The Alarm Verification Facility also known as Alarm Dependency (Type A) is a feature of the Fire Alarm Control Panel that that provides an automatic reset or equivalent function of an initial alarm signal and that only permits a subsequent alarm signal to initiate a fire alarm condition to help prevent unwanted nuisance (false) alarms).
Over time, smoke detectors can accumulate airborne contamination such as dust, pollen, microscopic insects and other aerosols that can make the detector more sensitive to false alarms. Firewize provides a service for the fire industry that helps identify then replace these detectors before the cause a false alarm.
According to the Melbourne Metropolitan Fire Brigade a false alarm (nuisance alarm) is "A false alarm occurs when the MFB attends an incident to find there is no emergency and there is no need for their fire fighting skills or other expertise. Most automatic fire alarm systems are a legal requirement, or have been installed to provide fire safety, and it is essential they operate efficiently at all times."
Under what circumstances are false alarms charges applicable in Victoria, and what are the charges?