Firetalk Autumn 2014 by JosephKeller

FireTalk

Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia

FPA Australia Announces Exciting New Department – Engagement & Education FPA Australia has recently announced one of the most significant changes at the Association in recent years the creation of a new department called Engagement & Education. This new department integrates all of the Association’s activities within its events, education and state and territory engagement areas.

FPA Australia is certain these changes will result in strong improvements in the way the Association’s activities are integrated, implemented and delivered. This will be assisted by the addition of more administrative staff at the FPA Australia National Office.

This transformation allows much of the work previously undertaken by three separate departments to be consolidated into one; meaning better outcomes for members and the community.

• One single point of contact for all education, events and state & territory engagement information

The department will be managed by Mr Chris Wyborn, who has worked as Senior Technical Officer at the Association since October 2011 and had previously spent 10 years with the Country Fire Authority in Victoria, a role that included managing a team responsible for fire safety in building, planning and dangerous goods areas. Over coming weeks you will see many changes occurring at FPA Australia, including new branding and marketing materials appearing for the Engagement & Education department.

The Engagement & Education department will deliver:

• More administrative assistance to answer queries, process applications and address other requests in a timely and responsive manner • The premier events FPA Australia is well known for, including Fire Australia and HazMat, as well as an increased range of highly-relevant and insightful national and state-based events • The ongoing high standard of educational offerings of our RTO, as well as new units of competency (coming 2014/2015) • A strong communications channel between the State & Territory Membership Groups, the National Office and the fire protection industry. Keep your eyes out for more from the Engagement & Education department over coming weeks and months. For more information email engagement@fpaa.com.au

Corporate Platinum Members

Autumn 2014 Edition In This Issue New Department – Engagement & Education NSW Fire Sprinkler Reform – FPA Australia Continues to Support These Critical Changes State & Territory Membership Groups Officially Launched New FPA Australia Patron – His Excellency General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove FPA Australia Subscription Introduced AS 1851-2012 Logbooks – Orders Now Open Mr Barry Lee OAM presented with Honorary Recognition New Bushfire Risk Management Policy For WA Firefighting Foams Information Bulletin Coming Soon FPA Australia in the News – Legislative Change in NSW Minister Backs Revised FPA Australia Code Of Practice Events

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NSW Fire Sprinkler Reform – FPA Australia Continues to Support These Critical Changes FPA Australia continues to strongly support the important rollout of automatic fire sprinklers into NSW Aged Care Facilities. In March and April, the Association was featured across a range of news media supporting the current reforms and reinforcing the capacity of the fire protection industry to deliver on the necessary deadlines. In addition, the Association has created the Fire Sprinkler Provider List; an important tool for connecting aged care services with providers of fire sprinkler services. Of those aged care homes in NSW required to install fire sprinklers under the new legislation introduced on January 1 2013, nearly 80 percent have either completed or started work as of April 2014. About half of NSW aged care homes were already fitted with sprinkler systems when the laws were put in place. Around 60,000 people in NSW live in aged care homes, which have until September 2014 to meet the requirements with extensions available to 1 March 2016. Scott Williams, FPA Australia CEO said the fire protection industry was well placed to deliver on the needs of the NSW aged care sector by ensuring

that the necessary fire sprinklers are installed into the remaining facilities by the required deadlines.

in NSW, including installers that hold an appropriate NSW Office of Fair Trading Contractor’s Licence (where necessary).

“We are pleased with the current progress of the rollout so far and we know the fire protection industry has trained and competent professionals capable of installing the appropriate automatic fire sprinkler systems correctly and safely”, he said.

The list allows aged care service providers, regulators and the community to easily view the full range of businesses currently able to conduct this important work.

“While it is important that these systems are promptly installed in order to meet the required deadlines and ensure the safety of residents, it is equally important that each system is properly designed, installed, commissioned and certified; which requires a measured and thoughtful approach.” “We don’t want to see any fire sprinkler installations being rushed, as this could lead to dangerous situations for sprinkler installers and residents during installation and/or systems that fail to operate correctly once they are installed.” FPA Australia, with the support of the NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure, has developed and published a listing of all Association Corporate Members capable of providing design, installation and certification services for fire sprinkler systems

Mr Williams said the Fire Sprinkler Provider List was an important tool during this period of high demand. “We know that many aged care facilities have trouble accessing relevant information on which fire protection companies can conduct the necessary sprinkler work in their buildings.” “The Fire Sprinkler Provider list is a simple one-stop-shop where aged care providers can find all the information they need in order to quickly make contact with appropriate fire protection professionals in their area.” To view the fire sprinkler provider listing click here. To listen to the ABC “World Today” story on the NSW Aged Care fire sprinkler progress click here. For any general FPA Australia enquiries, please call 03 8892 3131.

