The UFU (United Firefighters Union) has said that its members have been put at risk while working on roofs. The complaint to Worksafe ACT is due to work during storms without the correct safety equipment, despite there being unimplemented training and equipment. However, a spokesman for ACT Fire and Rescue has said that firefighters are highly trained and every truck is equipped with sufficient ropes, harnesses and other equipment. So far, Worksafe ACT is treating it as a complaint but will discuss the situation with ACT Fire and Rescue. The UFU is the main union for Australia’s firefighters, and has said that they have raised the issue of roof safety for fire fighter before. While firefighters are expected to be exposed to more danger than other occupations, having the right equipment and training is vital for them to carry out fire and rescue services. The Fire Service in the ACT and around Australia also provides advice on fire safety such as smoke alarm placement, and correct extinguishers for your home.

United Firefighters Union Say Members at Risk on Roofs is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

Energy Safe Victoria has released a draft report in May that outlines its findings on the safety of the ‘smart meters’ used to measure electricity usage. The report was commissioned in response to reports that the smart meter caused fires and even exploded in some cases. Paul Fearon, the director of Energy Safety, said that the meters are completely safe and do not cause fires or explode. It seems that the confusion was caused by tampering with the devices, not because of faults in the meter. Despite this, there has been one known case where a loose screw caused a fire. While you do not have to worry if you have a smart meter installed, you should still be fire aware around your home, check your smoke alarms regularly, check electric blankets, heaters and even your lint filter regularly. You should be especially careful in winter and if you are concerned with any of your wiring, then hire an electrician to test it just to be sure.

Energy Safe Victoria Says Smart Meters Are OK is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

Sydney Airport is set to receive a much needed safety upgrade with the addition of 4 fire and rescue vehicles valued at $1 million. The new MK8 fire fighting vehicles are specifically designed for the aviation industry with ten thousand litres of foam and water at their disposal. While security scanning systems, smoke alarms and sprinkler systems in the airport are adequate, the vehicle upgrade now means that trucks can respond to a fire anywhere at the airport within three minutes. The trucks are equipped with a quick acceleration speed that can go from 0 to 80 in under 30 seconds. While there have not been any serious accidents at the airport, the fire services respond to about two thousand callouts per year. The upgrades are part of the overall Airservices funding (currently a total of $124 million) that is seeking to improve rescue and fire services at the biggest airports around the nation.

Sydney Airport Receives a Fire Safety Upgrade is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

Newcastle, NSW has come in the top ten worst places for house fires, a report from Fire and Rescue NSW has said. The report highlights that most house fires occur during the winter season when people are using more heating devices at home. Of 74 home fires reported last year, approximately 33 occurred in a five month period making up almost 50% of the fires for the Newcastle area. Fire and Rescue commissioner, Greg Mullins, said that there were about 12 fatalities last year that were completely preventable. It is important to check your smoke alarms, electric blankets, and heaters on a regular basis. Commissioner Mullins emphasised the fact that a fire can take hold in your home in around three minutes. In 2011, the starting point of fires in winter was also common, with 44% starting in the kitchen and 25% caused by electrical equipment or naked flames such as candles.

House Fire Numbers in Newcastle in State’s Top Ten Worst is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

In a unique way to spread the fire safety message to the community, country fire brigade volunteers from the Ballarat district staged a flash mob in April. This was done to increase awareness of fire safety, especially in the winter season. The messages were straightforward and in the form of business cards with a single question on them. One urged people to practise their fire escape plan. Another asked people if they have cleaned their smoke alarm while others focussed on traditional winter fire starters such as electric blankets, gas and other heaters, and even reminded people to clean the lint filter on their washing machine. Australia sees the highest number of house fires during the winter season and firefighters are frequently called out to fires caused by a heater or electric blanket. The Ballarat CFA volunteers have used a modern internet phenomenon to really bring fire safety education to the people.

