Sprinklers Mandated in Aged Care, Absent from Disability Homes
Brisbane resident Todd Winther, who lives with cerebral palsy, expresses deep concern regarding fire safety in his home. At 42 years old, he struggles with mobility and fears the challenges a fire would pose in an emergency situation.
Winther resides in Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), where fire sprinklers have been installed. However, he notes that these safety features are not mandatory for all SDA settings. “The thought of not having every safety precaution in place is terrifying,” he stated.
Increased Fire Risk for People with Disabilities
Research from the Bushfire Cooperative Research Centre indicates that individuals with disabilities are notably at higher risk during house fires. The report reveals that from 2003 to 2017, 62% of preventable fire fatalities involved individuals with disabilities.
According to Jeramy Hope, CEO of the Specialist Disability Accommodation Alliance, many SDA residents share Winther’s fears. “Participants are fearful at night,” he commented. Current regulations only recommend sprinklers in SDA properties, while smoke alarms are mandatory in living and bedroom spaces.
Call for Mandatory Fire Safety Features
Advocates are urging for fire sprinklers and interconnected smoke alarms to be mandatory in all SDA facilities. Hope highlighted that retrofitting these systems could range from $5,000 to $20,000 but represents a crucial investment in safety.
A spokesperson for the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) acknowledged that current SDA design standards are being reviewed, with changes expected later this year. The NDIA supports an allowance for installing fire sprinklers in SDA homes, emphasizing safety as a priority.
Successful Implementation in Aged Care
Fire safety advocate Mark Whybro, Chair of the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Australia, emphasized that sprinkler systems have proven effective in aged care facilities. Following the Quakers Hill nursing home fire in 2011, which resulted in 11 fatalities, sprinklers became mandatory across Australia under the National Construction Code.
“Home fire sprinklers offer about a 90% improvement in surviving a fire,” Whybro said. This technology is deemed essential as it goes beyond smoke alarms, which only provide a 50% improvement in survival odds without suppressing flames.
Need for Change in Disability Accommodations
Whybro insists that similar measures should be adopted for SDA properties. He noted a worrying increase in fires involving high-flammability materials, which can engulf an entire room within minutes. “Fire sprinklers manage the fire, allowing individuals more time to escape,” he explained.
For many, including Todd Winther, the NDIS has facilitated significant life changes. He credits his accommodation for enabling him to work full-time and form meaningful relationships, emphasizing that safety enhancements are crucial for the future of individuals with disabilities living in special accommodations.
