Fire Door Monitoring System

Fire Door Monitoring System

Background:

The safety and security of our residents is our top priority. To enhance this, a silent alarm system has been installed on non-access controlled fire doors (the ones with no access card reader) in the Willowood and Strathdale Centres to prevent unauthorised resident egress (leaving the building) and unknown person ingress (entering the building).

Why is this system necessary?

  • Resident Safety: Some residents may experience confusion or disorientation, leading them to wander and potentially exit the building through fire doors. This system helps us quickly identify and respond to such situations.
  • Security: The system also alerts us to any unauthorised entry into the facility, helping to maintain a secure environment for everyone.

How does the system work?

The silent alarm is triggered when:

  • The door strike is opened (someone uses the door).
  • There's a power outage to the door, causing it to remain open.
  • The 'break glass' emergency exit button is pressed.
Warning

Important Note: You may hear two alerts in quick succession. This usually means the door was opened and then closed. However, this does not guarantee the door is secure. Always investigate the situation to ensure the door is properly closed and there is no security breach.

Locations:

The following fire doors are monitored by the silent alarm system:

Strathdale Centre
Willowood Centre
  • S-GF-D2
  • S-GF-D15
  • S-1F-D15
  • S-1F-D21
  • S-1F-D28
  • W-LG-D78
  • W-GF-D3
  • W-1F-D2

Oberon Village: Oberon Village does not have any fire exit doors that are non-access controlled and therefore does not require this monitoring system.

InfoPlease refer to the IT Systems Floor Plans for exact door locations
Alert Notifications:

When a fire door alarm is triggered, an email alert is sent to the following recipients:

  • CEO
  • COO
  • Facility Manager
  • Care Manager
  • Administration
  • Maintenance
  • IT Helpdesk

Example Alert:

"AUX Input State Change detected at S-2F: Fire Door is Open! Physical Check Required!

AUX Input State Change Aux: S-2F: Fire Door is Open! Physical Check Required!
Device: S-1F: Door Controller 1
Location:Strathdale, First Floor
Timestamp:Tuesday, January 21, 2025 15:53:10 AEDT"

Interpreting the Alert:

  • Location: The "S-2F" indicates a fire door on the second floor of the Strathdale Centre.
  • Device: The "Device: S-1F: Door Controller 1" refers to the location of the door monitoring box/ system that manages the doors

Important Considerations:

  • Monitored Fire Doors: These doors are for emergency use only. Staff, maintenance, and contractors should not use them.

  • Door Opening: If a door needs to be opened, notify the Facility Manager and IT Helpdesk to avoid unnecessary alarms.

Procedure for Responding to an Alert:

  1. Immediate Action: Proceed directly to the specified floor.
  2. Door Check: Inspect every fire door to ensure it is secure.
  3. Resident Safety: Conduct a headcount and check for any missing residents.
  4. Notify: Notify Management and the IT Helpdesk of the situation and the result of your investigation.

Physical Verification

Info
Example Scenario 1: A resident exits a fire door OR a contractor uses a fire door

If a door is 'opened' and then 'closed' it may well be that two alerts are received in quick succession + that upon investigation all the doors appear secure + there is no indication the door monitoring box.  However, this does not guarantee the door is secure. Always investigate the situation to ensure the door is properly closed and there is no security breach.
Info
Example Scenario 2: A fire door is accidentally left unsecured and/or there has been a power failure with the door(s) remaining open

If a door is opened and not closed or the lock de-magnetises (opens) due to a power failure, cut cable or other reason; personnel can go to the location of the door monitoring box and check a series of door indicator lights to help identify which door has caused the alarm. The location of the door monitoring box will be listed in the 'device' section of the alert. In the example above, the location is indicated as S-1F Door Controller 1 (even though the impacted door is on the 2F). Upon arriving at the server rack, personnel should look for a black box on the wall. The door numbers will be printed on the outside of the box, with a red light above it. If any of the red lights are not illuminated then it indicates a problem with the corresponding door(s).
Example Image of Wall Mounted Door Monitoring Box:

By following these guidelines and responding promptly to alerts, we can effectively maintain the safety and security of our residents.

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