FireTalkIn This Issue

FPAS Applications Now Open

FPAS Consultation Seminars

NSW Fire Sprinkler Provider List

FPAS FAQ

Upgrade to the New CPP Qualifications

Assessment Workshops in your State

New Member of the Board

Training Sale Extended

Formulation of Northern Territory Divisional Committee

Queensland Government Responds to BSA Review

Bushfire Planning & Design Forum

Is Your Company Listed on the FPA Australia Website?

Important Changes to Provider Categories for fpaa.com.au

Upcoming Events Wrap

New & Upgraded Members

Winter 2013 Edition

Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia

Corporate Platinum Members

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Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) Applications Now OpenAfter more than 18 months of development and consultation with industry and the community, applications are now being accepted for individual accreditation and business recognition under the fire protection accreditation Scheme (FPAS).

All individual fire protection technicians conducting inspect & test work, as well as businesses employing or contracting these individuals, are now encouraged to apply for recognition under the scheme.

To learn more and apply, simply visit www.fpaa.com.au/fpas . On this page you will find everything you require to get started with FPAS including application forms for all levels of accreditation and recognition, fact sheets, our implementation guide, detailed Frequently Asked Questions section and even a streaming video webcast of the recent FPAS Seminar.

FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said the launch of the scheme was a significant milestone for the fire protection industry in Australia.

“FPAS is a strong example of the growing professionalism of this industry as it matures into a respected and vitally important component of the Australian building and construction sector,” he said.

“I would like to thank everyone who has participated in the consultation process for this scheme over recent months and I would now like to personally encourage all FPA Australia members to consider what the FPAS scheme can do for them and their business.”

“FPAS provides the first nationally harmonised framework for recognising skills and setting competency benchmarks across the fire protection industry and I look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure the scheme is a valuable part of the industry now and into the future.”

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FPAS Consultation Seminars Complete – Watch the Seminar Webcast Online NowThe national series of consultation seminars on the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) is now complete. The seminars, which were chaired by FPA Australia CEO Mr Scott Williams and FPA Australia Member of the Board Mr Bill Lea, visited all states and territories in May and June.

Around 400 people attended the seminars, and these attendees provided a significant amount of valuable feedback which is now being fed back into the development and rollout of the Scheme.

More details on the FPAS scheme are now available on the FPA Australia website by visiting www.fpaa.com.au/fpas .

Available information includes application forms, both articles previously published in Fire Australia magazine relating to the scheme, a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions guide featuring answers to many questions posed by seminar attendees and much more.

In addition, for those individuals unable to attend one of the FPAS Consultation Seminars, FPA Australia has now made the full seminar available online as a video webcast. To view the webcast simply visit. www.fpaa.com.au/fpas and select the ‘Watch FPAS Seminar Webcast’ link.

Applications are now open for individual accreditation and business recognition. For more information please call 1300 731 922 or email fpas@fpaa.com.au

NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure – Fire Sprinkler Provider ListThe requirement for automatic fire sprinklers to be installed in all residential aged care facilities in NSW that took effect on 1 January this year has created a significant increase in demand for fire sprinkler products and services.

With this in mind, The NSW Department of Planning & Infrastructure has supported FPA Australia in compiling a dedicated list, which is currently displayed on our website, of those member companies engaged in designing, installing and certifying fire sprinkler systems in NSW that hold the appropriate NSW Office of Fair Trading Contractor’s Licence.

This list complements the existing sprinkler provider of choice category on the FPA Australia website but further refines this information into the categories of design, install and certify. This listing also accommodates providers that undertake more than one of these functions.

FPA Australia is advising all member companies engaged in this work in NSW and who are not currently on the list to please complete and return the application form available from http://bit.ly/11inX9v

Successfully completing and returning this form will ensure member companies that have met the necessary requirements will have their details published on this new list, which will be made available to NSW nursing home owners and operators seeking these services.

Completed and signed forms should be returned to member@fpaa.com.au as soon as possible. The list has now been published, but will be frequently updated. For more information on the NSW Fire Sprinkler Provider List please contact FPA Australia Membership Services on 1300 731 922.

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FPAS FAQ

The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme delivers significant benefits both for industry and the community.

