Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia Fire Protection Industry Awards – Entries Now Open! Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
Winter 2016 In This Issue
Fire Protection Association Australia is excited to invite all members to nominate for our Fire Protection Industry Awards with all application forms available now.
Fire Protection Industry Awards – Entries Now Open! Sponsorship Opportunities Available.
You can now nominate for the four independently judged awards by visiting the official awards website www.fireprotectionawards.com.au.
Queensland Firefighting Foam Ban Blindsides Fire Protection Industry
• Young Achiever Award • Barry Lee Technical Excellence Award • Harry Marryatt Fire Protection Company of the Year Award (1-49 Employees) • Harry Marryatt Fire Protection Company of the Year Award (50+ Employees) Each of the application forms is a fillable PDF meaning you can complete the entire application process on your computer and simply return your completed form with your payment details and all supporting information to awards@fpaa.com.au by 3pm on Wednesday August 31. We’re so excited to share the very first gala awards event with our members and we want to encourage you to consider applying for one of these impressive awards! Don’t forget, in addition to recognition during the evening and commemorative plaques all award winners receive special branding collateral (logos) for use on email signatures and stationary etc to promote their win.
Corporate Platinum Members
In addition, dinner tickets are now available to purchase! Ticket prices are $240 for a single ticket and $2,200 for a table of 10. Get in now as we expect tickets to sell out prior to the event Finally there are a range of sponsorship opportunities to align your business with this premium event for the fire protection industry. As an Award Partner you will have a unique opportunity to: • leverage your brand – be identified as supporting industry excellence and professionalism • connect with a broad range of senior decision makers from across the industry • actively support the ongoing growth and success of the Fire Protection Industry in Australia
More Than 600 People Attend AS 1670.1 Seminars Nation-Wide Performance-Based Design: Benefits & Pitfalls New Test Requirements in AS 5062-2016 Portable Fire Extinguishers FAQ Released AS 1670.5 Released More Lacrosse Building Practitioners to Face Disciplinary Action Fire Protection Industry Awards – Gala Dinner
Sponsorship opportunities start from just $2,000. Visit the awards website here to secure yours today. FireTalk is proudly sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers®
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Queensland Firefighting Foam Ban Blindsides Fire Protection Industry The Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, the Honourable Steven Miles, has announced that Queensland will ban the use of all firefighting foams containing PFOS and PFOA. This policy will “require that any existing stocks of foams containing PFOS and PFOA are withdrawn from service at commercial and industrial premises, and similar products phased out and replaced, as soon as practicable with more sustainable alternatives.” As the peak national body for the fire protection industry, FPA Australia has major concerns both with the lack of consultation and process for implementation of this policy. We have supported improvements around the selection and use of firefighting foams in Australia and called for the immediate banning of foams containing PFOS. FPA Australia has also urged manufacturers to reduce and eliminate the production of long chain fluorinated foams containing PFOA in accordance with the US EPA PFOA Stewardship Program. However, significant issues exist surrounding the rollout of the announced ban. FPA Australia is deeply concerned by the Queensland Government view that potential environmental impacts alone should determine foam selection and use. In addition, the Association has real concerns about the lack of transitional mechanisms for existing users of now banned foams to move to the fluorine-free alternatives. The Association believes that these legitimate issues have not been considered and, in the rush to take action on environmental concerns, the government has blindsided both producers and end users of these products in Australia. The Queensland Government has not engaged in any broad industry consultation to understand and balance the factors required to develop an informed policy position.