Ballarat Flash Mob Promotes Fire Safety is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

FPA Australia (Fire Protection Authority) has re-emphasised the importance of using genuine parts for engineered fire safety systems. The report, released in November 2011, says that while non-genuine parts may be available and used throughout the world, they can be less reliable and even compromise the function of the fire protection system. This usually occurs when the non-genuine parts are not actually compatible with the original system or with other components. FPA Australia is concerned that a failure in a non-genuine part could cause vital systems, such as a fire alarm or retardant delivery system to malfunction. A pre-engineered fire protection system is usually made of many very precise components, from sensors and nozzles to controls, so failure in one system can easily affect another. The report also mentions ‘hybrid’ fire safety systems, which are made up of different parts from different systems, saying that while individual systems are tested, the combination of different components has not.

The Importance of Using Genuine Parts in Fire Safety Equipment is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

The Fire Protection Authority (FPA) has raised concerns after allegations of corruption against the Victorian Building Commission. This is on the heels of a bad report from the Victorian Auditor-General’s report in December, 2011, that showed ninety six percent of 401 building permits did not meet building code requirements. This means many buildings newly constructed may not have adequate extinguishers, smoke alarms and other fire safety systems in place. CEO of FPA Australia, Scott Williams, said that an independent investigation into the activities of the Victorian Building Commission was welcome. Building Commission officials allegedly received payments in exchange for building licences without the correct procedures and approval. The FPA has sought independent information through the office of the Victorian Ombudsman but they were unable to comment until a report is tabled in parliament. FPA has called for a wide ranging enquiry into the entire construction process, from new buildings through to refits.

Allegegations of Corruption Against the Victorian Building Commission Raises Concern is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

The fire at a Sydney nursing home on November 18, 2011, has confirmed the need for early warning systems and other fire protection devices said the FPA (Fire Protection Authority). Smoke alarms, fire alarms and sprinkler systems all play their part in protecting people’s homes as well as aged care facilities. Scott Williams (CEO of the FPA) said that the tragedy highlighted the need for good systems to be put in place, especially in this type of facility. The FPA organises regular conferences to raise awareness of fire protection as well as keep those in the industry up to date with current standards. Williams went on to say that the nursing home disaster is a reminder for everyone to have a well rehearsed fire emergency plan in their home, office and everywhere else. While the Building Code of Australia has very high standards for new nursing homes in terms of fire safety, it seems that some older buildings are in need of a review.

Sydney Nursing Home Fire Shows Increased Need for Fire Safety is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

The FPA (Fire Protection Association) are calling for a better understanding on the Building Code of Australia after a fire in Melbourne’s CBD on March 5, 2012. Welding that was being carried out as part of renovations was believed to have sparked the blaze. The fire has highlighted a number of problems with the building, in particular the inability of firefighters to access water from the hydrant system. While smoke alarm systems act as a good early warning system, they needed to be backed up with proper hydrant and fire extinguisher systems. The building is now required to have at a minimum: operational fire hoses, fire hydrants on each storey as well as hydrant booster connections. The CEO of FPA was disappointed to see buildings that did not comply with Australian safety standards. He went on to say that poor hydrant systems increase the risks faced by fire crews in an emergency.

Melbourne CBD Fire Causes Concern About Building Violations is a post from: Fire Safety & Security

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) Australia has reaffirmed its dedication to high standards for fire extinguishers used in Australia and New Zealand. The FPA released a bulletin in March echoing the concerns of members for the increasing prevalence of fire extinguishers that do not meet Australian or New Zealand standards. The FPA is an organisation that aims to “promote the protection of life, assets and the environment from fire” so fire extinguishers, smoke alarms and other fire safety equipment is high on their agenda. Australia has some of the most comprehensive fire protection laws due to our climate and regular extreme weather conditions. These high standards mean that many improperly imported fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment may not be up to Australian standards. The FPA called on members to understand the current certification system for Australian fire extinguishers. Both the FPA and the ACCC are playing an important role in educating the public about fire extinguisher minimum standards.

FPA Increases Awareness of Fire Extinguisher Standards is a post from: Fire Safety & Security