Fire Safety Act Flashcards
(74 cards)
What are the common fire hazards in buildings?
- Obstruction of escape routes
- Poor maintenance of fire safety equipment
- Overcrowding.
Fire hazards can exist in many forms and significantly impact safety.
Define Fire Hazard according to the Fire Safety Act.
Any matter or circumstance which materially increases the likelihood of fire or danger to life or property resulting from fire.
This includes unauthorized alterations, overcrowding, removal of fire safety measures, lack of maintenance, obstruction of escape routes, and other hindrances.
What is an example of unauthorized alteration that could be a fire hazard?
Erection of walls that upset the original fire protection systems.
This can make escape in the event of fire more difficult.
What constitutes overcrowding in public buildings?
Exceeding the permissible occupancy load.
This may render escape in the event of fire more difficult.
What happens if a fire safety measure is removed from a building?
It can increase fire hazard risk if the measure was approved by the Commissioner.
Example: replacing a fire-rated door with a non-fire-rated door.
What is the consequence of poor maintenance of fire safety equipment?
It may lead to fire safety measures not being in efficient working order.
Example: lack of servicing of fire extinguishers.
Name one obstruction that can hinder escape routes.
Stacking goods along common corridors.
Other examples include locking exit doors in occupied buildings.
What is a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN)?
A warning issued when a fire hazard has been committed.
Example: if the door closer of a fire door is not functioning properly.
What is the penalty for not abating a fire hazard after a FHAN?
A Notice of Offence with a composition fine of $300 to $500, up to $5,000 in serious cases.
Court action may also be taken.
What defines a Fire Safety Offence (FSO)?
A serious fire safety contravention that warrants a heavier penalty.
Example: unauthorized works posing fire safety risks.
What is the maximum penalty for general fire safety violations?
Up to $10,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 6 months.
Serious cases may lead to higher penalties.
What is the maximum fine for carrying out unauthorized fire safety works?
$200,000 and/or jail term not exceeding 24 months.
Extreme cases may lead to temporary closure of the premises.
What is the purpose of the Fire Safety Manager scheme?
- To enhance fire safety within buildings
- Promote fire safety awareness.
The scheme helps to maintain fire safety standards.
When did it become mandatory to appoint Fire Safety Managers?
1993 & 1994
This applies to designated buildings.
What types of buildings require a Fire Safety Manager?
Public or industrial buildings with:
* 9 storeys or more
* occupant load of 1,000 or more
* floor area of 5,000 square metres or more.
This includes foreign employee dormitories and hospitals.
What is the primary duty of a fire safety manager?
To assist the owner/occupier of premises with fire safety compliance & management.
What must a fire safety manager ensure regarding the Emergency Response Plan?
That fire safety requirements contained in the Emergency Response Plan are complied with.
What should a fire safety manager do if fire safety measures do not comply with legal requirements?
Inform the owner or occupier of the non-compliance and the need to rectify it.
What must be recorded in writing by the fire safety manager?
Details of the non-compliance and how the owner or occupier was informed.
If a temporary change of use is approved, what is the fire safety manager’s duty?
Ensure compliance with any fire-safety related conditions of the approval.
What should a fire safety manager do if there is no valid fire certificate for a building?
Inform the owner or occupier that there is no valid fire certificate.
What is one of the responsibilities of a fire safety manager regarding drills?
Conduct fire drills for occupants at least twice a year.
How often must Table-Top Exercises be conducted?
At least two times each year.
What is the purpose of the Arson Prevention Plan?
To prepare and implement strategies for preventing arson on the premises.