News

Installation of smoke alarms

June 15, 2005

The Union has received numerous calls from members regarding the installation of smoke alarms, and whether or not members are expected and/or required to undertake this work.We draw your attention to Standing Orders ‘Installation of Smoke Alarms’ (a copy of which is attached), and to point 1.1 in particular:

1.1              Installing battery operated smoke alarms in private homes is a voluntary activity. Personnel cannot be directed to take part in an installation program.

To avoid doubt, the decision to participate in smoke alarm activities rests entirely with the individual member. If some members of the crew want to take part then they can. If others do not want to take part then they should not. Either way, every member should remain ready and available to respond. 

The Union supports the installation of smoke alarms. That being said, members should bear in mind that the installation of smoke alarms is yet another productivity initiative that the Department has failed to recognise.

 Craig Harris

State Secretary                                                                     

 Installation of smoke alarms

The NSW Fire Brigades encourages members of the public to install smoke alarms in their homes. A number of stations have taken the initiative in support of this campaign and are installing battery operated smoke alarms in homes in their areas.

 The NSWFB supports the efforts of these firefighters. Such programs are consistent with the NSW Fire Brigades’ objectives under the Corporate Plan for service to the community.

The following policy is published to assist firefighters who wish to establish a similar program in their community. This policy relates only to the installation of battery operated smoke alarms. If members of the public request firefighters to install hard wired smoke alarms, they should be advised to contact an electrician.

1  Planning a program

1.1 Installing battery operated smoke alarms in private homes is a voluntary activity. Personnel cannot be directed to take part in an installation program.

1.2 If firefighters are installing battery operated smoke alarms while on duty, they are to do so at a time convenient to the NSW Fire Brigades.

1.3 Firefighters should target their programs at the members of their community who are most in need. Examples include people who cannot install their own alarm because of physical incapacity or financial hardship.

1.4 When planning a smoke alarm installation program, firefighters should liaise with local service clubs and support agencies in assessing community needs.

1.5 Two battery operated drills will be bought by each Regional Office and made available for loan to stations involved in installation programs.

2 Liability

The NSW Fire Brigades and its members will be protected under Section 78 of the Fire Brigades Act 1989 if firefighters follow these guidelines:

2.1 Before installing or giving advice on the installation of battery operated smoke alarms, firefighters should refer to the Standards Australia Handbook 46 – 1993 Fire Safety in the Home. A copy of this handbook is included in the Station Information Kit.

2.2 Firefighters can only install smoke alarms in private homes if invited to do so.

2.3 The householder must be advised that the NSWFB is installing the smoke alarm as a voluntary act of goodwill and that the NSWFB accepts no responsibility for the smoke alarm, its function, or its performance in a fire.

2.4 Smoke alarms must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2.5 After installing a battery operated smoke alarm, firefighters should give the instruction brochure supplied with the smoke alarm to the householder, and remind them that it is the householder’s responsibility to maintain and service the alarm in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2.6 Firefighters should keep a record of their activities by making a note in the occurrence book of the names and addresses of people they have assisted through their installation program and submitting a report using the Community Activity Reporting System on page 2-268.

2.7 Before installing fire alarms in premises which may require alarms to be installed in accordance with AS 1670, Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems – system design, installation, and commissioning, firefighters should consult the Fire Safety Division.

In Orders 1996/7, with amendments