Fire System Services
Home
: Introduction
: FAQ's : Contact
Us : Terms &
Conditions : Disclaimer
Automatic Fire Suppression
Systems : Bush
Fire Fighting Equipment : Cylinder
Testing : Exit
& Emergency Lighting
Fire Extinguishers : Fire
Extinguisher Training : Fire
Hose Reels : Fire Regulations
: Fire Safety
: Fire
& Smoke Detection
Rechargeable Batteries :
Smoke Emitters : WaterJel
Fire Blankets
Frequently Ask Questions
Q: Where are you situated?
A: In Adelaide, South Australia. The day to day maintenance, service & sales
operations are performed by our team of able Customer Service Technicians who
will personally visit your premises. Our office and workshop facilities
are located at Unit 1 16 Glasgow Street,
Wingfield.
Q: Geographically, what areas
do you service?
A: Adelaide CBD & Greater Metropolitan Areas, Adelaide Hills, South Coast & Fleurieu
Peninsula, South East & Bordertown Districts, Kangaroo Island, Lower Barossa
Valley & Gawler Area.
Q: Do you sell
wholesale to the
public?
A: We are not wholesalers.
However, we offer discounts on the recommended retail price
for
certain
items
of
fire
equipment.
We
also
offer
a discounted rate on regular
six
monthly
maintenance
for customers with multiple sites containing bulk items
of
fire
equipment who enter into a Customer Service Agreement with Fire System Services.
Q: Do you sell second hand equipment?
A: No.
Q: What are your terms of payment? What
methods of payment do you accept?
A: Our
Terms of Payment for goods and services is strictly COD, unless
otherwise agreed in writing with Fire System Services. Should you require
an account, please contact us to obtain an Account Application. Our Terms
of Accounts are payable fourteen (14) days from the date of invoice.
We accept payment by Cheque,
Money Order, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or Direct Deposit to our bank
account, and by Credit Card (Bankcard, Mastercard or Visa only).
Please contact us to obtain details of our Bank Account details for payment
by EFT or Direct Deposit. Don't
forget to forward a copy of your deposit slip or remittance advice by fax,
email or post.
Credit card details can be faxed to us or provided over the phone. For security reasons DO NOT send your credit card details via email!
Q: What are my obligations? Do I need to have a fire extinguisher in my premises?
A: Commercial premises or public meeting places
need to comply with Australian Standards 2444 as governed by Regulations
for the Building Code of Australia and/or the Occupational Health
and Safety Welfare Act SA. This means that at least
one fire extinguisher
is required to be located within your premises. Extinguishers are required
to reach every 15 walkable
metres for Class A fires (paper, wood, textiles) and every 20 walkable
metres
for Class E fires (electrical). There
are no requirements for private dwellings, unless there is a requirement under
the conditions of an approved Development Application for the dwelling.
Q: What
about commercial vehicles?
A: Depending on the fire hazard of the cargo being carried, Australian Standard
2444 section 5.4 specifies that every fire extinguisher for use in commercial
vehicles shall be of a type fitted fitted with a hose to assist in gaining
access to
awkward locations & have a minium fire rating of 1A:10B:(E).
Q: I have
fire hose reels installed in my building, do I still need fire extinguishers
for class A fire hazards (paper, wood, textiles)?
A: Yes, Australian Standards 2444 was revised in 2001, previously you
did not need to provide additional extinguishers for Class A fire hazards.
Under the revised Aust Standards 2444
section 4.2 Class A fire risks, if your building
has a class
A fire risk in what ever quantity, fire extinguishers with a class A
fire rating need to be provided. In addition to this the travel distance
from ANY point to the
nearest extinguisher
shall
not be greater than 15 metres.
Q: Which type of fire extinguisher
is required?
Fire
Extinguisher Guide
A: Due to the complexity of fires today, there
are over six (6) different type of fire extinguishers available for various situations.
Taking into account the size of a building and the products stored within,
a combination of multiple types of portable fire extinguishers is not
unheard of. We recommend that you seek expert advice with a local fire
safety service provider or call our office.
Q: Does my fire safety equipment
need to be maintained?
A: Commercial premises or public meeting places need to
comply with Australian Standards 1851 as governed by Regulations for the Building
Code of Australia and/or the Occupational Health and Safety Welfare Act SA.
This means that fire fighting equipment such as: fire extinguishers, fire hose
reels, fire blankets etc., are required to be inspected and certified on a regular
six monthly basis in accordance with relevant Australian Standards. Owners/occupiers
of buildings may also be required by the local council to provide evidence that
fire equipment has been supplied and/or maintained in accordance with relevant
Australian Standards where the site is the subject of a development consent.
Furthermore, your Insurer may also require evidence that regular maintenance
has been carried out. With the exception of Smoke Detection, there are no requirements
for private dwellings.
Fire
Extinguisher Servicing
Q: What are the requirements for smoke
detection in domestic households?
A: Smoke Alarms
The installation of smoke alarms is compulsory in South Australia. The type of smoke alarm you need depends on when you first owned your home.
Home owned before 1 February 1998, a replaceable battery powered alarm is required.
Homes purchased on or after 1 February 1998, 240 volt mains powered or a ten year life non-replaceable, non-removable permanently connected battery powered is required.
Homes built on or after 1 January 1995 a 240 volt mains powered smoke alarm is required.
For further information phone 8204 3611 or visit the Metropolitan Fire Service website.
Q: How can I tell when my
fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers) was last inspected and certified?
A: You can check this by locating the yellow maintenance
tag (as shown in the above picture) attached to your fire fighting equipment,
a numeric
symbol is marked in the month & year for each inspection
and certification.
Q: What do the numeric symbols stand for?
A:
Number 1 = six monthly inspection
Number 2 = yearly inspection
Number 3 = no longer used as to AS1851 - 2005
Number 4 = five yearly inspection (pressure testing)
Number 5 = after use service
Q:
If my fire extinguisher has been partially discharged and a small amount
of extinguishant has been used, do I need to have the extinguisher refilled?
A: Yes, all fire
extinguishers must be refilled once they have been discharged. Fire extinguishers
are designed to discharge their propellant gas once the valve stem has
been
pushed.
Even
if
you only use a small amount of extinguishant
the extinguisher will still degas. This
is so you always know that the extinguisher is not half full when put
back in place.
Q: How long do exit
and emergency lights have to illuminate for in back up battery mode?
A: In accordance with Australian Standards 2293.2 exit and emergency lights
must illuminate for a minimum of 90 minutes in back up battery mode.
Q: Are service providers law enforcement
officers?
A: Definitely not! Unfortunately, some operators in the
fire industry give a false impression that they represent an elite Government
task force. The fact is, we Service Providers are only that - a Service Provider!!
All work should be carried out in accordance with Australian Standards as relevant
and a Certificate of Inspection for all work carried out should be provided
by that Service Provider. Should you experience heavy-handed tactics from any
employee or representative of any Service Provider, we strongly recommend you
find another provider listed in the Yellow Pages Directory.
Fire
Extinguisher Servicing
Q: I have been advised that the
Australian Standards have changed in relation to maintenance?
A: Yes, as of 2005 Australian Standards 1851 has changed.
We suggest you contact your local service provider to discuss how these changes
will effect you.