State & Territory Membership Groups Officially Launched New FPA Australia FPA Australia has officially launched its new State & Territory Patron – His Excellency Membership Groups (STMGs) and notified all members General The Honourable of the changes via post and email. Sir Peter Cosgrove These new groups have replaced the State Divisional Committees and the new groups have been introduced in order to: • Allow any FPA Australia member to attend any STMG meeting, in any state or territory • Allow all members to access summary notes from each meeting online • Feature a uniform structure for all groups, focused on updating members on: regulatory stakeholders; regulation, codes and standards; accreditation & licensing; products & services; members & membership activities and bushfire. Discussions on these topics at STMG level will align with and inform the national direction of the Association. While there are many other important changes occurring with the introduction of the STMGs, these three alone will significantly refresh the way members interact with the Association and each other. These changes have been designed to make the new Groups accessible, transparent, and ultimately, highly effective in delivering on the vision, mission and values of the Association. FPA Australia is committed to working closely with our membership and harnessing the valuable and unique knowledge and skills that each member brings to this industry for its overall improvement. For more information on State & Territory Membership Groups, visit the STMG webpage here.

Firefighting Foams Information Bulletin Coming Soon FPA Australia will soon release a new Information Bulletin on the Selection and Use of Firefighting Foams. The purpose of the document is to increase awareness of the issues surrounding the selection and use of fire fighting foams based on their environmental impact balanced with effectiveness in fire suppression for a particular application. Fire fighting foam is a suppression medium known for its effectiveness in extinguishing or controlling fires that water and other agents cannot. Varying information is available in the public domain relating to the environmental acceptability of fire fighting foam based on its chemical composition. A recent example is the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage – Draft Policy on the management of Fire fighting Foam. FPA Australia has observed that the information that is available is increasingly focussed on environmental issues in isolation of suppression effectiveness and performance.

FPA Australia recognises the need for fire protection to be environmentally responsible and this is a key component of the Association’s Vision. However, suppression performance is critical.

FPA Australia is proud to announce His Excellency General The Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) has accepted the Association’s invitation to be Patron of the Association. His excellency has indicated he is pleased to accept the role and sees the work of FPA Australia as complimentary to his responsibilities as Governor General. In addition, he has noted that fire protection and safety in Australia is of personal interest to him. FPA Australia has a history of patronage from Governor-Generals. Sir Paul Hasluck PC, GCMG & KSTJ was our first patron, followed by successive Governor Generals which, until standing down recently, included Her Excellency Dame Quentin Bryce AC. Sir Cosgrove has a strong history of community involvement during emergencies, including as taskforce leader during the Cyclone Larry disaster in 2006. FPA Australia is honoured to be selected for Patronage by His Excellency and we look forward to his involvement with the Association over the years to come.

The Information Bulletin will recommend that, while important, the environmental performance of foam should not be used as the sole selection criteria. Additional key selection criteria must be considered and include: a. Fire fighting performance b. Life safety c. Physical properties (e.g. viscosity and materials compatibility) d. Suitability for use on polar solvent fuels e. Compatibility with system design and approvals The Information Bulletin is expected to be released shortly. Check back to the technical information page of the website here or visit CONNECT for all technical documents.

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FPA Australia Subscription Introduced

Minister Backs Revised FPA Australia Code of Practice The Code of Practice prescribes the principles, standards of behaviour and service delivery requirements for all Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) Corporate Members.

From July 1, 2014 FPA Australia will be introducing a subscription service available to persons interested in receiving communications material from the Association, but who do not require the other benefits of membership.

Mr Macfarlane said he was pleased to support the Association’s revision of this important industry best practice document.

At the same time, The Association is removing what was formerly known as Associate level of membership, meaning Associate members now have the option to transition to another membership level, or take up a subscription. This change will be rolled out as Associate memberships expire.

“I commend your association for its strong leadership in providing guidance on best practice measures for the fire safety and protection industry in Australia”, he said.