FPA Australia will actively highlight recognised businesses on the FPA Australia website.

1 What is the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS)?

The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) is a voluntary national accreditation system designed to recognise and promote individuals with the minimum skills, knowledge and competencies required of professional fire protection technicians, as well as the businesses that support these individuals. The Scheme is a vital component of ongoing efforts by the broader fire protection industry and the Association to increase the level of competence in our industry workforce; leading to improved fire safety outcomes for the community.

2 Why does the fire protection industry need accreditation?

The fire protection industry has been criticised by various sectors of the community in response to some high-profile fire incidents over recent years. Criticism has particularly related to a lack of regulation, variations in levels of competency and standards of service delivery among fire protection industry workers, supervision, training and the need for skills based accreditation such as FPAS in the fire protection workforce.

The current fragmented patchwork of regulation in Australia means it is often difficult and complex for end users to determine if a fire protection contractor operating on their site has the appropriate skills and is competent. In addition, fire protection technicians moving from state to state have, in the past, struggled to map their skills across to the different requirements under each jurisdiction.

The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme delivers significant benefits both for industry and the community. For end users, it provides confidence, thanks to the ability to validate individual fire protection technicians via their accreditation cards. For accredited individuals and recognised businesses, it provides a powerful marketing tool that is managed and governed by the peak national body for the industry – FPA Australia.

3 What can accreditation do for me as a fire protection technician?

Individual accreditation under FPAS demonstrates to customers, employers, regulators and peers that you hold the minimum skills, knowledge and competencies required of a professional fire protection technician in Australia. Formal recognition of your skills, knowledge and competencies is an important gateway to a nationally recognised career pathway in the fire protection industry.

4 What can FPAS do for my business?

A business entity that has achieved business recognition under the Scheme demonstrates to regulators, other practitioners and customers that it supports industry best practice by engaging accredited fire protection technicians. In addition FPA Australia will actively highlight recognised businesses on the FPA Australia website www.fpaa.com.au creating a competitive advantage for recognised over non-recognised businesses. FPA Australia will also provide marketing materials to help promote recognised business status, including logos and other branded material.

5 How do I get my business recognised?

Business recognition is open to all businesses that engage appropriately accredited fire protection technicians to provide services in each category for which the business provides a service. At the commencement of the scheme for a business to be recognised you must engage one or more accredited technicians, however you must also commit to migrate the majority of your workforce toward individual accreditation. The current plan is that you will migrate 25 precent of your workforce each year so that after four years your entire workforce will be accredited. This timeframe takes into consideration affordability and access to training. As the Scheme provides for both Qualified and Experienced (transitional) accreditation, sufficient numbers of fire protection technicians will be accredited under the scheme to support the requirement for businesses to engage accredited fire protection technicians.

With the Fire protection Accreditation Scheme now accepting applications, FPA Australia has compiled a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide to provide clarity on details of the accreditation scheme for interested individuals and businesses.

Included in this edition of Fire Talk is a selection of popular questions and answers from the FAQ.

To view the full guide, simply visit www.fpaa.com.au/fpas and select the Frequently Asked Questions link.

Upgrade to the New CPP Qualifications

Enrol Now and Arrange to be Assessed in a Workshop in Your State

New Member of the Board

FPA Australia is now offering mapping services for individuals who have completed either some units or a full qualification in the PRM qualifications (PRM20406 Certificate II in Asset Maintenance (Fire Protection Equipment) and PRM30406 Certificate III in Asset Maintenance (Fire Protection Equipment) and wish to upgrade to the new CPP qualifications (CPP20511 Certificate II in Fire Protection Inspection & Testing or CPP30811 Certificate III in Fire Protection Inspection & Testing).

Mapping provides you with a report of how the training you have previously undertaken in PRM units counts towards the new CPP qualification.

The following assessment workshops have been scheduled for any individuals requiring practical and/or theory assessment. Refresher training is also available at these workshops for those who require it. Students do not need to attend the entire week to be assessed and can simply attend the time required to be assessed in their enrolled units.

Contact training@fpaa.com.au or call 1300 731 922 to confirm placement in an assessment workshop or to enquire as to alternative methods of assessment. Optional places outside business hours may also be available so please enquire today to find out more.

