FireTalk
Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia
Fire Protection Association Australia Turns 55 2015 marks 55 years since the establishment of the Australian Fire Protection Association (AFPA) which would later go on to merge with the Fire Protection Industry Association Australia (FPIAA), forming one unified peak body to represent the broad range of fire protection activities undertaken in Australia. Today, FPA Australia is stronger and more active than at any other time in our history. As well as offering all of the important services expected of a national peak industry Association, FPA Australia has: • Launched our Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) – the only nationally-harmonised, industry-run scheme for recognising fire protection professionals in Australia • Strongly advocated for the national harmonisation and roll-out of AS 1851-2012, ensuring best practice outcomes for routine inspection and testing of fire protection systems and equipment are possible in most Australian states and territories • Moved to our outstanding new 1,319m National Office facility in Blackburn North, Melbourne, which allows for further growth. The Association currently employs more than 30 staff in Melbourne and Sydney 2
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• Accepted appointment to the Australian Building Codes Board’s (ABCB) Building Codes Committee (BCC). The BCC is the peak technical advisory body tasked with considering technical matters related to the National Construction Code • Built on the success of our national Bushfire Planning and Design Scheme (BPAD) for recognising bushfire practitioners, including recently being recognised by the Western Australian government as the first accrediting body for bushfire practitioners working in that state • Launched our Workplace Relations service, ensuring that members have access to high quality workplace relations services including tailored sprinkler and electrical enterprise agreements for the fire protection industry and much more. FPA Australia would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the industry, either through membership, event attendance, education and training activities, committee participation or through other channels. We look forward to continuing momentum in supporting the industry and the community in the protection of life, property and the environment for many more years to come.
Spring 2015 In This Issue FPA Australia Turns 55 FPA Australia Pleased by Draft Report into the NSW Building Professionals Act FPA Australia’s First Professional Level Member Updated 2015 Code of Practice New Position Statement on Water Tanks Released FPA Australia Announced as Accrediting Body for Bushfire Practitioners in WA Western Australia Launches False Fire Alarm Fee New Benefits for all Organisation Level Members Fire Australia 2016 Details Released Submission Lodged to Senate Smoke Alarm Inquiry Outstanding Achievements by Two FPA Australia Members New State & Territory Membership Group Terms of Reference Events
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FPA Australia Pleased by Draft Report into the NSW Building Professionals Act FPA Australia commends the work of Mr Michael Lambert, who has released his Draft Report into the NSW Building Professionals Act 2005. The Report highlights some key failings of current regulation to address the competency of practitioners designing, installing, certifying, testing and maintaining lifesaving fire protection systems and equipment. In late 2014, the Assistant Minister for Planning (now the Minister for Planning), the Hon. Rob Stokes, appointed former Treasury Secretary Michael Lambert to conduct a broad review to examine certification and its application in the wider building industry. Among the many important findings contained within the report, Mr Lambert specifically recommends that fire safety regulation be reformed by, accreditation of suitably qualified and experienced persons for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire safety systems and that these same professionals be required to certify their work, preferably drawing upon the existing accreditation schemes developed by the relevant professional associations. The report notes that, there is no certification process in place to properly assess fire safety systems and, while Fire and Rescue NSW has legislated responsibility to undertake a review role, it has neither the resources nor the technical capability to undertake this role, which in any case should not be its responsibility. There is clear evidence of non-compliant and hence unsafe fire safety systems in new and existing buildings. Mr Lambert further noted that, there is clear evidence that the current system of checking to ensure the proper design, installation and maintenance of fire safety systems is not working. In his suite of proposed reforms, Mr Lambert notes that, the prime responsibility for review of fire safety systems should rest on suitably qualified and experienced accredited certifiers, with Fire & Rescue NSW able to rely on this. This is a significant vote of confidence in the ability of the fire protection industry to self-regulate with accreditation schemes such as FPA Australia’s Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS). FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said the findings in the Draft Report represented a strong step forward for community fire safety outcomes in NSW.
