Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) systems are a fundamental feature of fire detection – they save lives and are there to alert occupants and provide fast response from fire fighters. However, due to false fire alarms, which disrupt business and diminish productivity, companies are feeling the cost more than ever.
In 2019/20 financial year, Fire & Rescue NSW responded to approximately 48,000 Automatic Fire Alarms (AFA) and 97% of these were ‘unwanted’.
Unwanted alarms are when FRNSW has attended in response to an alarm where there is no fire or other emergency. Under the Fire Brigades Act 1989 FRNSW has a statutory obligation to attend to all fire alarms.
In NSW companies are charged in excess of $1600 for each false alarm and these charges are there for good reason.
“They are intended to motivate building owners and managers to be continually pro-active in managing their AFA systems and ensure they are correctly maintained,” says FRNSW.
But it is a vicious cycle – your AFA goes off, the fire brigade is called out, and you get billed.
So, what can you do to avoid this? And can you recoup any of the costs?
Fire System Upgrade
Poorly maintained fire systems are a primary cause of false alarms. According to Form1 Branch Manager, Gary Wall, it is essential to maintain or upgrade your fire system to avoid unnecessary fees and disruption.
“One business we spoke to earlier this year admitted to getting around two false alarms per month, which could potentially result in $38,000 of unnecessary fees each year,” explains Gary. “This money would be better invested in correctly maintaining, or installing, a new fire system.
“At one hospital we simply upgraded their conventional fire system to an addressable one, which reduced false fire alarms and in turn the fees. New smoke detectors are a lot smarter and will activate a maintenance fault when contaminated rather than setting off a false alarm.”
Gary says many businesses don’t know they can also recoup some of the fees spent on false alarms.
“What many business owners may not know is there are several ways they can claim back a portion of the fee, such as repairing faulty equipment. You must provide proof you’ve had the equipment repaired or replaced, such as an invoice, and then commence the waiver process. They want to see you are improving your fire system before they will give you a refund. Fire system upgrades are generally needed every 10-15 years.”
Has your business paid for a false fire alarm?
In some circumstances FRNSW can waive all or part of an alarm charge.
The application for waiver must be made not more than 180 calendar days from the FRNSW invoice date. Talk to us about the necessary procedure and documentation and read more about how you can waive the charge here.
At Form1 it’s our mission to empower you to make smarter choices. If you would like an assessment of your existing AFA system, please reach out to our team below.