FPA Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Co-Opted Director of the Board, Mr Hank Van Ravenstein.

Hank is the Principal Manager on Fire Risk Management for the Victorian Department of Human Services (DHS). He manages, at a high level, the Department’s fire risk management policy, strategy and principles and regulatory compliance.

He leads the development of a state- wide fire safety culture in DHS and Department of Health through a service agreement and is responsible for coordinating the delivery of all fire risk and regulatory related services required to maintain the department’s properties. Hank represents the department on several executive and other high-level discussions including on several Australian Standard Committees and other government and agency committees.

The Directors of the Board of FPA Australia extended an invitation for Hank to join the Board and Association President Mr Trevor Voevodin said he was proud Hank had chosen to accept this invitation.

“We welcome Hank to the Board and we know his proven experience and leadership will be highly valuable to the Association,” he said.

“In addition, having a Board Member who is also an active end user of FPA Australia member services, via the significant property assets held by DHS, will allow us to gain great insight and important feedback.”

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August 6 - 9 Victoria

August 13 - 16 Tasmania

August 20 - 23 South Australia

August 27 - 30 Western Australia

September 3 - 6 Queensland

September 10 - 13 New South Wales

September 17 - 20 Victoria

September 24 - 27 Tasmania

It identifies which units that you have previously completed are recognised towards a new qualification and indicates other units that might need to be assessed through either traditional enrolment and assessment methods or recognition of prior learning.

Mapping will require a small administration fee, which can be partially redeemed off the price of any new units subsequently enrolled in. To express your interest in having your previous training mapped, please email training@fpaa.com.au with the term ‘Mapping request’ in the subject line. For more information, please contact one of our training team members on 1300 731 922.

Formulation of Northern Territory Divisional Committee

(Left to Right) Stuart Just – National Executive Officer, Dean Griffiths – Deputy Chairperson, Phil Joyce – Committee Member, Neil Zouaoui – Chairperson, Mark Staley – Treasurer /Secretary)

Training Sale Extended to End of August 2013 for FPAS EnrolmentsThe FPA Australia Training Sale has been extended to the end of August 2013 for those individuals seeking to undertake training in readiness for the introduction of the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS). To take advantage of the extra 10% discount (above the existing membership discounts), simply complete your preferred enrolment form (available from www.fpaa.com.au/training ) and at the bottom of page 1 please tick the FPAS box next to the question “Please indicate if you are undertaking training for the following purpose”.

On May 2, 2013 a special meeting of Northern Territory FPA Australia members was convened to establish the inaugural Northern Territory Divisional Committee.

The afternoon began with a presentation from FPA Australia National Executive Officer Stuart Just outlining the Association’s vision, mission, values and departmental activities at National Office. The presentation also provided a good opportunity to outline the activities, roles and responsibilities of an effective Divisional Committee.

Following the presentation the election of the NT Divisional Committee took place and the Association is now pleased to formally announce the Committee Members & Office Bearers of the NT Divisional Committee:

Neil Zouaoui Design Integrity Solutions Chairperson

Dean Griffiths Chubb Fire & Security Deputy Chairperson

Mark Staley Wormald-Tyco Treasurer / Secretary

Phil Joyce Power & Water Committee Member

John Oliver NT Fire & Rescue Service Committee Member

Drago Kojic Southern Starr Fire Protection Committee Member

Rick French Control Fire Services Committee Member

Marc Hunt Custom AV Committee Member

This Northern Territory Committee brings enthusiasm and drive to affect real change to the fire protection industry in the NT and we look forward to the growth and development of the Committee and its activities.

The Queensland Government has recently tabled its response to the recommendations from the Inquiry into the Operation & Performance of the Queensland Building Services Authority.

The response makes clear the Government’s intentions to deliver wholesale reform to all elements of the QBSA and this will include a restructuring and renaming of the body to the Queensland Building & Construction Commission.

Importantly, the response has confirmed the government will undertake an independent review of all existing licences under the QBSA framework, including all those related to fire protection activities, to test for fitness for purpose, eligibility requirements, costs and benefits.