“Mr Lambert’s draft report makes it clear that professional recognition of suitably qualified and experienced persons is a critical part of any future improvements to the Building Professionals Act,” he said. “As the national peak body for fire protection we have long advocated for accreditation of all individuals in the building supply chain particularly in relation to all elements of fire protection, and we are pleased to see so many of these recommendations included in Mr Lambert’s report.” “As well as providing several detailed submissions to Mr Lambert’s review and previous consultation into the Act, FPA Australia was also personally consulted by Mr Lambert and we thank him for listening to the needs of industry and the community in compiling this outstanding Draft Report.” The Draft Report outlines five key areas of possible improvement of the planning and building system in NSW as follows: 1. Planning and building regulation need to work in an integrated way in terms of process, with planning setting the strategic framework within which building operates. There is no suggestion to move away from an integrated planning and building regulation process. However, an apparent paradox is that integrating planning and building regulation in the one agency and in the one Act, diminishes the effectiveness of and the focus on building regulation and hence reduces the effectiveness of the integrated planning and building regulation process. 2. Second, the key need is to ensure proper accountability and responsibility throughout the building industry, enhancing the accountability of certifiers to act as regulatory agents in the public interest but not to consider certifiers as the sole mechanism for accountability. Builders and all building practitioners need to be fully responsible for their work.
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3. Third, it is vital to develop certification as a profession, with its own code, values and culture. Unlike builders and other building practitioners, certifiers have a regulatory role and need to act in the public interest. This can be assisted by creating the ethos and culture of a profession. 4. Fourth, the system of building regulation needs to be fully transparent and accessible, generating data that enables its performance to be assessed and the system revised and improved based on clear evidence. It is particularly important that there are clear objectives and measurable outcomes for assessing the performance of the system. 5. Fifth, there needs to be a broadening of the range of activities that are subject to accredited certification. In the area of building certification too much reliance and responsibility is placed solely on the building certifier. There is a case for allowing building certifiers to draw on specialist accredited certifiers in the area of town planning and, in the case of complex buildings, on certification of building design and the design, installation and commissioning of critical building elements and systems. To download the full Draft Report from the Independent Review of the Building Professionals Act 2005 click here.
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FPA Australia’s First Professional Level Member – Dr Jonathan Barnett The Professional level of membership was launched on July 1, 2015 to recognise those individuals within our Association who are registered with a professional body and wish to take a more active role within the activities of the Association, such as participating on our Technical Advisory Committees (TACs). Dr Jonathan Barnett is an internationally acclaimed technical expert in fire safety engineering with over 38 years’ experience. Jonathan is currently the
Technical Director for RED Fire Engineers, based in Melbourne. In addition to his vast knowledge and experience, Jonathan is a long-time supporter of FPA Australia, so we couldn’t be more pleased that he should be our first Professional level member. Many other applications for Professional membership are currently being processed. For more information on Professional level membership and to apply, click here or call our Membership Services team on 03 8892 3131.
New Position Statement on Water Tanks Released
Updated 2015 Code of Practice As part of FPA Australia’s continued commitment to professionalism and strong leadership in providing guidance on best practice measures for the fire safety and protection industry, a review of the Code of Practice for our Corporate members has been undertaken. The Code of Practice prescribes the principles, standards of behaviour and service delivery requirements for signatories and helps to highlight the vital role that Association members, the building and construction sectors and the wider community all have in promoting life-safety outcomes in relation to fire. Compliance with the Code: • establishes the benchmark for the delivery of products and services to the community • enshrines the principles of integrity and professional relations with clients • upholds the principles of the competitive process. We invite all Corporate members to read and understand the new Code of Practice here.
The document outlines the Association’s position that, while voluntary, AS 2304-2011, water storage tanks for fire protection systems should be used for all new water storage tanks for fire protection systems as it represents best practice and the most comprehensive guidance on the design, construction, installation, and commissioning of water storage tanks for fire protection systems. The position statement also highlights a number of recommendations from FPA Australia which we believe should be applied in future versions.