The Association has consistently advocated that all fire fighting foams will have an environmental effect and that in addition to environmental impact, the selection and use of fire fighting foams should not discount the critically important factors of: (a) Firefighting performance (b) Life safety (c) Physical properties and suitability for use on known hazards (d) Compatibility with system design and approvals Matthew Wright, Chief Technical Officer / Deputy CEO of FPA Australia said the ban was a simplistic response to a complex issue and potentially dangerous. “Environmental impacts must be a key consideration in the selection and use of firefighting foams, but this policy naively ignores the new generation of short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foams which are non-toxic and non-bioaccumulative and simply draws an unrealistic line between fluorine-free and fluorinated foams as the deciding factor for selection,” he said. “Manufacturers of fluorine-free and new generation of short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foam are members of our Association and have been committed to developing new foam solutions to transition away from traditional long chain fluorinated foams containing PFOS and PFOA for the express reason of improving environmental performance, but without compromising firefighting effectiveness and life safety.” “If a foam is not effective for the hazard, the environmental impact will be magnified by the persistence and potential escalation of the fire event itself, damaging smoke, and potentially carcinogenic products and runoff regardless of whether the foam is fluorine-free or not.” It is clear that the use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) as identified by the UN Stockholm Convention are damaging to our environment and therefore their use should be restricted. FPA Australia contends that such restrictions must be risk-based and holistically consider all risk factors. FPA Australia has seen no evidence that the Queensland Government has appropriately considered such factors holistically including firefighting performance, life safety, suitability
for hazards, compatibility with existing systems and the financial impact of change for end users together with environmental risk. We have seen no Net Environmental Benefit Analysis supporting this position. The Association is again calling on the Queensland Government to work with industry to develop appropriate and cost effective transitional arrangements for suppliers and end users as we have suggested from the outset. In addition, we call on all governments considering these issues to participate in transparent and collaborative engagement with industry to ensure that all effective, compatible and environmentally sensitive foams available in the marketplace including fluorine-free and new generation short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foams, can be used to better protect life, property and the environment. To read the Queensland Government media release click here.
Firefighting Foams Information Bulletin Released Subsequent to the Minister’s announcement FPA Australia has released a new Information Bulletin to assist members and the industry with this Policy. The information bulletin includes a link to the Queensland Operational Policy documents and a unique email address ( foam@fpaa.com.au) which members can send questions to regarding the Queensland policy. Read the Information Bulletin here. FPA Australia will then write to the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection seeking answers to those queries and informing members of the response as required. All general technical enquiries should be directed to technical@fpaa.com.au or call us on 03 8892 3131
More Than 600 People Attend AS 1670.1 Seminars Nationwide More than 600 people have attended our recent seminars on the new detection and alarms standard AS 1670.1-2015. The seminar series is currently visiting all capital cities and key regional cities through July and August with attendees learning about the latest developments from our excellent panel of expert speakers.
Mr Kjell Jawerth (left) and Mr Chris Orr (right) addressing attendees
Detection, alarms and related systems are critically important components of the fire protection industry so we wanted to ensure we had the best people on hand to deliver this important content to our members, and Chris Orr, David Isaac, Kjell Jawerth and Keith Shinn certainly did not disappoint. We would like to thank our wonderful speakers for giving up their time to inform the industry about this important standard. In addition we could not have run this great seminar series around the country without the support of the event sponsors. We thank Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers, Flamestop Australia and Tyco Fire Protection Products for their generous support.
David Isaac addresses attendees
Thank you to everyone who attended the seminar in your local area. We have received great feedback and we know that all who attended will now be better equipped to understand and apply the new standard. Due to the Sydney event being sold out we will be running another session in Sydney on August 30. More information is available here. For any events enquiries please contact
events@fpaa.com.au
Performance-Based Design: Benefits & Pitfalls
Our panel of speakers (L to R) David Isaac, Keith Shinn, Chris Orr and Kjell Jawerth
FPA Australia has partnered with Sourceable to contribute regular editorial to their leading industry news website. We’ve kicked off our first post with an in depth discussion about the benefits and pitfalls of performance-based design.
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In the article CEO Scott Williams discusses these issues and some possible solutions for improving the current state of play with regard to understanding and compliance surrounding performance and the building code in Australia generally. To read the full article on the Sourceable website click here.
