img-3In Victoria, Australia, smoke alarms are mandatory in all commercial buildings, including their floors and rooms, such as office spaces, storage areas, and parking garages. The ideal locations for smoke alarm installation are walls and ceilings.

It’s important to put smoke alarms in workplaces according to standards set out in the Victorian Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2006.

Let’s discuss the essentials. We’ll also cite best practices for maintaining smoke alarms to ensure they do their job when needed.

How Do You Install Smoke Alarms in the Workplace?

According to the Country Fire Authority (CFA), the first step in installing smoke alarms is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, the best places to install smoke detectors are on the ceiling and the walls. Here are some points to remember:

  • For ceiling installation: Install the smoke alarm in the centre of the ceiling, or at least 300 mm away from any cornice or wall. If your workplace has a cathedral or sloping ceiling, position the smoke alarm between 500 mm and 1500 mm from the highest point.
  • For wall installation: Mount the smoke alarm on the wall, 300 mm to 500 mm below the ceiling.

Whether you apply ceiling or wall installation, avoid putting smoke alarms near drafty areas like windows, doors, and air ducts.

Do not install them in dead air spaces, either. A dead air space is often at the apex of sloping ceilings where walls and ceilings meet. This area has restricted airflow, making it difficult for the smoke to reach the alarm.

The CFA also strongly recommends installing interconnected smoke alarms in buildings to enhance fire safety. Interconnected smoke alarms simultaneously activate when smoke is detected, ensuring that all occupants throughout the building are alerted. They can be connected either through physical wiring or Bluetooth technology.

But how many smoke alarms should be installed in your workplace?

Installing at least one smoke alarm in every living or working area and in places where people sleep is recommended. If applicable, having smoke alarms in hallways and stairs between floors is also advised.

CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) also encourage Victorians to go beyond the legal requirements. Installing multiple and interconnected smoke alarms increases the chances of early detection and action.

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Where Should You Install Smoke Alarms in the Workplace?

Once you decide which installation method to apply, check and cover the following workplace areas.

Office Areas

Install smoke alarms in large meeting areas or places where people frequently stay or work. By placing a smoke alarm in your office spaces, you can ensure that as many people as possible are alerted in the event of a fire.

Install smoke alarms in meeting rooms, unused areas, and other closed-off office spaces. Alarms placed outside may not detect smoke that originates in these enclosed spaces, so it’s advisable to have one installed indoors.

Storage Rooms or Basements

Storage rooms are often isolated, enclosed spaces less frequently visited by employees.

If a fire starts here without a smoke alarm installed, the situation may already be out of control before the staff detects it. Installing a smoke alarm in this workplace area is crucial if it contains flammable materials and appliances like heaters or hot water systems.

Parking Areas or Garages

Parked cars bursting into flames may seem unthinkable, but it can happen. So, imagine the damage this unlikely incident can cause in a parking area or garage without a smoke alarm.
If your workplace has a parking space, be sure it has ample alarms and other fire suppression systems. Install the alarms away from the access lanes, as car exhaust may falsely trigger them.

Professional electricians can help install smoke alarms in areas exposed to particulates and at higher risk of false alarms. They can calibrate the detector’s temperature and sensitivity to ensure it only goes off when needed.

Which Type of Smoke Alarm Should You Put in the Workplace?

The ideal smoke alarm complies with the Australian Standard AS 3786, which you can easily buy at most appliance or hardware stores.

In Victoria, ionisation and photoelectronic detectors are the two main types of smoke alarm units:

  • Ionisation smoke alarms use a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke. They are generally more responsive to fast-flaming fires.
  • Photoelectric smoke alarms use a light source and a sensor to detect smoke. They are generally more responsive to slow-smouldering fires and less likely to give a false alarm.

Install both smoke alarms in the home or workplace for optimum protection. You may also opt for combination alarms having both technologies in a single device.

As for affordability, a smoke alarm powered by a 9-volt battery is the cheapest option. It costs around $20 to $30 plus annual battery replacement cost.

However, there are also smoke alarms with 10-year battery lives or long-life lithium batteries. While they cost around $30 to $99, these options are also of better quality and usually more cost-effective.

Be sure to choose a smoke alarm that meets quality standards and your budget.

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How Should You Maintain Your Workplace Smoke Alarms?

Smoke alarms are safety investments you should maintain to ensure they work any time a fire occurs. Here are ways to keep them in working order:

  • Test your smoke alarm monthly. Push the test button to make sure it beeps.
  • Dust the alarm using a vacuum cleaner brush.
  • Change the battery at least once a year.
  • Replace your smoke alarms at least every 10 years. If possible, switch to a new unit with a 10-year lithium battery life.
  • Have your workplace smoke alarms tested annually by fire safety specialists. They should also check if other fire equipment in the workplace complies with Australian standards.

Aside from smoke alarms, Victorian workplaces should have other fire safety resources per WorkSafe Victoria’s Compliance Code.

Ensure Work Safety with Properly Installed Smoke Alarms

Installing smoke alarms correctly in your workplace is essential for the safety of occupants. Additionally, selecting a high-quality smoke alarm and performing regular maintenance are crucial for keeping your smoke detectors in optimal condition.

Contact Canny Electrics if you need smoke alarm installation services in your workplace. We offer hard-wired, photoelectric, ionisation, dual sensor, and interconnected installation options. You can call us on 1300 522 446.