To support this position, this document provides additional information on: • The requirements that existed prior to AS 2304 • The development of AS 2304 • The use of AS 2304 This position statement also suggests some other minor changes which will improve the standard and increase the likelihood of its use. FPA Australia would like to acknowledge the work of TAC 4/8/9 in producing this important document. To download PS-06 Water Storage Tanks for Fire Protection Systems now, click here.
FPA Australia Announced as Accrediting Body for Bushfire Practitioners in Western Australia The Western Australian government has announced FPA Australia as the first ever organisation to be recognised as an accrediting body for bushfire practitioners in accordance with the state’s Bushfire Accreditation Framework released earlier this year. FPA Australia has been working closely with the WA government to to develop an appropriate framework for the recognition of individuals who undertake bushfire assessments which is based on similar systems that are in operation in other parts of Australia. The Framework sets out the government’s road map for establishing
a professional bushfire practitioner industry and is in response to recommendations made in an independent review into the Perth Hills bushfire which occurred in February 2011. Association CEO Scott Williams said the move was good news for the Western Australian Bushfire Planning industry and the community.
“This is a proactive and responsible approach from the Western Australian government and we are pleased to see such a positive move towards professional recognition for practitioners undertaking this important and potentially lifesaving work,” he said. “Ensuring that only appropriately skilled and competent practitioners are engaged to conduct bushfire planning work in Western Australia is critically important for maintaining community safety in bushfire prone areas.” To read more click here.
New Benefits for all Organisation Level Members FPA Australia has announced a new benefit for all Organisation members, allowing them access to use the member logo as outlined in the logo guidelines. This announcement grants a limited licence to use the appropriate logo for the period where an Organisation is fully financial for the duration of the membership period. To download your member logo and the guidelines vist CONNECT here.
Western Australia Launches False Fire Alarm Fee The Western Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has recently announced a fee of $750 per attendance for the fourth false alarm experienced at any given site. The fines will continue to apply for every false alarm experienced after the first fine within any financial year.
• the increased risk to firefighters and the community when firefighting vehicles are driven under emergency conditions.
The fee is part of an overall DFES strategy to minimise the number of false fire alarms attended by firefighters. It is anticipated that reducing the number of false fire alarms will help to resolve the following problems:
False fire alarms are a major issue in Australia. In 2014/15, firefighters responded to 9,839 false fire alarm activations, or about 27 false fire alarm attendances each day.
• firefighters being unable to attend to a genuine emergency
To learn more about the new False Fire Alarm Fee you can download the brochure here or the fact sheet here. Alternatively visit the DFES website or email falsefirealarms@dfes.wa.gov.au.
• the ineffective use of DFES resources, which means that DFES is not serving the community as effectively as possible
Fire Australia 2016 Details Released It is with excitement that we are able to announce the details for the Fire Australia 2016 Conference and Tradeshow. Next year, the premier fire protection event for the southern hemisphere will be held on Wednesday 4 May and Thursday 5 May at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. The 2016 conference will also incorporate the HazMat Conference, meaning even more attendees, speakers and exhibitors on offer from across the spectrum of fire protection and emergency response, special hazards and dangerous goods.
The conference dinner will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the evening of Wednesday May 4 and will no doubt feature a sporting theme. The tradeshow component will again provide a major highlight and is sure to draw many visitors, building on the attendance seen at the record-breaking 2015 event on the Gold Coast. The HazMat stream of presentations will run alongside the two Fire Australia sessions, meaning attendees will be spoilt for choice of informative presentations to attend.
The 2016 conference theme is “Risk, Liability, Exposure – Delivering Positive Outcomes” and attendees can expect many of the presentations to focus on these important issues. More details will be announced soon regarding sponsorship, exhibition and the call for speakers and we encourage anyone interested in presenting at the conference to begin considering this theme and how they might engage with it. Keep your eyes on the conference website www.fireaustralia.com.au for more announcements on Fire Australia 2016.
