Having fire protection equipment installed is only part of keeping a workplace protected. It also needs to remain maintained, accessible and ready to use when it is needed.

It sounds simple, but workplaces are constantly changing. Furniture is moved, stock is stored in different locations, equipment is added and spaces are rearranged. Over time, these everyday changes can affect access to fire protection equipment without anyone necessarily noticing.

A recent routine service by an FWSR Group technician provided a simple example.

A fire blanket remained installed in its designated location, but a refrigerator had been positioned directly in front of it. While the fire blanket was still there, it was partially obscured from view and difficult to access quickly.

In an emergency, those few extra moments spent locating or reaching fire protection equipment can matter.

More than checking whether equipment works

Routine servicing under AS 1851-2012 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment involves much more than identifying equipment that is faulty or damaged.

For fire blankets, six-monthly routine service activities include checks relating to whether the fire blanket is in its assigned location, readily accessible, correctly signed, clean and free from damage, along with other requirements.

It means a technician may identify an issue even when there is nothing mechanically “wrong” with the equipment itself.

The fridge in this example could be moved. On another site, it might be shelving placed in front of an extinguisher, boxes stored around a fire hose reel or other changes within a building that affect access to fire protection equipment.

Why regular servicing matters

Different fire protection systems and equipment require routine service activities at specified intervals, which can include monthly, three-monthly, six-monthly and yearly activities, depending on the equipment or system.

Having technicians attend at regular intervals provides an opportunity to identify changes that have occurred since the previous service.

A workplace that was compliant and unobstructed at one inspection may look very different several months later.

That is one of the important roles of routine servicing: helping ensure fire protection systems and equipment continue to be maintained and ready to perform their intended function, rather than simply assuming that because they were installed correctly, they will remain that way.

Take a look around your workplace

National Fire Protection Month is a timely reminder to pay attention to the fire protection equipment we often walk past every day.

Take a look around your workplace. Are fire extinguishers easy to reach? Are fire blankets clearly visible? Has furniture, equipment or storage been placed in front of fire protection equipment or signage?

Small changes can create issues – and regular inspection, testing and maintenance can help identify them.

FWSR Group provides routine inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment across Victoria and surrounding regions, helping businesses maintain their fire protection and Essential Safety Measures.

Helping you protect your most important asset, your people.

Need assistance with the routine servicing of your fire protection systems and equipment? Contact FWSR Group on 1300 886 208.