Faulty alarms, no sprinklers and missing fire doors in tower blocks

FIRE and Rescue NSW have found a catalogue of fire safety failings in two residential towers prompting a Bayside councillors’ called for urgent action.

There were numerous fire safety issues found at 39 Kent Road, Mascot. Picture: Danny Aarons

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THERE has been a call for urgent action after a catalogue of fire safety failings in two residential towers.

Fire and Rescue NSW was tipped off about dangers at 39 Kent Rd, Mascot, and 586 Princes Hwy, Rockdale, earlier this year.

Inspectors found a series of problems ranging from faulty smoke detectors to missing sprinkler systems and concluded both had “inadequate provisions for fire safety”. Concerned Bayside councillors called for urgent action.

There were no sprinklers in the basement of the Rockdale property despite assurances there would be. Picture: John Appleyard

“We’ve been lucky, God forbid nothing has happened,” Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski said. “We need to get on top of this.”

He added that anyone found to have been cutting corners or signing off unsafe properties should face severe consequences.

Fire and Rescue NSW inspectors visited the Mascot block earlier in the year and found isolated smoke alarms, an alarm with a plastic bag over it and others incorrectly installed. They also found hazardous fire stairs, cluttered fire exits and a missing fire door.

And they also raised concerns over the fire hydrant pressure, fire safety documentation and missing maintenance books for the sprinkler systems, alarms, smoke detectors and fire hydrant.

They issued an order calling on the owners to fix the smoke detectors, which they have done. The council is now working with strata managers to rectify other safety issues raised.

The block is just a few years old having received planning approval in 2014.

David Pegler, of Dependable Strata, said there was no danger to residents.

Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski has called for council officers to take action immediately. Picture: John Appleyard

“Ninety per cent of the work has been done,” the building’s strata manager said.

“There is some construction work, like with the fire stairs, which can’t just be done in five minutes.”

Inspectors found numerous issues with the Rockdale property ranging from faulty exit signs and emergency lighting to problems with the fire hydrant.

There were also problems with the fire stairs, the fire doors and the absence of a sprinkler system in the basement.

Get Strata and Manns & Moore jointly manage the building.

“I can’t say that there isn’t a concern,” joint strata manager Jason Manns said.

“We met with council last week and we are working through the problems.”

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The fire safety inspections were raised at last week’s Bayside Council meeting.

Councillor Scott Morrissey said action was needed. “The last thing we need is Bayside in the headlines for the wrong reasons,” he said.

Other councillors suggested those moving in to the properties should be warned about the fire safety records.

Mayor Saravinovski called for council fire safety officers to meet up strata managers as soon as possible and for a report to be prepared for the next council meeting.

“We have to get on to this quickly,” he said. “Now, it might be an over-reaction from fire and rescue but we need to get on top of this.”