Alarm Monitoring - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

Department of Community Safety
Queensland Fire and Recue Service
Alarm Management
Account Services
SAMC
STATE ALARM MANAGEMENT COMMAND
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State Alarm Management Command (SAMC)
is a part of the Queensland Fire and Rescue
Service (QFRS) and is committed to protecting
community, people and property.
Alarm monitoring is a service managed by
SAMC to ensure buildings which are either
prescribed under legislation to have a
direct turnout, or those that elect to have a
direct turnout, receive an appropriate QFRS
response in the shortest possible time, in the
event a fire is detected by their fire detection
systems.
SAMC manages the fire alarm monitoring
service that is provided to over 6500 premises
across Queensland. We pride ourselves on the
delivery of effective and efficient services that
contribute to:
»»
Building and Fire Safety;
»»
Reduction of Unwanted Alarm
Activations;
»»
Accounts Administration;
»»
Risk Mitigation;
»»
Emergency Contact Maintenance; and
»»
Alarm Monitoring Technical Support.
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Great state. Great opportunity.

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
Account Services
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The Alarm Management unit is responsible for
providing contractual and technical support to
monitored alarm premises.
This is done through:
• Alarm Connections;
• Alarm Disconnections;
• Transfer of Ownership;
• Alarm Isolations;
• Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) Fault
Diagnosis;
• ASE Technical Support; and
• Responding to enquiries arising from the alarm
industry and from our existing 6500 monitored
premises.
In addition, the Contract and Alarm team also work
with Fire Communications and their support units
to ensure best alarm management practices are
implemented, managed and adhered to.
The Contract and Alarm team also work closely with
the fire protection alarm industry providing solutions
for alarm monitoring. Development in this area has
seen alarm technicians accountable for their standard
of work, the alarm industry and QFRS taking a more
proactive approach toward Community Safety, timely
key lodgment and relevant turnout information,
compliance and consistency to processes and Risk
Management.
>> Connections
>> Disconnections
>> Technical Support
>> Emergency Contact Information
>> Unwanted Alarm Activations
>> Transfer of Ownership

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Connections
Do all premises need to be connected directly to the brigade
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Fire Alarm Monitoring for a premises may be prescribed under legislation through the Building Code of Australia.
If your premises is deemed to require monitoring under the code, failure to be monitored may make the building
unlawful to occupy.
How does a premises owner apply for brigade monitoring
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The premises owner will need to consult with a Fire Protection Monitoring Company (FPC) to ensure the current fire
alarm system is compliant with relevant Australian Standards to obtain direct brigade monitoring. The QFRS have
minimum requirements for this regardless of whether the premises is prescribed or not. If you do not have a fire
alarm system in place, you may need to consult with a FPC or Fire Engineer to provide you with further advice.
What is the cost for brigade monitoring
Refer to the QFRS Schedule of Charges section.
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>> How to make an application
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>> Schedule of Charges

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Connections >> How to make an application
Making an application for a fire detection system to be monitored by the QFRS
Account Services
Emergency Contact
Information
Complete and submit a Notice of Pending Connection. Ensure all sections have been filled in with detailed
information.
Payment is required at the time of application for the connection fee (refer to schedule of charges).
Payment can be made either by cheque or via invoice. If an invoice is required you will also need to provide billing
information.
Relevant documents will be provided to the premises owner, these documents include:
• Alarm Management Agreement;
• Emergency Contact Form;
• Key Lodgment Form.
Return completed documentation, an application cannot proceed until all documentation is returned.
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>> Schedule of Charges

