Last night many of you will have seen an item on 60 Minutes that highlighted the differences between photoelectric and ionisation smoke alarms. Mr David Isaacs, whom I have met with and corresponded with for several years on the matter, and who has been involved in the fire safety industry for over 40 years, spoke on the program. David is an expert in this area and was on the Standards Australia committee for smoke alarms. The FRNSW position is that we strongly support photoelectric smoke alarms and do not recommend the fitting of ionisation alarms in any context. Tests, including the tests for adherence to the Australian Standard, show a clear difference between the alarms, with photoelectric alarms generally activating more quickly in most scenarios, than ionisation alarms. In 2006, the then NSW Fire Brigades initiated a national change in fire services’ policy advocating photoelectric alarms. Working via the Australasian Fire & Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), we will push for a change to the Building Code of Australia to mandate that all domestic smoke alarms must be photoelectric, as is the case in all industrial, commercial, healthcare and other occupancies. All staff need to be aware, if approached about the matter, that FRNSW does NOT support the fitting and installation of ionisation alarms. We ONLY recommend photoelectric alarms. Attached for your information is a copy of the AFAC Policy on the issue. Greg Mullins AFSM Commissioner Fire & Rescue NSW
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 04:32:01 +0000
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