Submission Lodged to Senate Smoke Alarm Inquiry FPA Australia recently lodged a strong submission to the Federal Senate inquiry on the use of smoke alarms to prevent smoke and fire related deaths. The submission considers the current requirements for smoke alarms under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and state and territory legislation for new and existing buildings to identify how these can be improved to prevent smoke and fire related deaths. It explores the principles behind smoke alarms and their use to achieve their purpose: to detect fire in its initial
development stage and provide early warning of the fire to allow occupants time to escape. The submission also explores the variances in legislative requirements for smoke alarms in new and existing residential buildings in each state and territory. To learn more about the inquiry visit the Parliament website here.
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Outstanding Achievements by Two FPA Australia Members – Executive Risk Solutions (ERS) and Essential Safety Solutions (ESS) FPA Australia is proud to congratulate two of our outstanding Corporate members, Executive Risk Solutions (ERS) and Essential Safety Solutions (ESS) on some recent achievements. Based in Perth, Corporate gold member ERS was recently named as the 2015 Telstra WA Business Of the Year Overall Winner. ERS also took out the category of Medium Business winner. The Association is proud of the work undertaken by Mr Scott Houston and his team to build the fantastic ERS business, which today provides support to individuals and businesses in high risk sectors, including fire protection.
ERS employs 110 highly trained individuals with backgrounds in police, special forces, fire and emergency services and each of these employees are congratulated for their efforts in achieving this fantastic accolade. Additionally, Melbourne based Corporate silver member Essential Safety Solutions (ESS) has recently achieved triple ISO Certification, namely ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), AS/NZ 4801 (Occupational health and Safety Management Systems) and ISO 140001 (Environmental Management). Impressively, the certification was achieved entirely paperlessly, with the
ESS team using digital-only processes to store and maintain information for audits. FPA Australia again congratulates Executive Risk Solutions and Essential Safety Solutions on their achievements. If you know an FPA Australia member doing great things, email us at magazine@fpaa.com.au.
New State & Territory Membership Group Terms of Reference In a bid to strengthen the communication channels between FPA Australia and its members, the framework surrounding State & Territory Membership Groups (STMG’s) has undergone an overhaul. The prime objective of STMG’s is to engage in a contemporary and transparent way in order to bring about positive change in the fire protection industry. To verify outcomes of these objectives, FPA Australia launched a review to assess whether these Groups were operating in an effective and beneficial way for members. After robust consideration and consultation, the Association highlighted inconsistencies in the operation of STMG’s and then moved to rewrite the Terms of Reference and Guidelines as a method of breaking down the barriers and broadening engagement with members.
Some of the key changes have included the establishment of STMG Leadership Teams in each region to ensure local matters are communicated to the FPA Australia National Office. The Leadership Team is a formal team made up of members of the Association who are elected by the members within a specific region to facilitate support to members by providing advice to both members and the Association on matters relevant to their region. Working together, the Leadership Team and the National office will develop strategies and guidance to address
matters relevant to a specific state or territory to support achievement of the Association’s collective goals and objectives. all individuals nominated to be on a leadership team must hold Individual or Professional membership or be employed by an entity with Corporate or Organisational membership. More information on nomination and election can be found here. This new approach for STMG’s allows FPA Australia and its members an improved framework to establish clear lines of communication about all fire protection industry matters with heightened flexibility and we encourage members to read all about the positive new direction for STMG’s here.
Events
Fire NZ 2015 Conference & Exhibition
Association members are encouraged to consider attending the upcoming Fire NZ Conference and Exhibition to be held in Wellington on October 15 and 16. Fire NZ is New Zealand’s annual forum for Fire Protection and Fire Engineering professionals. This two day event provides a comprehensive national forum for fire industry professionals and draws delegates from a variety of countries throughout the pacific. This year, keynote speakers have been invited from the USA, Australia and New Zealand. The conference program is designed to provide insight and learning, and to extend current thoughts on the various speakers’ presentation topics, and will provide robust debate around key industry issues. If you have an interest in fire safety, you should attend.
