Fire protection solutions for public venues

When we think about public venues, we imagine a sporting stadium, a theatre, or a hall. While they are public venues, others include clubhouses, museums, convention centres, libraries, and the list goes on. In essence a public venue is any facility where the public gathers in small groups up to very large numbers in one place and one time. The sheer volume of people can make public venues a high-risk environment for fire, and a fire in a public venue can have catastrophic consequences if it is not adequately prepared.

Australia is not immune from fire in public venues and has had its fair share of devastating fires throughout history. Nowadays, ensuring buildings are fire-compliant is mandated by law in New South Wales and every state and territory in Australia to help protect the lives of people who visit public venues. Understanding fire compliance within a public venue environment necessitates skilled expertise and experience to manage the various components of a comprehensive fire safety and protection system.

There are several considerations when designing a fire safety solution for a public venue. First, fire engineers and solution designers must work within the National Construction Code (NCC). During this process, stakeholders address building characteristics, implement compliant fire safety solutions accredited by the necessary governing authorities, and develop effective fire safety strategies for managing large crowds.

Designers and installers will conduct system interface tests, which involve coordinating with various service providers to test mechanical ventilation, security systems, fire shutters, and other critical components. This comprehensive approach ensures that all elements of the fire safety system function together.

A thorough maintenance schedule must be included in the solution. Monthly maintenance visits to test fire panels, pumps, and valve sets are a minimum and biannual inspections of fire doors, extinguishers, hydrants, sprinkler systems, and hose reels to ensure they are in optimal working condition should be in the maintenance schedule.

As mentioned, a public venue can vary greatly in size and purpose. These venues must be serviced by fire professionals. When installing a new fire safety system or upgrading an existing one, professional oversight ensures compliance and, importantly, the installation is fit for purpose.

Fire safety solutions have evolved considerably over the years and modern fire detection systems are excellent for early warning. Smoke detectors, heat detectors, and multi-sensor detectors are commonly used. These systems are integrated with alarm systems to alert occupants and initiate emergency procedures. Advanced alarm systems also have voice evacuation features that provide clear instructions during an emergency.

Automatic sprinkler systems are among the most effective fire suppression tools. They are designed to activate when a specific temperature is reached, releasing water to control or extinguish the fire. In NSW, many public buildings are mandatory to have sprinkler systems installed.

Portable fire extinguishers and hose reels are crucial for immediate response to small fires. Depending on the nature of the fire, different types of extinguishers (water, foam, CO2, dry chemical) are used. Staff must be trained in the correct use of these devices.

Fire doors are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and provide a barrier for a specified period, allowing safe evacuation and reducing fire damage. Compartmentation involves dividing a building into fire-resistant sections to limit the spread of fire. It requires qualified and experienced fire professionals to know how and where to use fire doors and compartmentation to minimise the potential spread of a fire.

When a fire breaks out in a public venue communication is critical. Communication goes hand in glove with the evacuation planning and plays a vital role in mitigating panic and confusion. Public address systems allow for real-time announcements and instructions. These systems should be audible throughout the venue and provide clear, concise information. Automated notification systems can send alerts via text messages, emails, or app notifications. These systems can reach a large number of people quickly providing updates and instructions that help move people successfully and safely through the venue to designated safe areas.

Having established communication channels with local fire authorities and emergency services ensures a coordinated response. Sharing information about the venue layout and potential hazards can aid in efficient firefighting and rescue operations.

Fire protection in public venues can be a complex challenge involving many moving parts. It is essential to have professional fire services oversight across the entirety of the fire protection solution from design to installation and ongoing maintenance. Mitigating risk through analysis, assessment and designing a fire protection solution that is fit for purpose and properly maintained provides more than peace of mind. It ensures compliance with the relevant authorities, eases insurance pressures and ensures an enviornment where people can enjoy the activities safely.

DEM Fire works closely with a broad variety of public venue facilities, providing expert fire safety solutions, including evacuation plans and fire protection installations. Our team is highly experienced servicing New South Wales for over forty years.

We deliver a comprehensive suite of services that cover every aspect of fire safety—from solution design to strategic fire system installation, asset management, and fire compliance. We stay ahead of industry trends, new technologies, and legislative updates to ensure our clients receive the most current and effective fire protection solutions.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current fire protection system, need a comprehensive solution for a new project, or advice or upgrade to an evacuation plan, DEM Fire has the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional results. Trust us to protect your facility with the best in the industry.

Contact us today to discuss how we can tailor a fire protection solution to meet your specific needs and ensure the safety and compliance of your facility.