Port Hedland Fire Safety Measures Meet Standards
Media Release - DPS 6/2003
Independent fire services engineers, as recently as November 2002, found Port Hedland Immigration Reception and Processing Centre (IRPC) fire safety measures complied with Australian standards, the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs announced today.
Independent fire safety engineers regularly conduct thorough and comprehensive assessments into the fire safety infrastructure, maintenance and emergency management regimes at all immigration detention facilities to ensure compliance with appropriate standards.
In addition at Port Hedland the local fire authorities consult regularly with the centre and have provided long-standing support for existing fire safety systems.
A Department spokesperson praised the quick and efficient response of the Port Hedland local fire brigade during recent fires at the Port Hedland IRPC.
"The local fire brigade had adequate access to all areas of the centre and as a result the fire was contained to one building, ensuring the fire did not spread to other areas of the facility and ensuring there was no further danger to the safety of detainees and staff.
"The Port Hedland fire brigade attend regular exercises at the centre and can be on site in less than seven minutes to assist centre staff, who themselves are trained in fire safety management," the Department spokesperson said.
The Department have also identified the full extent of asbestos contained at the Port Hedland IRPC. The asbestos was examined in June 2002 and found to be stable and of no danger to detainees or staff.
In the event that the Department undertakes work in areas containing asbestos they will implement an approved management plan. The same would apply to works undertaken by ACM on behalf of the Department - the Department would not condone inappropriate handling of asbestos.
The Villawood Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) is currently undergoing an assessment of its fire safety facilities to ensure it continues to meet Australian standards.
"The safety of both staff and detainees at all our detention facilities is paramount," the Department spokesman said.
8 January 2003
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