The Conference will provide information for, among others: • Fire Protection Contractors • Fire Consultants • Fire Engineers • Architects • Building Surveyors • Property Developers • Distributors and Installers • Insurance Professionals • Fire Equipment Manufacturers • Fire Survey Personnel • Regulatory Authorities • Fire Service Operational and Volunteer Personnel • Fire Risk Management • Personnel, Property and Facilities Managers
In recognition of the partnership between FPA Australia and FPA New Zealand, FPA Australia members will be entitled to FPA NZ member rates. The registration brochure is available here. Visit www.fireprotection.org.nz for more info. If you would like to exhibit you can download the exhibitors prospectus here. For all Fire NZ 2015 Conference & Exhibition enquiries please email fpanz@fireprotection.org.nz.
EAHL Training Special (Licence 2 & 3) – Members Price $1,650 – Offer Extended
EAHL Licence 2 & 3 Member Special Offer Save up to 50%
FPA Australia specialises in the provision of training and assessment required to enable technicians to apply for a Qualified Persons’ Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL). Individuals who handle certain extinguishing agents require an EAHL unless exempted. These requirements are imposed by the Federal Government.
Our EAHL Licence training products are delivered as self-study units, where each student enrols and receives materials to work through in their own time and pace. We are extending our special offer, including up to 50% off training for EAHL Licences 2 & 3 for our members. For more details on this special offer, click here. Once self-study has taken place, students can then enrol in one of the regular assessment sessions in order to be assessed. FPA Australia acknowledges that complying with the licence requirements is an added expense, therefore we are aiming to assist our members wherever possible through the provision of discounted training and assessment. To learn more about FPA Australia’s training options, please visit
FPA Australia Assessment Workshops 2015 26 - 30 October – VIC 24 - 26 November – QLD 30 November - 4 December – VIC
2016 9 - 11 February – WA 9 - 11 February – QLD 22 - 26 February – VIC
How to Register: Register and pay for FPA Australia events online via the CONNECT member portal.
www.fpaa.com.au/training
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New Members
FPA Australia would like to welcome our latest members.
Individual
VIC
NSW Jamie Guajardo Mark McDaid Martyn O’Connell Natthinee Chamkunthod San Hong
QLD Neil R. Smith
TAS Nathan James Strickland
VIC Scott McDowell Tim Blankenstein
GV Smoke Alarms IComply Property Solutions No Nonsense Fire & Essential Services Top Fire Protection Pty Ltd Woodhart Plumbing
WA Ability Building Services Bede Electrical Solutions Pty Ltd ICS Group R1sk Consulting Safetytech Fire Services Swan Fire Services Pty Ltd Triple K Projects Pty Ltd
Corporate Silver
WA Daniel Balestri Erika Dawson Gregory Maurice Cook
Corporate Bronze (1-4 staff) NSW
Bushfire Planning & Building Solutions Emergency Safety Solutions Essential Fire Systems Pty Ltd John Mark Fire Doors Pty Ltd Moree Fire & Security Peterson Bushfire PGH Environmental Planning Statewide Fire Safety & Compliance Group Pty Ltd Sustainable Home Solutions Tyrone Fire Services NSW Pty Ltd
(Fewer than 15 staff) NSW
All Industrial Services Pty Ltd Empire Essential Services Pty Ltd Kelso Services P/L MJH Fire Solutions
WA Remote Fire (WA) Pty Ltd
Corporate Gold
Upgraded Members Corporate Silver NSW G N Consulting Pty Ltd Prosys Safety Services
SA Port Lincoln Data & Electrical
VIC Compliance Services Australia
WA Australian Fire Industries Bushfire Prone Planning Fire Protection Services (WA)
Corporate Gold NSW Amdel Services Pty Ltd Electrical Testing Services Pty Ltd JR Electrical
VIC Firesafe Sprinkler Systems PSA Products Pty Ltd
Organisation Silver QLD University of Queensland
(More than 15 staff) TAS
ETCS Electrical and Fire
WA Advanced Fire Solutions
Organisation Silver VIC
QLD Complete Fire Maintenance Pty Ltd Ignition Fire and Electrical Pty Ltd Pinnacle Fire Systems Pty Ltd
Lotus Filters Pty Ltd
PO Box 1049 Box Hill VIC 3128 T: (03) 8892 3131 E: member@fpaa.com.au W: www.fpaa.com.au
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