Can a resident use the fire hose to clean his car on common property.
Draft a by-law to prevent unauthorised use (tampering, interfering, removal) of all fire safety equipment installed at the scheme.
Rob Broadhead, 2020 Fire Protection:
If the hose reel water supply is fed from the fire hydrant system, using the fire hose to wash a car will contravene the water supply regs because hydrant water is un-metered. This can result in large fines (circa $10,000) from Sydney Water.
If the hose reel water supply is fed from domestic/ drinking water, there is no legal reason it can't be used.
Regardless, hose reels are not manufactured for regular use. The owners corporation should create a by-law preventing its use so the fire hose does not wear out.
A practical solution may be to install a lockable cabinet for the whole hose reel openable with a break glass &/or key.
Leanne Habib, Premium Strata:
Yes, a by-law could be drafted to prevent unauthorised use (tampering, interfering, removal) of not only the fire reel, but any other fire safety equipment installed at the scheme.
If the hose is simply a common property hose, individual owners should not be using that supply for their private purposes. It is common for strata schemes to install a lock on common property taps (excluding fire hose reels) to ensure only the authorised agents/contractors of the owners corporation use their water supply.
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Rob Broadhead, CEO of 2020 Fire Protection.
I've been involved in strata since 2001, spoken at events, written training courses and been involved in committees. I am a regular contributor to SCA, FMA, OCN, LookUpStrata and Your Strata Property.
I’ve been in fire protection since 1992, a graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers and an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety).
I’ve served voluntarily as VP of FPA Australia and on SCA’s NSW State Committee. I've represented FMA on the Building Commission’s Fire Safety Steering committee, and listed in the 2021 report into Fire Safety Reform. I am co-chair of the Strata sector of the Fire Safety Industry Reference Group.
I bring timely fire and related legislative knowledge transparently to the strata industry.
Leanne is leading the conversation in strata and community management across Australia. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years and holding credentials as a licensed Strata and Community Manager and Real Estate Managing Agent, Leanne has masterfully redefined the essence of premium strata service. Her approach, honed through years in senior roles within top-tier agencies, is unwaveringly client-focused, ensuring that expectations are not only met but consistently exceeded.
As a pivotal member of the Strata Community Association (SCA) and the CEO of the award-winning Premium Strata, Leanne, together with her team of seasoned strata managers, embodies a commitment to unparalleled service excellence. Beyond steering Premium Strata and Premium Building Management, her influence extends across the property industry as a leading voice. Leanne's insights on legislative updates and industry shifts are invaluable, offering guidance to lot owners on intricate strata matters and fostering effective and informed strata management practices.
Leanne is a regular contributor to Lookupstrata.
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