You can download the full response to the QBSA review at the Queensland Parliament website here http://bit.ly/16qUOuX

Queensland Government Responds to BSA Review

The response makes clear the Government’s intentions to deliver wholesale reform to all elements of the QBSA.

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Is Your Company Listed on the FPA Australia Website?

Bushfire Planning and Design ForumOn Tuesday April 30 an important forum was held in the training facilities at the new FPA Australia National Office in Blackburn North. The Forum, which was a joint initiative between the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and FPA Australia, was open to all Victorian based bushfire consultants and featured speakers from both organisations.

The event provided a great opportunity for Victorian based bushfire consultants to come together and gain an understanding of the expectations of the legislative

reforms that followed the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. The forum marks the continuation of improved dialogue between industry and government on delivering on these objectives.

During the forum CFA CEO Mick Bourke formally acknowledged the importance of accreditation of bushfire consultants in Victoria via the FPA Australia BPAD scheme and the benefits this would deliver for the industry and the community.

Important Changes to Inspect & Test / Maintain Provider Categories for fpaa.com.auFPA Australia has made an important change to the category of Maintenance and Test / Inspect on the Providers of Choice section of the website.

This change allows end users to easily separate those businesses that conduct inspect & test activities from those that deliver maintenance services. As such, the old category has now been divided into:

Inspect & Test: All routine service activities for fire protection systems and equipment conducted in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1851, other Australian Standards (such as 2293.2) or under an alternative solution.

Maintenance: The rectification of failures and defective components identified by inspect & test activities. Maintenance also covers repairs when fire protection systems and equipment break down.

The changes took effect on Monday July 1. From this time onwards all FPA Australia Corporate member companies formerly listed under the Maintenance and Test/Inspect category now appear in both of the separated categories listed above.

If your company undertakes work in only one of the above categories, please notify the membership services team as soon as possible by emailing member@fpaa.com.au or by phone on 1300 731 922.

services team will be able to easily advise you of this and provide you with a new declaration form if required.

2. Updated Provider of Choice category form not returned. Like the code of practice declaration form, all corporate members wishing to be listed in the Provider of Choice section are required to have returned the updated category information form. This form was originally sent to all corporate member companies in October 2012. New Provider of Choice category forms can be provided by the membership services department or downloaded here http://bit.ly/18OkT7C

3. Unpaid Renewal Fees. As soon as your membership fees are overdue, your company will automatically be removed from the website. Accordingly, as soon as your membership fees are paid your company will automatically be re-listed on the website, provided the above conditions have been met.

In addition, FPA Australia is also reminding all Corporate member companies about the ability to register multiple company addresses and have these listed on the website, allowing

companies to be shown in customer searches more frequently and precisely.

To ensure your company is listed on the FPA Australia website, or to add your branch location details, contact one of our membership services team today by email to member@fpaa.com.au or by calling 1300 731 922.

FPA Australia is currently advising all Corporate members to check to ensure their business is displayed on the www.fpaa.com.au/providers section of the website.

If your business is not appearing under a relevant search, it most likely for one of three reasons.

1. Signed Code of Practice declaration is outstanding. If your company has not yet returned a signed Code of Practice Declaration your business cannot be listed on the website. If you are unsure if you have returned a signed Code of Practice Declaration one of our membership

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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

AS 1851 - 2012 Seminar SeriesA full suite of seminars is currently underway for the roll out of AS 1851-2012. These seminars address different sections of the Standard along with some related topics and likely affect every individual working in the fire protection industry in some way. Please note some topics and timings are subject to change.

July First Attack Fire Equipment*

Upcoming Wet Systems Part 2

Special Hazards Systems & Water Based Suppression

Mechanical Services * Registration now available.

For more information on this important Seminar Series please visit www.fpaa.com.au/events or contact events@fpaa.com.au

WA, SA & QLD Fire Expos 2013Western Australia Friday 19 July 10:00am - 4:00pm South Perth Community CentreCnr Sandgate Street and South Terrace, South Perth

South Australia Tuesday 30 July 8:00am - 4:00pm Thebarton Community Centre60-78 South Road, Torrensville

Queensland Tuesday 27 August 8:00am - 4:00pm Construction Training Centre460-492 Beaudesert Road, Salisbury

The WA State Divisional Committee is once again hosting this one day event. In addition the South Australia and Queensland State Divisional Committees will host their first Fire Expos following the same format.

