FireTalk
Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia
FPA Australia Warmly Welcomes Outcomes of Building Ministers’ Forum FPA Australia has warmly welcomed the announcement from the Building Ministers’ Forum held recently in Melbourne that Government will investigate options for a mandatory listing scheme for high risk building products with life safety implications. The Association has advocated strongly that there must be a risk-based approach to building product compliance in Australia. The safety of the community is not negotiable and so rigour and testing must be applied to high risk products. FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said it was a fantastic outcome but significant work remains. “This announcement demonstrates that the building ministers have listened to the industry and the community and acknowledged the extent of the issue,” he said. “The future establishment of a national register of ‘fit-for-purpose’ products which are high risk will restore confidence and certainty to the building industry and the community.” “The ABCB will report on the progress of the mandatory scheme for high risk products in six months and we will be
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supporting the ABCB and working with all stakeholders to ensure that any scheme is sound, robust and rigorous.” The Association strongly believes that products which fall into the high risk category must be tested to appropriate standards with certainty to their suitability for use in the Australian built environment. To download the full communique from the Building Ministers’ Forum click here. For more information call FPA Australia on 03 8892 3131.
Winter 2015 In This Issue FPA Australia Warmly Welcomes Outcomes of Building Ministers’ Forum FPAS Fire Systems Design & Fire Systems Certification Launched Stephen Kip Appointed to the Board of ABCB New Logo for Corporate and Organisation Members Available Now Professional Membership Level Launched HazMat 2015 Conference & Exhibition a Great Success FPA Australia Backs Senate Inquiry into Building Product Non-Conformance Strong Turnout for Fire Protection Maintenance in South Australia Seminar Fire NZ 2015 Conference & Exhibition Special Offer on EAHL Training
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FPAS Fire Systems Design & Fire Systems Certification Launched Applications for the Fire Systems Design and Fire Systems Certification accreditation under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) are now open for all individuals in all states and territories.
2 – Trainee (transitional) Accreditation is offered to FPAS Recognised Businesses and is awarded to an applicant who works under the supervision of an FPAS accredited individual while undertaking approved formal learning.
Application packs are available to view and download here.
3 – Qualified Accreditation The Qualified Accreditation pathway will be introduced at a later date as further industry and regulatory consultation and review is currently being undertaken in relation to the most suitable requirements for this pathway.
Once sufficient numbers of applications are received and approved, workshops and assessments will initially be facilitated in Victoria and New South Wales and then over time, rolled out to other states and territories. The staged approach is designed to ensure capacity to provide the necessary workshops and assessment sessions.
Pathways ‘Fire Systems Design’ and ‘Fire Systems Certification’ accreditation will be launched initially with two individual accreditation pathways for entry into the Scheme: 1 – Experienced (transitional) Accreditation is awarded to an applicant who has demonstrated a minimum of four years of relevant work experience. Those individuals who gain this transitional accreditation will be required to transition to a future Qualified Accreditation within four years of it being introduced.
Evidence of Experience
Applicants will need to provide detailed evidence of their work history and practical experience relevant to the categories of accreditation being applied for.
Technical Workshops
Applicants are required to attend a one day workshop. The workshops will cover the expectations of accredited individuals, key fundamentals and principles related to designing and certifying fire systems, current best practice and key elements of good practice in service delivery. The workshops will not be a training or knowledge ‘gap filler’ workshop and separate workshops will be held for applicants in Fire Systems Design and Fire Systems Certification accreditation.
Assessment The assessment process has been developed to ensure that individuals applying for accreditation, in either fire systems design or fire systems certification, have a minimum knowledge and skill base in the particular category being applied for and in the jurisdiction being applied for. An extensive range of multiple choice questions are being developed for specific knowledge in the categories of fire sprinkler systems, fire hydrant and hose reel systems and fire detection and alarm systems. The themes covered in each assessment will include: 1. Fire Science 2. Jurisdictional Legislation / Codes / Standards 3. Roles and Responsibilities 4. Documentation 5. Specific Systems Design or Certification Knowledge. (Fire Sprinkler Systems, Fire Hydrant and hose reels and Fire detection and alarm systems) Should you have any further enquiries for either Fire Systems Design or Fire Systems Certification accreditation or any general FPAS enquiries please contact the Accreditation and Licensing Department on 03 8892 3131 or by email: fpas@fpaa.com.au.
