NRL fixture to go ahead at Darwin's TIO Stadium despite ‘dangerous’ fire alarm procedure

A report has revealed that the fire alarm system at Darwin's TIO Stadium is routinely disabled from alerting the public and fire authorities of potential fires at the uncertified venue during major events.

As reported today by the NT Independent, a fire services expert has described the practice as “dangerous” and potentially life-threatening.

Instead of correcting the ongoing safety non-compliance issues, Northern Territory Infrastructure Minister Eva Lawler made a ministerial order last month to exempt the building from requiring an occupancy permit so that major events such as today’s NRL match between Parramatta and North Queensland could go ahead while the building remains unsafe and uncertified.

The NT Independent revealed on Thursday that the building’s fire panel system had been isolated during the NT Grand Final last month when the stadium was fully occupied that prevented potential emergency alarms from being sent to NT Fire and Rescue Services.

AFLNT, the organisation occupying the government-owned building which holds most events at the venue, told the NT Independent on Friday afternoon that it engages “third parties” to oversee the fire alarm system during public events in order to prevent “false alarms” from occurring and “unwarranted mass evacuation”.

That means the fire alarm system is deactivated during games at a building that was found to have non-compliant emergency exits and unresolved electrical issues, among other safety concerns.

An AFLNT spokesperson advised "as part of this procedure, qualified technicians are positioned at TIO Stadium to monitor the system. It does not impact the fire alarm system’s ability to detect smoke or fire.

“In the event of a fire, technicians will activate the system which will in turn alert the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS).

“In line with evacuation plans, technicians will also engage the Emergency Warning Intercom System.”

A fire services expert with years of experience in the NT, told the NT Independent the practice of isolating the fire panel system could “cost lives” and create “delays, confusion and mistakes” in the event of a real emergency – particularly when “technicians” are engaged rather than firefighters.

The source advised "even if they have someone on site, the delay would be many minutes and they would need to respond to the panel to see what alarm is active, check if there is a fire, then activate the fire brigade.

"If this is the plan they have, it is dangerous and it will cost lives if there is an incident.

“They are saying they have technicians there to respond to a fire alarm instead of firefighters.

“Technicians are not firefighters, they are generally specialised electricians. If that is their plan, it has been made without any professional consultation.”

Today’s NRL game between Parramatta and North Queensland, will see NT Major Events assume “full management of the facility and the event itself”, according to the AFLNT spokesperson.

An NRL spokesman said the league was satisfied the building was suitable to play in, advising "the NRL has been assured by the Northern Territory Major Events Company that the venue meets the required standards."