Alarm Management
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Alarm Management
>> Schedule of Charges
ALARM MANAGEMENT CHARGES $ GST TOTAL
ALARM MANAGEMENT CHARGE
Charged for each connection as of 1 July each year. Paid in advance.
MULTIPLE ALARM CHARGE
Charged for each additional connection at the same gazetted address. Paid in advance.
SUB-PANEL CHARGE
Charged for each sub-premises/sub-panel at the one premises. Paid in advance.
$2540.10 $254.00 $2794.10
$1987.90 $198.75 $2186.65
$662.60 $66.25 $728.85
MONTHLY ALARM MANAGEMENT PRO-RATA CHARGES $ GST TOTAL
MONTHLY ALARM MANAGEMENT CHARGE
Alarm connected mid-year will be charged at pro-rata rate from date of connection.
MONTHLY MULTIPLE ALARM CHARGE
Multiple alarm connected mid-year will be charged at pro-rata rate from date of connection.
MONTHLY SUB-PANEL CHARGE
Sub-premises/sub-panel connected mid-year will be charged at pro-rata rate from date of connection.
CONNECTION, DISCONNECTION AND TRANSFER CHARGES
* These charges are non refundable
FIRE ALARM CONNECTION CHARGE *
To be paid with an application for the connection of fire alarm system.
FIRE ALARM DISCONNECTION CHARGE *
To be paid with an application for the disconnection of a fire alarm system.
FIRE ALARM TRANSFER CHARGE *
Paid when an alarm account is transferred from an existing premises owner/tenant to a new premises owner.
UNWANTED ALARM RESPONSE CHARGES
*Unwanted Alarm Activation charges are GST exempt.
$211.60 $21.15 $232.75
$165.65 $16.55 $182.20
$55.20 $5.50 $60.70
$ GST TOTAL
$298.80 $29.85 $328.65
$298.80 $29.85 $328.65
$298.80 $29.85 $328.65
$ GST TOTAL
1ST unwanted alarm response (inside the Urban District Boundary) within any continuous 60 day period* No Charge $0.00 No Charge
2nd and subsequent unwanted alarm response(s) within any continuous 60 day period - or all unwanted
alarm response(s) outside the Urban District Boundary*
QFRS CONTRACTOR SERVICE CALL OUT CHARGES
*Charged for non-warranty issues
SERVICE CALL OUT CHARGE *
Covers the first 30 mins of labour then $90 per hour thereafter.
AFTER HOURS SERVICE CALL OUT CHARGE *
Covers the first hour of labour then $135 per hour thereafter.
$1056.00
per alarm
$0.00 $1056.00
per alarm
$ GST TOTAL
$155.00 $15.50 $170.50
$380.00 $38.00 $418.00

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Transfer of Ownership
Invoicing requirements
Account Services
Emergency Contact
Information
It is a requirement of QFRS that the owner of a monitored premises is invoiced for all alarm management
charges as per Section 144, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Act (1990).
As an owner of monitored premises you may require the occupier or tenant to be responsible for paying the
alarm management charge. SAMC can establish an annexure to the Alarm Management Agreement (AMA) to
allow for the deviation from the usual QFRS policy of invoicing the premises owner for services rendered in fire
alarm monitoring.
Building compliance
The premises owner is responsible for compliance with the Building Code of Australia, including the
requirement of specified classes of buildings to have a fire alarm monitoring system which is connected to the
fire brigade or fire dispatch centre.
Selling a monitored premises
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If you have sold or are currently selling premises that is monitored by QFRS, you are required to contact QFRS to
arrange a change of ownership. Ideally, this process can be conveyed via your legal representative. If the sale
has already occurred, contact SAMC to organise for Transfer of Ownership documentation to be forwarded to the
new premises owner.
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Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Disconnections
Intention to discontinue fire alarm monitoring
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Should QFRS be advised of the expressed intention to discontinue fire alarm monitoring for your premises, it will be
necessary for the premises owner to complete an Application for Disconnection. This application and supporting
documentation will be forwarded to QFRS Community Safety Operations for assessment.
Disconnection considerations
To avoid any confusion and prevent any delays in the processing of an application please note the following points:
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• Fire Alarm Monitoring for premises may be prescribed under the Building Code of Australia or the Queensland
Development Code (QDC). In this event, failure to be monitored may make the building unlawful to occupy. It
will be necessary for a building certifier to complete the relevant section of the application, or a demolition
permit issued by your local council must be provided;
• It would be considered prudent to take into consideration any impact this may have on insurance for the
building and consult the service provider before initiating disconnection. Please also consider the safety of
the occupants of the building before applying for removal of the alarm signalling device.
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Alarm Management
Emergency Contact Information
Emergency contact requirements
It is a requirement of the owner/occupier to ensure all emergency contact information is
maintained and up to date at all times.
Account Services
In the event of a fire alarm activation or other emergency, QFRS Emergency Dispatchers or Technical
Support may need to notify the authorised representatives of a monitored premises - individuals
who can be contacted 24 hours a day and have access to the monitored premises.
We may also need to make contact regarding other alarm management matters, such as Alarm
Signalling Equipment (ASE) or system faults, or account queries. We collect this information via an
Emergency Contacts form.
Emergency Contact
Information
Updating your details with us
Request an Update Emergency Contacts Form by entering and sending us the details in the form
below, or you can contact us directly.
FCA Number (if known):
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Premises Name (if known):
Premises Address:
Contact Name:
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Phone Number:
>> Send request