Stephen Kip Appointed to the Board of ABCB FPA Australia is pleased by the recent appointment of Mr Stephen Kip to the Board of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). Stephen is a leading fire engineer, both in Australia and internationally. He has held senior engineering positions with private and public organisations including Warrington Fire Research and the Building Research Association of New Zealand as well as having been deputy to the Building Commissioner at the Building Control Commission in Victoria. He has been involved in reviewing, researching and drafting of building regulations and was closely involved in the development of the performance based Building Code of Australia 1996, in particular the fire performance requirements of the BCA and establishment of postgraduate training programs for regulatory authorities and fire engineers. Stephen holds a Masters Degree in Engineering and has additional postgraduate qualifications in Fire Safety Engineering and Building Project Management. He is a Fellow of Engineers
Australia, an Honorary Fellow of the academic staff of the University of Melbourne School of Architecture and Building, and an Associate of the academic staff of the Victoria University Centre for Environmental Safety & Risk Engineering. Given his depth of knowledge, experience and skill in fire safety engineering and building and construction regulation, codes and standards, Stephen’s appointment to the ABCB board is an outstanding addition and we are confident his appointment will be of great value to ABCB for years to come.
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New Logo For Corporate & Organisation Members Available Now FPA Australia is excited to announce a new suite of membership logos for use by Corporate and Organisation Members. The new logos have been specifically designed to more strongly highlight the relevant membership levels of Corporate and Organisation membership. The Association hopes that members will prominently display the new logos on their vehicles, stationery and website (in accordance with the logo terms and conditions).
By proudly displaying your member logo, you are letting your customers and the public know that your business is a valued member of Australia’s peak body for the fire protection industry – FPA Australia. All Corporate and Organisation Members can download their new, high resolution logos now via CONNECT. For enquiries please contact the Membership Services Department on 03 8892 3131.
HazMat 2015 Conference & Exhibition a Great Success The recently held HazMat 2015 Conference & Exhibition was a strong success.
Fire Protection Association Australia
Life Property Environment
Professional Membership Level Launched FPA Australia is extremely pleased to launch our Professional level of membership. Professional membership is for those individuals who are registered with a body representing professionals wanting to take an active role within the activities of FPA Australia. Practicing Professional members must hold a minimum of $2 million professional indemnity insurance and are bound by the FPA Australia Code of Professional Conduct, the Memorandum & Articles of Association/ Constitution and terms and conditions of membership. There is no insurance requirement for non-practicing Professional members. Professional membership is for Fire Safety Engineers, Building Surveyors, Engineers or the like. Applicants must submit copies of the applicable qualification, accreditation, certification, registration and any additional supporting evidence.
Personal Membership
Professional Professional membership is for those individuals who are registered with a body representing professionals wanting to take an active role within the activities of FPA Australia. Practicing Professional members must hold a minimum of $2 million professional indemnity insurance, will be bound by the FPA Australia Code of Professional Conduct, the Memorandum & Articles of Association/Constitution and terms and conditions of membership. There is no insurance requirement for non-practicing Professional members.
For more information, contact Membership Services on 1300 731 922 or visit www.fpaa.com.au
All Professional members receive:
Eligibility for Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) Eligible to participate on one TAC and receive corresponde nce about another. Website Register to validate your professional status (for practicing members only). Eligibility for Special Interest Group (SIGs) Eligible to participate on one SIG and receive correspondence about another. CONNECT: Online Resource Centre The mobile-friendly online member resource centre combines membership information an d benefits in one central location. Via CONNECT, members can update personal and membership information, manage communication preferences, register for events, access Technical documents, Fire Australia magazines plus much more. Discounted Entry to the full range of Association events. 10% Discount on FPA Australia Sales Centre Items Applicable to all items sold at www.fpaa.com.au (excluding logbooks). Magazine Fire Australia Magazine, t he leading quarterly magazine for the fire protection industry. Newsletter s and Electronic Updates The full suite of targeted communications from FPA Australia including regular newsletters (FireTalk, GasBag, CableTalk) the FireSignals newsletter and all important industry announcements, press releases and events. 2 x $50 Vouchers1 Vouchers can be redeemed
the sales centre, event entry &
for purchases of education, accreditation , Alan Wilson Insurance Broker policies.
