Fire Prevention & Emergency Procedures

The following information has been generated with a view to providing general information related to fire safety. These procedures are guidelines only for your use and are dependent on the circumstances surrounding the fire alarm.

Fire safety instructions are to be provided by the owner/occupier of the premise being a mandatory requirement of the Building Fire Safety Regulations of Queensland.

EMERGENCY CONTROL ORGANISATION

A Fire Warden should be appointed in each occupied tenancy, who takes charge in the event of an emergency. Centre Management will provide some assistance. The Fire Warden reports to the Chief Fire Warden and/or the Fire Brigade who accept responsibility for control in the event of an emergency.

EMERGENCY ALARM

Installed in the Shopping Centre are heat detectors, smoke detectors and manual call points, (with fire sprinklers in Coles and Kmart and the northern zone only). Activation of these devices will automatically call the Fire Brigade.

In addition, an Emergency Warning Intercom System has been installed with speakers throughout the complex. These speakers provide two different sounds:

Alert tone ‘Barp, Barp’

Evacuation tone ‘Whoop, Whoop’ with messages between to Evacuate

EVACUATION PROCEDURE

At all times, when a fire alarm is raised or on hearing the Alert tone ‘Barp, Barp’ you to prepare for an evacuation.

Complete sales in progress but avoid new sales
Warn the public of the fire alarm and ask them to leave the premises.
Collect personal belongings and store valuables. Await further instructions from the Chief Fire Warden.

IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE EVACUATION SIGNAL MAY BE THE FIRST SOUND HEARD IF THIS OCCURS EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY, OTHERWISE DO NOT EVACUATE ON THE ALERT TONE UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY THE FIRE WARDEN. IF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IS AT RISK, OR IF IT IS AFTER HOURS EVACUATE ON THE ALERT TONE.

When ordered to evacuate or on hearing the evacuation tone “Whoop, Whoop’, exit the building. Move away from the entrances to the assembly area (Car parks) and report to your fire warden (Centre Management).

DO NOT RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL THE FIRE BRIGADE ADVISE IT IS SAFE TO DO SO.

SAFETY MEASURES

Sound an alarm on discovery of a fire by breaking the glass on the nearest Manual Call Point.
Always react to a fire alarm and assist others IF SAFE
Familiarise yourself with the exits, location and types of fire extinguisher and manual call point in your area.
Exit passageways and access to fire extinguishers and manual call points should remain clear at all times.
Tasks which may result in a fire should be avoided.
Your role during a fire alarm is firstly to preserve life safety and then attempt to extinguish the fire (only if safe to do so).
Mobility impaired persons are to be assisted by a nominated person and evacuated immediately.

FOR SAFETY REASONS THE FIGHTING OF FIRES SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN IF TWO PERSONS ARE PRESENT, THE CORRECT FIRE EXTINGUISHER MUST BE AVAILABLE AND ONLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN TRAINED AND IT IS SAFE TO PERFORM THIS TASK.

It is the responsibility of all Centre occupants to familiarise themselves with the location of fire equipment throughout the Centre and to be aware of Centre fire emergency procedures.

Ensure all doors and escape routes are kept free of obstructions at all times, particularly service corridors to your premises.

Ensure all of your staff are totally aware of the Fire Exits within the Centre.

Fire doors which are not on magnetic hold-back are not to be wedged open. Any damage to fire doors is to be reported immediately.

Immediately notify Centre Management about any malfunctioning electrical equipment, wiring, etc.

All passageways, internal malls and access lanes must be kept free of any refuse, disused furniture, display equipment, food crates, etc.

Dispose of useless combustibles before a spark can cause a fire.

If you purchase flammable products make sure you keep them in their original containers and don’t unnecessarily leave them in the Centre overnight.

Don’t hoard unnecessary paper or cardboard.

Prevent fire in your store with good housekeeping and check your store at both opening and closing times for fire hazards.

Ensure staff know how to operate all fire extinguishers kept on your premises and that all extinguishers are serviced regularly. This is your responsibility in accordance with Fire Services Regulations.

Ensure staff are fully aware of their responsibilities in the event of a fire outbreak at all times.

Ensure that any means of ignition or flame, spark or electrical appliances are not in the vicinity of flammable liquids whether stored or in use, and that any person using oxy acetylene cutting equipment complies with basic safety procedures.

Centre Management must be advised prior to the commencement of any welding, brazing or oxy acetylene cutting work.

Rubbish Bins

If you notice smoke or fire coming from any of the rubbish bins in the Centre, immediately try to put it out with a fire extinguisher or hose reel. Arrange a second person to contact Centre Management as it is important we know of the situation. If the fire is larger than initially thought, notify the Fire Brigade on emergency number ‘000’ and then advise Centre Management immediately.

Emergency Fire Wardens

If an evacuation takes place, all staff should assist where possible. The Emergency Wardens will take control and direct everyone. Emergency Wardens consist of all Centre Management Staff, Security and Cleaning staff who are responsible for the safe evacuation of all customers and personnel in their particular area of operation. They assume control and issue directions during the period of emergency until relieved of duty by the Chief Fire Warden.