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Technical Support
Maintaining the Fire Alarm System
Account Services
It is important to ensure your fire protection company undertakes regular maintenance checks of your fire indicator
panel as per the Australian Standards. Maintaining your alarm system not only reduces equipment failure and
unwanted alarm activations, but is a requirement under the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990.
Testing
Your fire alarm system is to be tested monthly by an appropriately qualified person, in accordance with Australian
Standard 1851.
Emergency Contact
Information
Under Australian Standards a compliant test can only be received through FireNET via an ASE configured to Test
Mode. To ensure compliant testing of an ASE, the technician must configure the ASE to Test Mode on-site via an ASE
key.
Panel Replacement or Relocation
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The ASE remains the property of QFRS and operates under warranty. This warranty protects you as our customer
against issues arising with the ASE and ensures compliance with Australian Standards and legislative requirements.
If during alarm maintenance or building work, the ASE is required to be replaced or relocated, QFRS are to be
engaged. Generally your fire protection company will operate on your behalf, however to maintain the warranty of
the ASE, a QFRS contractor is required to attend site and commission the ASE to the Fire Monitoring Centre.
Charges do apply for this service in accordance with our Schedule of Charges.
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>> What is an ASE
>> Isolating the ASE

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Technical Support >> What is an ASE
Alarm Signalling
Equipment
Account Services
INPUT
1
2
3
4
LOCATION
ALARM SYSTEM STATUS
ALARM
FAULT
ISOLATE
ASE INPUT STATUS
WIRING FAULT
ISOLATE MODE
TEST MODE
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ASE STATUS
RADIO
PHONE
ETHERNET
SBUS
POWER
FAULT
Alarm System Test Procedure
Action
TEST MODE
1 Insert Key
Off
2 Select Input(s) Off
3 Select Mode Flash ⇒ On
4 Activate Alarm On
5 Reset Alarm
On
6 Remove Key Flash ⇒ Off
Alarm System Isolate Procedure
Action
1 Insert Key
2 Select Input(s)
3 Select Mode (twice)
ISOLATE MODE
1 Off
2 Off
3 Flash ⇒ On
ALARM
Off
Off
Off
Slow Flash ⇒ On
Slow ⇒ Rapid Flash
Rapid Flash ⇒ Off
Normal Operation RADIO, PHONE, POWER On Steady
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INPUT
MODE
For all alarm queries 1800 449 992
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The Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) is the device (little red box) inside your fire panel which enables the
monitoring of your buildings fire equipment by QFRS. The ASE will send signals to the monitoring centre to
advice of any changes in status of your fire equipment e.g. activations and panel faults. Fire Alarm Monitoring
for premises may be prescribed under the Building Code of Australia. Premises which meet these criteria require
direct brigade monitoring via the ASE device.