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New Test Requirements in AS 5062-2016
AS 1670.5 Released A new standard has been published (21 April 2016), detailing the requirements for the detection, warning and control systems installed as part of special hazards fire protection systems – AS 1670.5.
The new 2016 edition of AS 5062 Fire protection for mobile and transportable has been published and replaces the 2006 edition. Some important new test requirements have been introduced that will impact the testing and approval of foam water spray systems. Foam water spray systems tested to the previous 2006 edition will need to be re-tested to demonstrate compliance to the new edition. To prove the suitability and performance of liquid agents (premix foam solutions), two extra test requirements have been included: 1. 90 day agent stability test (Appendix D, table D1, test 21). No separation or stratification of the agent is permissible when stored at both minimum and maximum specified storage temperatures for 90 days. 2. Fire tests must be undertaken with cylinders filled and charged at least 30 days prior to completing the fire tests (Appendix E, Clause E2, last sentence). Clarification has also been provided regarding the pressure that the system is to be charged to for the completion of the fire tests. Clause E2 (b) specifies the testing must be completed at the system’s minimum operating pressure and that this is the pressure at which the cylinder supervisory pressure switch indicates a fault with the system. Whilst it will take some time for system manufacturers to have their systems tested and listed to the new requirements, end-users are encouraged to seek confirmation from their suppliers that they are planning to complete the additional testing required to comply with AS 5062-2016. Compliance to the 2006 edition does not automatically guarantee compliance to AS 5062-2016.
Up until this time each special hazard system standard (including AS ISO 14520 – Gaseous Systems, AS 6183 – CO2 Systems, AS 4487 – Aerosol Systems, AS 4587 – Water Mist Systems) has incorporated its own section detailing the requirements for detection, warning and control systems.
Portable Fire Extinguishers FAQ Released FPA Australia has released a new technical document – Information Bulletin “Frequently Asked Questions: Portable Fire Extinguishers” (IB-13). This Information Bulletin provides some basic information on portable fire extinguishers, including what their purpose is, when they are required, what types of extinguisher are suitable for different fires, how to use them and the requirements to have extinguishers serviced (maintained). This document is intended for consumers or for fire protection companies to provide consumers with an overview of the factors around the selection, use and servicing (maintenance) of portable fire extinguishers and direct them to resources where they can find out more information. FPA Australia would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Technical Advisory Committee for Portable and Mobile Equipment (TAC/3/7) to the development of this document. IB-13 Frequently Asked Questions: Portable Fire Extinguishers is available for viewing and downloading here.
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This has been problematic as variances and inconsistences have occurred in the requirements of the special hazards system standards as they were each revised and published at different times. Now with the publication of AS 1670.5, future editions of the special hazards standards will refer to AS 1670.5 for the detection, warning and control system requirements. This will, in time, provide consistency of system requirements across all special hazards fire protection systems. The first of the special hazards systems standards to be revised will be AS ISO 14502 and AS 4487; the projects for these having already been approved by Standards Australia. The kick-off meetings for these projects will be held at the end of June 2016 and it is expected the revised standards will be published within approximately one year. Significantly, the revision of AS ISO 14520 will result in the resurrection of AS 4214, which will be published in its place. The new version of AS 4214 will not only refer to AS 1670.5 but also incorporate all the most recent updates from ISO 14520 and include appendices for each agent rather than these being published as separate documents. This will be a much more user-friendly standard than the one it replaces. Special Hazards system designers and system installers are encouraged to become familiar with AS 1670.5 and where possible should seek to use this new standard in preference to the detection and control system sections of the currently published special hazards standards.
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More Lacrosse Building Practitioners to Face Disciplinary Action The Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the regulator of the building and plumbing industries, has referred two more building practitioners involved in the building of the Lacrosse Apartments in Melbourne’s Docklands, for disciplinary action by the Building Practitioners Board (BPB). Following a fire at the Lacrosse building which resulted in the evacuation of all residents, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) reviewed the cause of the fire and issued a Post Incident Analysis Report. The MFB report concluded that the external aluminium cladding on the building contributed to the spread of fire and did not comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA). As a result, the VBA launched an investigation into the building practitioners involved.
