QLD: Q&A Installing a door over a fire control panel in our building’s foyer

This article discusses whether a building can install a hinged door over a fire control panel and the visibility requirements for compliant signage.

Question: Can we install a hinged door over the fire control panel in our foyer? What signage do we need?

We would like to install a simple hinged door to cover the fire control panel in the entrance foyer of our apartment building to improve the appearance of the area and for protection. The door would open easily and have clear signage indicating the fire control panel. Can we do this, provided access remains unobstructed? Also, where can we find the correct standard wording or design for the required signage?

Answer: Signage must be in contrasting colours so it is highly visible against the background.

You can install a simple hinged door over a fire control panel provided that:

• The door is not lockable and can be easily opened without the use of a key or tool.
• The door does not obstruct access to the panel or reduce visibility in an emergency.
• Clear signage is fixed to the outside of the door indicating the presence of the fire indicator panel. This signage must be in contrasting colours so it is highly visible against the background.

Regarding signage, you can usually obtain compliant fire panel signs through safety signage suppliers, fire equipment companies, or online safety product stores. These suppliers provide signage that meets Australian Standards for fire safety and building compliance.

Stefan Bauer
Fire Matters
E: sbauer@firematters.com.au
P: 07 3071 9088

This post appears in the December 2025 edition of The QLD Strata Magazine.

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