The Importance of Annual Fire Safety Inspections

When it comes to fire safety, prevention is key. An annual fire safety inspection can help prevent fires and keep your property safe. Fire safety is a legal requirement and failure to comply with the regulations can result in fines or even legal action. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of annual fire safety inspections and how they can help keep your property safe and compliant with Australian safety standards.

What is an Annual Fire Safety Inspection?

An annual fire safety inspection is a comprehensive inspection of a property’s fire safety systems and equipment. The inspection is carried out by a qualified fire safety professional and includes a review of fire safety plans, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, and other fire safety equipment. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the property is safe and compliant with Australian safety standards.

Why are Annual Fire Safety Inspections Important?

There are many reasons why annual fire safety inspections are important. They help identify any fire safety hazards that may exist on the property. This could include faulty fire extinguishers, blocked fire exits, or smoke alarms that are not working properly. Identifying these hazards early can help prevent a fire from starting or spreading.

Annual fire safety inspections ensure that the property is compliant with Australian safety standards. The regulations for fire safety in Australia are strict, and failure to comply with them can result in fines or legal action. By having an annual fire safety inspection, property owners can ensure that their property meets all the necessary safety standards.

Annual fire safety inspections can also help reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life in the event of a fire. A comprehensive inspection can identify any weaknesses in the fire safety systems and equipment, and provide recommendations for improvements. This can help prevent a fire from spreading and reduce the amount of damage caused.

What Happens During an Annual Fire Safety Inspection?

During an annual fire safety inspection, a qualified fire safety professional will carry out a thorough inspection of the property’s fire safety systems and equipment. This includes a review of fire safety plans, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, and other fire safety equipment.

The fire safety professional will identify any fire safety hazards that may exist on the property and provide recommendations for improvements. They will also ensure that the property is compliant with Australian safety standards.

What is Inspected During an Annual Fire Safety Inspection?

During an annual fire safety inspection an inspector will ensure the following areas of fire safety have been implemented and are compliant with regulations and standards:

Fire Safety Plans – A fire safety plan is a document that outlines the procedures to be followed in the event of a fire. It includes information on evacuation routes, fire extinguisher locations, and emergency contact details. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will review the fire safety plan to ensure that it is up-to-date and accurate.

Fire Drills and Emergency Evacuation Drills – Fire drills and emergency evacuation drills are an important part of any fire safety plan. They provide an opportunity for occupants of a property to practice what they would do in the event of a fire or other emergency. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the property has conducted regular fire drills and emergency evacuation drills and that occupants are familiar with the procedures. It is important to conduct drills regularly to ensure that occupants are prepared and confident in their ability to evacuate the property safely in the event of an emergency. Property owners and managers should also review and update their fire safety plan and evacuation procedures based on the results of the drills to ensure that they remain effective and relevant.

Fire Extinguishers – Fire extinguishers are an essential piece of fire safety equipment. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the fire extinguishers are in the correct locations and are fully charged. They will also ensure that the correct type of extinguisher is being used for the specific hazards on the property.

Fire Hydrants – Fire hydrants are a crucial part of a property’s fire safety system. They provide a reliable source of water for firefighting operations in the event of a fire. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the fire hydrants are in the correct locations, are easily accessible, and are in good working order. It is also important that fire hydrants are regularly maintained and tested to ensure that they are ready for use in an emergency.

Hose Reels – Hose reels are another important component of a property’s fire safety system. They are designed to deliver a high-pressure jet of water for firefighting operations in the event of a fire. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the fire reels are in the correct locations, are easily accessible, and are in good working order. It is also important that fire reels are regularly maintained and tested to ensure that they are ready for use in an emergency.

Smoke Alarms – Smoke alarms are an essential part of any fire safety plan. They are designed to detect smoke and alert occupants of a property to the presence of a fire. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that smoke alarms are installed in the correct locations and are working properly. In a residential property smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and living area of a house. Smoke detectors in a commercial building should be positioned in accordance with the relevant fire safety standards and regulations. Smoke detectors should be interconnected, so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound. It is also important to regularly test smoke alarms and replace the batteries at least once a year. This will ensure that the smoke alarms are always in good working order and provide early warning in the event of a fire.

Emergency Lighting – Emergency lighting is designed to provide illumination in the event of a power failure or other emergency. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the emergency lighting is working properly and is in the correct locations.

Sprinkler Systems – Sprinkler systems are designed to automatically extinguish fires. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the sprinkler system is working properly including and that a flow test has been conducted within twelve months.

Fire Indicator Panel – A Fire Indicator Panel (FIP) is a device that receives signals from fire detection devices, such as smoke detectors and heat sensors, and displays the location of the activated device on a control panel. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the FIP is in the correct location, is working properly and is interconnected to the building’s fire alarm system.