The VBA investigation has already led to the relevant building surveyor being referred to the BPB. In addition, the VBA also referred the conduct of the architect to the Architects Registration Board of Victoria (ARBV), which is the regulatory body responsible for the conduct and discipline of architects. The VBA has reported that two more building practitioners will also be referred: • Con Nicolas – the fire safety engineer who prepared a fire engineering report in relation to building work at the site, and
• Jim Moschoyiannis – the registered builder. The VBA alleges that the three building practitioners – the builder, the building surveyor and the fire safety engineer – breached the Building Act and Regulations and failed to carry out their work in a competent manner and to a professional standard. The VBA investigation into the conduct of the building practitioners involved in the Lacrosse building has now concluded. More information about the ARBV is available here. More information about the BPB is available here.
3rd NOVEMBER, 2016 DOLTONE HOUSE, SYDNEY A BLACK TIE EVENT
Fire Protection Industry Awards – Gala Dinner You are invited to our inaugural fire protection industry awards gala dinner, to be held on November 3, 2016 at Doltone House, Sydney. Join us for an evening of recognising and awarding businesses and individuals leading the professional standard of commitment, excellence and contribution in the Fire Protection Industry.
Applications for all awards are now open and dinner tickets are available for purchase. Ticket prices are $240 for individual tickets and $2,200 for tables of ten. Tickets are strictly limited and we expect this event to sell out so book early to avoid disappointment. Award information and tickets are available from
www.fireprotectionawards.com.au
New Members
FPA Australia would like to welcome our latest members.
Individual
SA E&C Fire Services
ACT
VIC
Mr Jonathon Pathammavong
JNS Fire Protection P/L
NSW Mr Cameron Lomas Mr Brett Thornton Mr Wade Pethybridge Mr Tin Wai Mr James Gaal Mr Anthony Uzelac
QLD
WA
WA Ms Domini Coyle Mr Shane Murphy Mr Brett William Berkshire
Corporate Bronze (1-4 staff) NSW
QLD Ipswich & District Fire Equipment Services Pty Ltd Fyrepower Fire Protection Fire Detection Technologies Moore Plumbing & Fire Protection Pty Ltd NLT Australia Pty Ltd
Corporate Gold NSW
Corporate Silver
Trinity Fire Services Pty Ltd
(Fewer than 15 staff)
QLD TAS Fire and Safety Tasmania Pty Ltd
Sicada Fire & Safety (NSW) Pty Ltd Fire Building Compliance Specialists ET Security & Fire Nationwide Security Systems
QLD Plus Passive Fire
VIC WPFS Pty Ltd
Corporate Gold
Survival Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd Firetech Global Pty Ltd DDE Services Electrical M3V Pty Ltd Southern Bushfire Solutions EVE Electrical & Communications Pty Ltd
NSW Green Forever Pty Ltd
Building Certificates Australia Pty Ltd Celtic Fire Services
NSW
VIC
Corporate Silver
WABAL BAL Assessments Australia Marchant Fire & Security
Mr Keith Turner Mr Tim Andrews
Upgraded Members
(More than 15 staff) VIC
Specialised Fire Protection
WA Shamrock Electrics
Organisation Bronze (1-14 staff) NSW CEE3 P/L
PO Box 1049 Box Hill VIC 3128 T: (03) 8892 3131 E: member@fpaa.com.au W: www.fpaa.com.au
Recognised Business
FPAS Recognised Businesses NSW Ausfire Protection Pty Ltd Ausfire Systems Pty Ltd
NT Fire Protection Professionals International
QLD Azzo Project Services Pty Ltd
SA Firechief
VIC Fire Equipment Services (FES) Southern Fire Services Pty Ltd NKM Fire and Training
WA FEAD Australia Pty Ltd FE Systems
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