Question regarding costings for roof sprinkler systems in bushfire-prone schools. The Minister responded that sprinkler systems are not appropriate due to water supply and power concerns, and fuel load management is preferred.

AnsweredQoN 6185Legislative Council
Asked
16 October 2012
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the schools that have been identified as being at risk of bushfires, and I ask —
(1) Has any costing been done at any of the schools for installing a fully self-sufficient roof sprinkler system for one or more buildings?
(2) If yes to (1), will the Minister please provide these costings?
(3) If costings have been done, but will not be provided, please state why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
13 November 2012
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
28 days
(1)- (3) It is not appropriate to use sprinkler systems, as they draw in available water supplies which should be made available to fire fighters. In order to operate sprinkler systems, an electrical power supply is ordinarily required and this may not be available during a fire. The use of generators to supply power in such circumstances would not be appropriate as it would require fuel to be stored on school sites and an operator to manually start them.
The Department of Education and FESA consider that the focus on maintaining the fuel load below targeted levels within the building zone and hazard separation zone increases resilience in regards to ember attack, radiant and direct flame contact.
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