Workplace Emergency Systems
Workplace Emergency Systems
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Though it is unlikely you would be required to operate one or more of the emergency response systems, it’s important you have a basic understanding of its purpose and operations.
Detection Systems
Detection Systems
Smoke Detectors
These are found across all office and building ceilings and are activated by small particles normally found in smoke, however, dust can set off these units.
Thermal detectors
These are activated by heat or a rapid rise in temperature.
Break Glass Alarms
There are ‘break glass’ panels on walls in various places around our buildings. Our Alarms can be automatically activated (by one of the other methods above) or manually by breaking the glass of one of these. Breaking this glass will set off the fire alarm in the building and will automatically alert the local fire station who will immediately dispatch a team. We are unable to recall this team and if there is no evidence of a fire, we will be charged for the callout.
Alarm Systems
Alarm Systems
Fire Indicator Panel
At Citipointe Brisbane, we have a Fire Indicator Panel that monitors smoke and fire in the building. Our panel looks something like this and can be found inside the Fire Cupboard at reception.
Public Address System
When an alarm goes off, our building would inform the occupants of a fire via the public address system. These speakers can be found mounted to our walls in our hallways and upstairs and will send out the noise of the sire and allow the Chief Warden to give any instructions.
Verbal Shouts / Warnings
If in doubt and you can’t get to a “break glass” fire alarm, or the alarm is not going off, anyone who is aware of a fire can shout
“Fire Fire Evacuate Evacuate”
Supression Systems
Supression Systems
A suppression system is designed to arrest, or slow down the spread of fires. Examples include:
Extinguishers / Fire hose Reels / Fire Blankets
Fire Extinguishers
Select appropriate extinguisher for type of fire.
P - Pull pin from squeeze handle and test the extinguisher by squeezing handles briefly.
A - Aim the nozzle at base of fire.
S - Squeeze the operating handle.
S - Sweep the nozzle discharging the contents across the base of the fire
Hose Reels
1. Hose reels are used on fires involving wood, paper and textiles only, they are not to be used on live electrical appliances or flammable liquids.
2. To release the hose reel, turn the valve on this will charge the hose and release the nozzle (if fitted with a nozzle release lock).
3. The hose can then be pulled out to the fire, the nozzle operates like a garden hose in most cases by twisting the nozzle, and the nozzle can be adjusted to give a spray pattern or a straight jet.
Fire Blanket
Fire blankets can be used for smothering a fire if you can completely cover the fire and starve the fire of its oxygen. If you can’t completely cover the flames, your fire blanket will catch on fire. Fire blankets are fire retardant, not fire resistant
To use a fire blanket:
Remove the fire blanket by pulling down sharply on the tabs hanging from the bottom of the package.
Protect your hands.
Place the blanket over the fire
Turn off any heat source such as a stove burner, unplugging a toaster or computer from the wall.
Leave the blanket in place for at least 15 minutes.
Exiting Systems
Exiting Systems
These are specialist systems that have been incorporated into a broader and more inclusive system for detection suppression and the alert of emergencies.
Citipointe exiting systems includes:
Emergency and exit lighting
Fire doors, smoke doors and fire rated walls
A device for automatically notifying external emergency services such as fire services.
Evacuation Alert Systems
Evacuation Alert Systems
The Emergency Warning and Intercommunication System (EWIS) and Emergency Warning System (EWS) are the two tone systems we have at Citipointe Brisbane.
EWIS Alert Tone
EWIS Alert Tone
BEEP BEEP BEEP
This alert sound is a sign for all workers to be prepared. We hear it often when our fire company is doing testing. It’s a sign that further instructions may come over the speaker to tell you to evacuate the building.
Any workers who hear this tone should shut down any computers, turn off any lamps or music and wait for instructions.
As a Warden you should be shutting down your office and preparing yourself to take on your role as Warden if you hear this noise.
If a credible threat has been noted and the Chief Warden decides the building must be evacuated, the PA system will advise the occupants to evacuate using the second tone for Evacuation.
WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP
As an Area Warden you would take your hat from its place, take your personal mobile phone and proceed to clear your area. When you are done following evacuation procedures, you must text the Chief Warden “Area” and “All Clear” or whatever your status is.
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