“Industry codes of practice are an important means for setting nonregulatory minimum acceptable standards to protect the integrity of industry and the community more broadly”.

FPA Australia produces the flagship quarterly industry magazine Fire Australia as well as a range of newsletters, media releases and important announcements related to the protection of life, property and the environment from the dangers of fire. All subscribers receive: • Quarterly printed editions of Fire Australia Magazine • Access to previous digital versions of Fire Australia Magazine

The federal Minister for Industry the Hon Ian Macfarlane will sign the revised FPA Australia Code of Practice, which will soon be released.

FPA Australia is highly grateful of the Minister’s support and backing of the Code. The revised FPA Australia Code of Practice will be available from the Association website shortly. To view the existing code, click here.

• FireSignals E-newsletter • All FPA Australia newsletters • Access to previous digital version of newsletters • Subscription to all FPA Australia email communications, latest news & industry updates • Access to the FPA Australia CONNECT platform The subscription service is priced at $77.00 per annum (inc gst) and is ideal for students, regulators, bushfire professionals, designers, architects and land use managers, facility managers and anyone with an interest in the fire protection industry. To find out about an FPA Australia Subscription please contact member@fpaa.com.au

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Mr Barry Lee OAM presented with Honorary Recognition Many readers will recall that, at the 2013 Fire Australia Conference Dinner, Past President, long standing member of the FPA Australia Board and friend of the Association Mr Barry Lee OAM (above left) was honoured with a special plaque recognising his outstanding contribution and service to the industry.

Mr Lee was unable to attend the event at the time due to ill health. However, on a recent visit to Melbourne Mr Lee was finally able to accept the plaque in person from FPA Australia Senior Vice President and Past President Mr Chris Orr (above right). FPA Australia once again proudly congratulates Mr Lee on his outstanding continued contribution and service to his Association and his industry over many years.

All AS 1851-2012 Logbooks Now Available All AS 1851-2012 logbooks and summary record books are now available for order. FPA Australia has created 13 logbooks (one site per logbook) and three summary record books (30 sites per summary record book). These books are aligned to the corresponding sections in AS 1851-2012 and AS 2293-2005. Newly released books include the all new Passive Fire & Smoke Systems (LB12, SR12A & SR12B) as well as Emergency Escape Lighting & Exit Signs (LBE 1 & 2). Orders are now being delivered from late May onwards and those interested are encouraged to order now as stock is limited. To order download the form here or visit the website. For more information about all logbooks and summary record books please call 03 8892 3131.

New Bushfire Risk Management Policy For WA The Minister for Planning and the Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) have released the State Planning Policy 3.7: Planning for Bushfire Risk Management (SPP 3.7) and a supporting document titled Planning for Bushfire Risk Management Guidelines for public consultation. The proposed policy and revised guidelines will supersede the current Planning for Bush Fire Protection Guidelines (WAPC 2010). The changes, which FPA Australia has made strong contributions to, will take effect from May 1, 2015 and will see mandatory bushfire provisions introduced for new homes in bushfire prone areas (as identified in the Building Code of Australia and AS 3959). A bushfire hazard assessment will be required if the land intended for development is located on a bushfire prone area map or close to a large area of bushland. The assessment will identify the bushfire risk level and the Australian Standards to be applied when the new home is constructed.

The WAPC is now seeking comment on the draft SPP 3.7 and the revised guidelines. The public comment period for the SPP closes on Friday 4 July 2014. The revised guidelines are being released in draft form for a period of three months and submissions close on Friday 1 August 2014. A copy of SPP 3.7 and the revised guidelines along with a submission form and frequently asked questions can be accessed here.

FPA Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WA State Bushfire Subcommittee will also be convening a meeting in late May to review the policy guidelines and prepare its submission to government. For more information or to contribute to the submission email technical@fpaa.com.au.

The Department of Planning will be conducting a number of public information sessions on the bushfire policy framework in June 2014. Sessions will be grouped into: general public; local government; state government; industry; and South-West (collective). Further information on the time and date of these sessions will be available shortly at www.planning. wa.gov.au/bushfire.