Education Discounts $15 per unit of competency. Voting and Nomination Rights Voting and nomination rights at FPA Australia Board of Directors annual elections. Membe rs have the opportunity to significantly influence the leadership of FPA Australia by voting on the six elected board positions (two per year) and have the opportunity to nominate other members for consideratio n for these positions. Insurance Discounts from Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers. Qantas Club Discounts Option for si gnificant savings on Qantas Club membership by joining FPA Australia’s Qantas Club Corporate Scheme. Further information at ww w.qantas.co m.au (see Qantas Club – Membership Types) Professional Membership: $389.00 per annum 1 Vouchers - All vouchers can be redeemed events entry and Alan Wilson Insurance on items obtained from the FPA Australia sales centre, education, accreditation, Brokers (AWIB). Use of vouchers application and training is limited for sales centre items, FPAS business to 1 x $50 voucher per $500 spend. recognition 1 x $50 voucher redeemable per accreditation application or event new individual entry (excludes social events). Vouchers are limited to 1 x $50 voucher per redeemed towards AWIB insurance policy. Professional members are eligible to redeem vouchers on business policies insurance policies. Vouchers can only be redeemed by financial m and personal embers and are not redeemable Any voucher amounts remaining for cash or credit. after purchases are void and are not redeemable for cash or credit. Note: All amounts quoted are inclusive of GST.
All Professional membership applications are subject to approval by FPA Australia. (Please note: FPA Australia will not accept any form of membership as a form of recognition). Professional membership fees are $389.00 inc GST per year. To view a listing of benefits and to apply, click here.
Over the course of two days (Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 June) almost 200 attendees were treated to presentations from both local and international experts on the latest insights in the chemical management and hazardous materials industries. In addition, many delegates chose to attend the pre-conference workshop and attendees were also able to browse products in the exhibition hall featuring 14 quality product suppliers. 80 delegates also attended the dinner function at the stunning L’Aqua restaurant which was a highlight of the conference. Darren Flanagan, the guest speaker for the night, received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees. His story of the Beaconsfield mine rescue was inspiring and emotional and is sure to leave a lasting impression. HazMat 2015 has received excellent feedback with several delegates commenting that they enjoyed the conference and exhibition while several exhibitors noted that the event was beneficial for their business. The Association would like to thank our Major Sponsors: NSW EPA and Workcover NSW as well as everyone who attended HazMat 2015. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
FPA Australia Backs Senate Inquiry into Building Product Non-Conformance FPA Australia is pleased by the announcement that a Senate inquiry will be held into the safety and legality of imported building materials in Australia. The inquiry, co-sponsored by Senators John Madigan of Victoria and Jacqui Lambie of Tasmania and approved by the Senate has been set up amid rising safety concerns about non-conforming building products in the Australian building and construction industry. High profile incidents have included the apartment fire in Melbourne’s Docklands last year that quickly spread via the noncompliant, combustible exterior cladding as well as the recall of non-compliant “infinity” electrical cable, believed to be installed in around 40,000 homes. Senator Xenophon said a key aspect of the inquiry will be the inspection and regulation framework that was clearly failing. “This inquiry is a breakthrough in addressing what many in the building industry and their clients have known for some time: Australia has become a dumping ground for some of the world’s dodgiest and most dangerous building products.” FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said the inquiry was sorely needed.
“It is past time that we openly and transparently addressed this pressing and serious issue of building product non-compliance in this country,” he said. “We are a developed nation and are entitled to expect safety in buildings that we occupy. The confidence of the community that buildings are safe must be restored.” “As an Association we are committed to presenting solutions to this issue and that is why we are proposing a comprehensive risk-based framework for product compliance to the inquiry.” Many of these issues have been addressed in a recent episode of ABC 7.30 which can be viewed here.
Strong Turnout for Fire Protection Maintenance in South Australia Seminar On Wednesday and Thursday 24 & 25 June FPA Australia held a two day seminar on the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment in South Australia, with a focus on changes to Minister’s Specification SA76 and the technical requirements of AS 1851-2012. The seminar was very well attended with almost 90 participants over the two days. The event was sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers and Flamestop and the Association thanks our sponsors for their generous support. The event was also supported by the South Australian Government and we were very pleased to work with the
Government to properly educate the fire protection industry and key stakeholders on AS 1851-2012, given that it is now the required fire protection maintenance standard for new buildings and can also be used for existing buildings. The sessions were detailed and practical and excellent feedback was received about the quality and accuracy of information provided. For anyone who is interested in the seminar content but was unable to attend, all presentations and other supporting documents can be purchased as a digital download. For more information please contact events@fpaa.com.au.
