One Third Of New Zealand Fire Brigade Callouts Are False Alarms.
New Zealand Fire Service have warned construction contractors to be aware of fire alarm systems when working onsite.
Queenstown, [20/06/2015]: Figures released by NZFS show that one third of calls attended by fire brigades are a result of a false alarm. In 2006,
these false alarms cost New Zealand businesses $46.2 million. As call rates have increased in the last decade, the
suspected cost to businesses is drastically higher.
Due to the Fire Service Act 1975, a property owner who has been charged by NZFS can recover the charge of $1000 from any
person who caused the false alarm callout.
OneStaff Queenstown Area Manager, Richard Hawke, said, “OneStaff is dedicated to reducing the number of false and
unwanted alarm callouts attended by the New Zealand Fire Service.”
“As the rates for these callouts have been increasing, with the highest rate here in Queenstown, it is both OneStaff’s
and our contractors’ responsibility to understand the impact these false alarms have on our communities, and what can be
done to reduce them.”
“The cost of unwanted false alarms can be high. A fire crew attending a false alarm can’t attend a genuine emergency, so
if a genuine fire emergency occurs at the same time there may be a delay in response by emergency services.”
But the consequences extend beyond a delay in response, “If a fire brigade attends a false alarm callout, the time it
takes to forcefully evacuate a building or site can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost time and productivity,”
said Richard.
“The owner of the premise is liable for the charge of $1000 associated with an unwanted false alarm callout by the New
Zealand Fire Service. This charge can be passed on to the contractor who caused the false alarm.”
According to the statistics, the contractors who are most at risk of accidentally activating a fire alarm system are
builders, cleaners, electricians, painters, floor sanders, concrete cutters, plumbers, air-conditioning and
refrigeration engineers, waterblasters, data technicians and lift engineers.
If your work involves penetrating or demolishing a wall or ceiling, or produces dust or fumes from welding, gas cutting,
use of a heat gun, sanding or grinding then it may result in a false alarm.
To help reduce the impact of unwanted false alarms, contractors should check on the ceilings for the location of smoke
and heat detectors and sprinkler systems. Locate any fire alarm cables to avoid accidentally damaging them and consider
isolating alarm zones by contacting the building owner or their nominated fire alarm/sprinkler contractor while building
or maintenance work is being carried out. Cost of recovery will not be sought after for calls made for a genuine
emergency or calls made in good faith.
For further information, refer to the New Zealand Fire Service website www.fire.org.nz or phone your local fire region office.
ENDS