Fire Alarm – The fire alarm system is designed to alert occupants of a property in the event of a fire. The system should be tested regularly to ensure that it is in good working order. Fire alarm systems are required to comply with Australian safety standards, which specify the type and placement of fire detection devices, the power supply and wiring of the system, and the sound levels of alarms.

EWIS System – An Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) is designed to provide occupants of a property with clear and concise emergency messages in the event of a fire. The system can also be used to communicate with emergency services and coordinate the safe evacuation of the building. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the EWIS is working properly and is in the correct locations.

The EWIS system is required to comply with Australian safety standards, which specify the type of messages that must be delivered, the sound levels of the messages, and the location of EWIS devices. It is important that the system is regularly tested to ensure that it is in good working order and that occupants of the property are familiar with the emergency messages. This will help ensure that in the event of a fire, occupants can quickly and safely evacuate the building.

Fire Brigade Access – Fire brigade access is an important consideration for any property. It is essential that the fire brigade can access the property easily and quickly in the event of a fire. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that there are clear and unobstructed pathways for fire brigade vehicles to enter and exit the property. It is also important that the property has designated fire brigade access points and that these are clearly marked and easily accessible. By ensuring that fire brigade access is clear and unobstructed, property owners and managers can help reduce response times in the event of a fire and minimise the risk of property damage and loss of life.

Fire Safety Policies and Procedures – Fire safety policies and procedures are an essential part of any fire safety plan. They provide clear guidance on how to prevent fires, what to do in the event of a fire, and how to evacuate a property safely. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the property has a comprehensive fire safety plan in place and that all occupants of the property are familiar with the plan. It is also important that the fire safety plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that it remains relevant and effective.

Fire Safety Legislation and Standards

In Australia, there are various laws and regulations governing fire safety in properties. The specific laws and regulations can vary depending on the state or territory in which the property is located. In addition to laws and regulations, there are also standards that provide guidance on best practices for fire safety in properties. The most widely used standard in Australia is the Australian Standard AS 1851, which provides guidance on the routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. During an annual fire safety inspection, the fire safety professional will check that the property is compliant with the relevant laws, regulations, and standards for fire safety. Property owners and managers should stay up to date with changes to laws, regulations, and standards to ensure that their property remains compliant and safe.

Below: Digital Fire Safety Inspection Checklist by DIGI CLIP mobile forms

DIGI CLIP mobile forms provide digital safety & compliance checklists

Digital Checklists for Fire Safety Inspections

Digital checklists have become increasingly popular for fire safety inspections. They allow fire safety professionals to conduct inspections more efficiently and accurately. Digital checklists also provide a more detailed record of the inspection, which can be useful for property owners and managers.

Digital checklists can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet and can include photos and notes for each item on the checklist. They can also be customised to suit the specific needs of the property being inspected. Digital checklists can help reduce the risk of human error and ensure that all aspects of the inspection are covered.

In addition, digital checklists can be easily shared with property owners and managers. This can help keep them informed about the fire safety status of the property and provide recommendations for improvements.

Conclusion

Annual fire safety inspections are essential for ensuring the safety and compliance of a property. They help identify any fire safety hazards, ensure compliance with safety legislation and standards, and reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life in the event of a fire. Digital checklists can also make the inspection process more efficient and accurate. Property owners and managers should ensure that their properties undergo annual fire safety inspections by qualified professionals to ensure the safety of their occupants and comply with legal requirements.

DIGI CLIP mobile forms – What Do We Do?

DIGI CLIP mobile forms is an easy-to-use inexpensive digital checklist & inspection app and cloud-based software. DIGI CLIP is used across different industries to capture safety and compliance data and other information to help improve safety, compliance and operational efficiencies.

DIGI CLIP will allow you to remove paper reporting from your business – no more lost, late missing or illegible checklists. The DIGI CLIP mobile app allows images, comments and digital signatures to be added to checklists from a phone or tablet.

DIGI CLIP has a Form Library where you can access all of the above forms and more for your use. All checklists and inspections can be edited or updated to meet your risk and operational requirements.

DIGI CLIP also has a safety management module called Safety Tracker. Safety Tracker is our incident and hazard reporting and management software application that adds to DIGI CLIP mobile forms. Incidents and hazards are reported via the DIGI CLIP app or directly on the cloud-based software. Incident and quality Investigations and hazard assessments are completed on templates provided by DIGI CLIP and corrective and closeout actions are tracked by the cloud-based software.

Follow this link if you want to know more about what we do and how we can help or send us a message.