Alarm Management
Alarm Management
>> Technical Support >> Isolating the ASE
Isolating the ASE
Account Services
Pursuant to Section 104D of the Building Code of Australia, it is prescribed that fire safety alarm
monitoring is to be maintained at all times.
For advice on risk mitigation, please contact your Fire Warden or fire protection company.
Isolation considerations
It is important to note the following information:
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• It is the premises owner/occupier’s responsibility to ensure the fire detection and alarm
system is connected to the Fire Alarm Monitoring Centre at all times, excepting only such
periods when maintenance or repairs are being undertaken;
• If at any stage isolation of the ASE is required the owner/occupier must mitigate risk to an
equivalent or higher standard as an unimpaired monitored alarm system; and
• Isolation requests over a certain period of time, or on a daily basis, will require QFRS
involvement.
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Alarm Management
Account Services
The Account Management unit delivers a range of invoicing and receivables management services.
Account Services
Account services endeavours to provide exceptional client services whilst providing a high
standard of customer service and a strong culture of compliance with regard to legislation and
regulations that govern the QFRS.
Invoicing
Emergency Contact
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Account Services produce and reconcile all requests for Tax Invoices on behalf of the QFRS, this
area produces up to 1000 invoices each month for a number of QFRS business units including;
Rural Fire Service, Training and Emergency Management, Operational Incidents and Community
Safety.
Debt Recovery
Debt Services provide a full range of receivables management services which range from
receivables, legal and insolvency services. The debt team focus on providing the highest ethical
standards and a strong culture of compliance with the laws and regulations governing our
business.
>> Schedule of Charges
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>> Unwanted Alarm Activations

Alarm Management
Unwanted Alarm Activations
What is an Unwanted Alarm
An unwanted alarm as defined by the QFRS is:
Account Services
“…an emergency alarm signalling at a time when the Commissioner is satisfied there was no emergency requiring
the attendance of the Fire Service”.
Why does QFRS charge the Premise Owner or Body Corporate
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QFRS charges for attendance at unwanted alarms to encourage building owners and occupiers to be continually
proactive in managing fire alarm systems.
Unwanted Alarm On-Charging:
• Owners are responsible and accountable under the QFRS Alarm Management Agreement for the payment of
services provided.
• QFRS has no control over the practices adopted by premises owners in relation to on-charging costs for
unwanted alarms.
• The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service does not endorse ‘on-charging’ alarm attendance charges to
tenants/occupants or contractors unless the third party has engaged in reckless or negligent behaviour.
>> Schedule of Charges
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>> Tips to prevent Unwanted Alarms

Alarm Management
Unwanted Alarm Activations
>> Tips to prevent Unwanted Alarms
Helpful tips
• Understand your fire alarm system, particularly the type and location of detectors;
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• Manage work activities that produce dust, heat, smoke etc. to ensure a detector is not activated; and
• Ensure staff and visitors know your building is protected by an automatic fire alarm system and
provide these tips;
--
Ventilate steam and fumes away from smoke detectors, particularly from bathroom and kitchen
areas;
--
Do not smoke near smoke detectors;
--
Do not direct aerosol spray at smoke detectors; and
- - Check toaster setting prior to use, do not walk away from a toaster that has been reset to further
darken.
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Alarm Management
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State Alarm Management Command
Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
Po Box 620
Albion Qld 4010
Account Services
Emergency Contact
Information
Unwanted Alarm
Activations
Alarm Management
Alarm Connections, Alarm Disconnections, Transfer of
Ownership, Alarm Management Charge (AMC) Invoicing
• Phone: 1800 449 992
• Fax: 07 3624 7901
• Email: qfrs.alarms@dcs.qld.gov.au
ASE Technical Support
• Phone: 1800 289 785
• Fax: 07 3624 7901
• Email: samc.asesupport@dcs.qld.gov.au
Data Management
Emergency Contact Information
• Phone: 1800 836 133
• Fax: 07 3624 7901
• Email: samc.data@dcs.qld.gov.au
Account and Debt Services
Invoicing, Unwanted Alarm Activations, Debt Recovery
• Phone: 1800 449 992
• Fax: 07 3624 7901
• Email: samc.account@dcs.qld.gov.au
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www.fire.qld.gov.au