Each Expo will feature a range of exhibitors to visit and meet with. In addition FPA Australia will host an AS 1851-2012 seminar at all the Fire Expos. WA will include the First Attack seminar, while SA & WA will feature free update seminars on the Standard.

There are three ways you can get involved with the Fire Expos. Attendance is free, however registration is required. Businesses can purchase an exhibition space or organisations can sponsor the event which will provide widespread promotion in addition to having and exhibition booth on-site.

Fire Australia 2013 – The Journey to ProfessionalismWednesday 20 & Thursday 21 November Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, NSW

This year will see the introduction of a second presentation stream. The first will continue the high level broad scope topics addressing strategic issues and the direction of the industry. The new stream will focus on technical based content, providing relevant information to those in the field.

The exhibition will once again be a main feature of the event. It will incorporate the Showcase Theatre where exhibitors and sponsors will present the many new products and services available to the industry.

With speakers from across Australia and overseas, the organisers aim to ensure all presentations are topical and current, affording attendees across all roles in the fire protection industry additional knowledge and information.

For more information and to register as a sponsor, exhibitor or delegate visit the conference website – www.fireaustralia.com.au

Events

THE JOURNEY TO PROFESSIONALISM

SYDNEY CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE WEDNESDAY 20 & THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2013 WWW.FIREAUSTRALIA.COM.AU

ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS ACROSS THE FIRE PROTECTION INDUSTRY

FPA Australia Contact Details PO Box 1049 Box Hill VIC 3128 T: (03) 8892 3131 E: member@fpaa.com.au W: www.fpaa.com.au

FireTalk is brought to you by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers® Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers provide FPA Australia Members with your own insurance facility designed specifically for your industry with affordable premiums and wider benefits. Approved by FPA Australia and ACCC. For more information please phone 1300 888 111 or email fpains@awib.com.au

New MembersFPA Australia would like to welcome our latest members

Associate NSW

Mr Nick Porter

VICMr Denis Radunkovic

QLDMr Jeffrey Haynes Mr Allan Easton

Individual NSW

Mr Ziva Savin Ms Lyndall Milenkovic Mr Mark Cavanough Mr Ron Scott Mr Greg Wakeham

QLDMr Mark Azzopardi

VICMr Jeff Marriott Mr Chad Henry

WAMr Ralph Smith

Corporate Bronze NSW

Auspro Group Corp Pty Ltd Door Services Australia Pty Ltd ASM Locksmiths & Alarms Pty Ltd Intensefire Services Pty Ltd Prosys Safety Services Schiller Integrated Fire Complete Fire Certification RPS Australia East Pty Ltd Built By Meric Pty Ltd

Corporate Silver NSW

Firex Distribution (Australia) Pty Ltd

TAS Fire and Safety Tasmania Pty Ltd

VIC Globe Fire Sprinkler Australia Pty Ltd Tagoff Essential Services

Corporate Gold WA

Shawsett Training and Safety

NSW George Fischer Pty Ltd

Organisation Silver VIC

A Gas Australia

Upgraded Members

Corporate Silver VIC

Sterling Maintenance Services Pty Ltd Pyropanel Developments Pty Ltd Network Fire Systems Pty Ltd Firesafe Sprinkler Systems Pty Ltd

NSWEagle Fire Protection Pty Ltd Defire (ACT) Pty Ltd Alliance Alarms Fire Systems Pty Ltd Central Tablelands Fire Services Pty Ltd

QLDFire Check Consultants Pty Ltd

WAFreo Fire Services

ACTIgnis Solutions Pty Ltd

VICSpecialized Essential Services Group Yarra Valley Building Inspections

QLDFCF Fire & Electrical Fire Hydrant Testing Australia Chilli Fire Services

WATotal Alarms & Security Products Westoz Fire Protection West Coast Fire Services Alcan Fire & Safety Resources Security & Technology Services (Norwest) Pty Ltd Banhams WA Pty Ltd Burke Fire