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. (Registration brochure coming soon, visit www.fireprotection.org.nz for more info). If you would like to exhibit you can download the exhibitors prospectus here or if you are interested in presenting at the conference click here. For all Fire NZ 2015 Conference & Exhibition enquiries please email fpanz@fireprotection.org.nz.
Special Offer on EAHL Training
EAHL Licence 2 & 3 Member Special Offer Save up to 50%
FPA Australia specializes in the provision of training and assessment required to enable technicians to apply for a “Qualified Person” Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL) for Licences 1 through to 5. 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. 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, therefor we are aiming to assist our members wherever possible through the provision of discounted training and assessment. The Association is currently offering a 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.
FPA Australia Assessment Workshops 11-14 August – NSW 25-28 August – WA 1-4 September – SA 7-11 September – VIC 15-18 September – NSW 29 September – 2 October – QLD 6-9 October – WA 26-30 October – VIC
How to Register: Register and pay for FPA Australia events online via the CONNECT member portal.
For more information about FPA Australia Training please visit www.fpaa.com.au/training
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New Members
FPA Australia would like to welcome our latest members.
Individual
VIC
NSW
Daniel Barwick Gerard Nicholas Nicholas Louridas
SA
Richard Kliesch
VIC
Balbir Rana Jim Kikkos Michael Girgis
Excel Fire Protection Pty Ltd Firewatch Westernport
WA
Bradley Callanan T/as Abney Hill Retreat Bushfire Ready Critical Fire Protection & Training Pty Ltd Kyte Holdings Pty Ltd Mechanical Fire Solutions Pty Ltd
Corporate Silver (Fewer than 15 staff)
WA
NSW
David Willock Jeff Langridge
Professional VIC
Jonathan Barnett
Corporate Bronze (1-4 staff) NSW
ASAP Fire Protection Pty Ltd Be-Sure Workplace Safety Pty Ltd Cotterill Industries Pty Ltd Fire Protection Solutions Pty Ltd Fireworld Australia Pty Ltd Guard Extinguisher Pty Ltd Pacific Fire and Electrical Pty Ltd SecuriMax Pty Ltd Smoke Fire and Safety WBS Project H Pty Ltd Zokal Safety Australia Pty Ltd
ESDR Electronics Pty Ltd Pipe & Engineering Supply Pty Ltd Talv Pty Ltd
NT
Alert Fire Systems Pty Ltd Fire Maintenance Services (NT) Pty Ltd
Corporate Silver NSW
Catalyst Fire & Electrical Services Pty Ltd
NT
Design Integrity Solutions
VIC
Essential Safety Solutions Aust Pty Ltd Select Essential
Corporate Gold NSW
Complete Plumbing and Fire Pty Ltd Star Fire Systems
QLD
Northern Fire Systems Pty Ltd Olympic Fire Services
VIC DTZ
QLD
Alpha Fire Protection Pty Ltd Jax Fire Pty Ltd QLD Fire Pumps Pty Ltd
VIC
Spray Nozzle Engineering Pty Ltd Recognised Business
WA
AMEK Engineering Pty Ltd Incite Security Pty Ltd
Corporate Gold (More than 15 staff) TAS
Degree C Pty Ltd
QLD
A & K Fire Pty Ltd Fire Break Solutions Pty Ltd Holyoake Industries (QLD) P/L Icon Safety Incendia Fire Services Pty Ltd Keogh Industries NQ Pty Ltd Opti-Mist Australia Pty Ltd Specialised Testing Services
Upgraded Members
WA
New FPAS Recognised Businesses Complete Plumbing and Fire (NSW) Dynamick Fire Installations P/L (NSW & ACT) Grosvenor Fire P/L (NSW)
Caramia Pty Ltd
Mediforce Group (WA)
Organisation Silver
Safe Response Pty Ltd (NSW)
NSW
Sydney Trains
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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