Queensland Fire and Emergency Service extends contract with ADT Fire Monitoring

ADT Fire Monitoring has negotiated a three-year contract extension with Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES), extending its back-to-base monitoring and service work on behalf of the state emergency organisation until 2017.

The original five-year contract, due to expire in July 2014, included the conversion of approximately 5800 sites to the proprietary Tyco Centaur Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE). A joint project between ADT, Wormald and industry fire protection contractors, the extended partnership builds on the groundwork laid since 2009, which has included the upgrade of existing alarm equipment at QFES monitored premises to meet new compliance requirements.

Since the conversion program began, ADT has installed and continues to service the alarm signalling equipment at close to 6300 sites managed by the QFES State Alarm Management Command.

ADT Fire Monitoring provides a 24/7 back-to-base monitoring service. In the event of a fire alarm activation, the ASE picks up the signal from the fire panel or sprinkler and simultaneously transmits the data to the QFES via the ADT Fire Monitoring Centre. When this occurs QFES responds accordingly.

“In emergency situations, response time can be the difference between life and death,” said Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Commissioner Lee A Johnson.

“The technical expertise of ADT Fire Monitoring and the operational frontline officers from QFES has resulted in a world-class emergency response service which offers a safer environment for the community and a better quality of life in Queensland. Additionally, by working together QFES has been able to reduce unwanted alarms through improved processes and utilising the alarm system data and technology improvements.”

To ensure the ASE is in communication mode at all times, ADT conducts an automatic test daily to verify that both the Primary Link (radio signal) and Secondary Link (PSTN back up telephone line) remain connected.

The ASE is connected to a fire alarm network which conforms to the Australian Standards for Fire Alarm Monitoring (AS4418.2 and AS1670.3) and complies with the requirement.

The extended ADT Fire Monitoring contract represents a $63 million investment in Queensland safety.