overwhelming for property managers. Kwok recommends that facility managers contact a fire protection specialist who can provide professional advice and help take the stress out of maintenance and compliance.
When selecting a fire protection specialist, Kwok advises using a reputable company so that they can be confident in the technician’s ability and experience.
Wormald offers inspection and testing services to businesses of all types and sizes and, if required, can maintain other manufacturers’ equipment. Wormald’s expertise covers a wide range of fire protection products and systems including fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and cabinets, fire sprinkler systems, fire detection systems, fire hydrants, smoke curtains and doors, and a range of special hazard systems, all meeting applicable Australian industry standards.
In addition to undertaking regular, scheduled equipment and system testing, Wormald offers a 24-hour service, with technicians on standby ready to undertake emergency repair work to fire protection systems and equipment.