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Events AS 1851-2012 QLD

Townsville 24 & 25 Jun Brisbane 26 & 27 Jun A draft version of MP6.1 of the Queensland Development Code was recently out for public comment. If the draft is adopted, compliance with AS 1851-2012 will form part of Queensland regulations. In anticipation of this adoption, these seminars will provide you with both a regulatory overview and updates on the many technical changes to the standard over a two day period.

Need Qualified EAHL by December 2014? Get Up to Speed Now and Save Recently the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board notified all technicians holding an EAHL Experienced Entitlement 1-5 that, from 1 December 2014, these licences will no longer be available for new applicants or for renewals. The Association is currently offering a special discounted enrolment into the units of competency required for EAHL Qualified Persons Licence 2 & 3, from 1 April – 30 June 2014, with assessment before December 2014. Usually priced from $3000 - $3315 (depending on membership level), FPA Australia is offering these units for a fixed price of $2500 for Corporate members and $2950 for all other members and non-members. No further discounts or vouchers apply. A deposit payment is required to secure your enrolment and all payments must be finalised before 30 June 2014. To take advantage of this offer please complete and return the enrolment form or contact our training department on email training@fpaa.com.au or 03 8892 3131.

Download the full registration brochure here or visit www.fpaa.com.au/events.

2014 Fire Expos

Assessment Workshops

VIC – Tue 15 Jul NSW – Wed 30 Jul

Training that suits your needs and your pace

These fire expos are local events for local businesses and personnel in the fire protection industry and related building and construction sectors. Attendance is free, however you can also get involved as an exhibitor or sponsor. In addition there will be informative industry seminars. Each expo is hosted by the respective State & Territory Membership Group, with representatives on hand to discuss relevant topics. For more information and to register for FPA Australia events visit www.fpaa.com.au/events.

Enrol now in the ideal qualification for fire protection professionals: FPA Australia’s Certificate II in Fire Protection Inspection and Testing. Choose from a range of subjects to study individually, or enrol in the full qualification. Start your training at any time when and where it suits you with our self-study option, then undertake an assessment workshop with one of our qualified workplace assessors in your state or territory. Workshops may run for one day or for a whole week, depending on your needs. Once your assessment has been completed you will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment or Certificate as evidence of your competence.

Want your current skills & knowledge assessed? FPA Australia offers you several different options for assessment. Private workshops for group training and/or assessment can be arranged to suit the needs of your business. Alternatively, you can enrol at any time and join other fire protection technicians at a public assessment workshop. Call 1300 731 922 to arrange private assessment sessions or check out the dates below for upcoming public workshops. If you are unable to attend any of the sessions listed below, call us on 03 8892 3131 to find out when FPA Australia will be conducting a session near you. June 3 to 6 VIC 24 to 27 NSW

July 8 to 11 29 to 1 Aug

SA QLD

For more information on the workshops visit the Training and Education pages of the FPA Australia website.

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AS 3745-2010 Planning For Emergencies In Facilities Amendment National Seminar Series A new FPA Australia national seminar series has been announced to discuss the application of AS 3745-2010 - Planning for Emergencies in Facilities, including the recent amendment. As the diversity of facility characteristics increase, so does the complexity of emergency management systems and processes. Development of emergency plans and procedures that adequately recognise and respond to these variables and the safety of occupants is vital to achieving safe outcomes. Developing and implementing emergency plans calls for a broad understanding of fire and emergency systems and equipment, identifying occupant characteristics, risk evaluation and understanding emergency management. Australian Standard Planning for Emergencies in Facilities (AS 3745-2010) has recently been amended to include more guidance for best practice in this regard. This seminar series will discuss application of the Standard and also the associated requirements to maintain emergency plans and procedures in accordance with AS 1851-2012: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. There will also be a focus on application for buildings using lifts for evacuation. The seminars will be run in all states and territories as follows: NSW 2 JUNE QLD 10 JUNE SA 12 JUNE NT 17 JUNE

VIC 3 JUNE ACT 11 JUNE WA 13 JUNE TAS 19 JUNE

For more information about FPA Australia events please visit www.fpaa.com.au/events To register and pay for FPA Australia events online please visit connect.fpaa.com.au

NATIONAL SEMINAR SERIES

Application of Amended AS 3745-2010 Industry updates for those involved in planning for emergencies in facilities NSW 2 JUNE VIC 3 JUNE QLD 10 JUNE ACT 11 JUNE SA 12 JUNE WA 13 JUNE NT 17 JUNE TAS 19 JUNE