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Fire safety is a vital aspect of any commercial building. Building owners install fire equipment to act as warning systems, reduce fire damage and save lives in case of a fire outbreak. The extract below discusses some of the fire equipment you should install in your building and government regulations on fire safety in Australia.  

What Fire Equipment Should Owners Of Commercial Buildings Consider? 

Below are some of the standard fire equipment installed in commercial buildings: 

1. Fire extinguishers are probably the most common fire equipment. There are different types of extinguishers, each putting out a specific fire. For instance, powder fire extinguishers put out fires caused by combustibles, flammables, and electrical fires. Conversely, a wet chemical extinguisher puts out fires caused by vegetable fats.
2. Modern-day fire alarms will alert the fire department and the security team of a fire. Once the alarm goes off, a public address system and emergency lighting system will guide occupants out of the building.
3. Smoke and heat detectors are designed to activate overhead sprinklers to put out a fire.
4. Buildings also have state-of-the-art ventilation push put smoke once a fire erupts. These systems increase the visibility of firefighters. Besides, they prevent people trapped in the buildings from choking.
5. The buildings also incorporate emergency exits and elevators to ensure decongestion in the event of a fire. 

Are Owners Legally Compelled to Install Fire Equipment? 

In Australia, the building code compels commercial building owners to incorporate fire safety measures (synonymously known as essential safety measures) when designing and building commercial structures. Owners who opt to forego these measures cannot get building permits. Once the construction works are complete, the owner received an occupation certificate that indicates the building meets the required standards. 

Building owners are charged with the maintenance of the essential safety measures. On an annual basis, they are required to present a fire safety statement as an indication that the essential safety measures are in excellent condition. Usually, the owner hires a fire inspector to assess the essential safety measures. The inspector could recommend improvements such as cleaning the ventilation system or repairing damaged extinguishers. After this, the inspector compiles the annual fire statement and sends it to the local council.

If the building meets the required fire standard, the owner receives a certificate that should be displayed at the entrance of the building. Although the local council will not remind you to compile the annual fire safety statement, you risk fines or prosecution if your facility is not compliant.