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Community Connection

3 weeks ago

Hi Everyone,

Community Connection would like all Lifestyle Assistants who provide in home support, to assist with the Maintenance and Testing of Smoke Alarms in your workplace; and also the testing of the Safety Switch.

Safety Switch Testing:
To test the safety switch at your workplace, make sure you discuss this with the person you support and (where applicable) their relevant family member first. If you do not provide any support at the home of the person, you are not required to perform this check. To test the safety switch please follow the following simple steps:
• Let everyone know you are about to test your safety switches, especially if they're using a computer or recording something on TV—the testing process will cut power to those circuits connected to the safety switch.
• At the switchboard, press the T' or 'Test' button located on the safety switch. If it flicks off and cuts the power, it is working. Check to see which lights or appliances are now off—these are protected by the safety switch. If it has not cut the power to the connected circuit then you are no longer protected and you should discuss with both the family and the coordinator so a licensed electrician can be consulted.
• After testing, turn the safety switch back on. Depending on the safety switch type, push it back upwards or twist it into the 'on' position. For circuits with a refrigerator or air conditioner, wait for two to three minutes before resetting to avoid possible appliance damage.
Please watch the video below at the following website for a clear step by step process on checking a safety switch;- www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safetyswitches/safety-switch-films

Smoke Alarm Testing:
Most smoke alarms are now hard-wired however it is important that at least once a year (April 1 is recognised as a good day) to check if the battery needs to be replaced. Keeping the surface of the smoke alarm clean is extremely important to ensure it will function and respond effectively in the event of a fire / smoke in the home.

To test the smoke alarm follow the following ‘Maintenance Guideline’:
 Test Smoke Alarms once a month using the button
 Check the batters is working once a month. A chirping sound from the smoke alarm may indicate a flat battery.
 Clean the grill the of the smoke alarm using an extendable duster or a clean broom.
 Do not hinder the device (smoke alarms must never be painted!)
 If the smoke alarm is activated from cooking / steam, use the ‘hush’ button (if fitted) or dispense the smoke / steam (e.g. wave a towel near the smoke alarm, open windows for ventilation).
 All types of smoke alarms have a limited life-span and must be replaced every 10 years. Look for the year of manufacture sticker or stamp.

If you become aware that the smoke alarm in the home is not working, please alert your Lifestyle Coordinator immediately. The coordinator may have to hold a discussion with the person you support or their relevant family member for the purpose of a ‘safehome’ assessment which is a FREE serviced provided by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. For additional information about smoke alarms please visit the following website www.qfes.qld.gov.au/smokealarms

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