FireTalkIn This Issue

FPA Australia Welcomes Queensland’s Adoption of AS 1851-2012

The Importance of Recording Fire Protection Maintenance

FPA Australia’s New AS 1851-2012 Logbooks

Membership Benefits in Profile - Vouchers

Outgoing NFPA President Jim Shannon Presented With a Special Gift From FPA Australia

NSW Advisory Note - Automatic Fire Sprinklers

FPA Australia Congratulates The Bushfire CRC & CEO Gary Morgan

Major NSW Government Fire Protection Tender Released With FPAS Requirement

Two Important New Technical Documents Released

AS 3745 Amendment Seminars Wrap Up - FPA Australia Thanks All Attendees, Speakers and Sponsors

Events

Winter 2014 Edition

Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia

Corporate Platinum Members

FireTalk is proudly sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers®

1300 888 111

FPA Australia Welcomes Queensland’s Adoption of AS 1851-2012FPA Australia has warmly welcomed the announcement by Building Codes Queensland (BCQ) that AS 1851-2012 will be the State’s required maintenance standard for fire protection work.*

Amendments to the Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part 6.1 (MP 6.1) - Commissioning and maintenance of fire safety installations have now taken effect, formalising the adoption of the 2012 edition of Australian Standard AS 1851 - Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment.

A six month transition period now applies during which MP 6.1 will reference both the 2005 and 2012 editions of AS 1851. The transition period will apply until 31 December 2014. From 1 January 2015, only the 2012 edition of AS 1851 will be able to be used to meet the requirements of MP 6.1*.

Importantly, the adoption of AS 1851-2012 will deliver a reduction in red tape and provide savings for building owners, while still protecting the safety of building occupants.

FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said the announcement would lead to significant benefits for the industry and the Queensland public.

“Queensland’s decision to adopt AS 1851-2012 is a critical step towards the goal of ensuring one common maintenance standard is used across Australia.”

FPA Australia’s all new AS 1851-2012 logbooks are ready to be used under the new Queensland regulations, with special provisions included in each book for the specific requirements of the new MP 6.1 and the Building Fire Safety Regulations.

In addition, the Association will soon be delivering educational seminars on the use of AS 1851-2012 in Queensland, highlighting important changes introduced by the new edition of the standard. This knowledge will be of significant importance to fire protection technicians working to AS 1851-2012 as well as building owners and facility managers. The seminars will be run in September in Brisbane and Townsville.

To find out more about FPA Australia’s suite of AS 1851-2012 logbooks check out the article on page 3 of this edition of FireTalk or click here. For more information regarding upcoming seminars please call 03 8892 3131.

(*Alternative solutions or manufacturer’s requirements are permitted to vary AS 1851-2012 according to these specific requirements).

The Importance of Recording Fire Protection MaintenanceFire protection systems and equipment are nominated safety equipment, fittings, systems or management measures provided in, or for, a building that are required in the event of fire or other emergency to protect against loss of life or property. Examples of fire protection systems and equipment include automatic fire sprinklers, smoke control systems and fire indicator panels and passive protection measures.

Each state and territory’s legislative and regulatory framework requires or expects that servicing of these systems and equipment be recorded in accordance with standards and/or methods called up by the legislation.

All of these building and planning regulations require that maintenance of these systems and equipment be undertaken, but also require evidence of this work, such as records of maintenance.

Beyond the legislative requirements, however, there is also a common law duty of care held by building owners (and by extension, building and facility managers and occupiers) for the safety of occupants. Additionally, service providers will have a contractual obligation to their client and should therefore maintain their own copies of records.

Completing and retaining detailed records of service form an essential part of complying with an owner/ occupier’s and service provider’s legal obligations.

Unfortunately, all too often it is not until something goes wrong or enforcement action is pursued that focus shifts to the need for evidence. In these circumstances the responsible entity, generally the building owner or occupier, will need to produce records demonstrating that a building or facility has undergone routine service in accordance with regulation and standards and that performance was verified to be in accordance with specific design requirements.

In addition, the service provider may also have to produce their own evidence to demonstrate compliance with their contractual obligations.

Failure to produce records will make it more difficult to defend the actions taken by a building owner, building occupier, their agent or the service provider in any legal proceedings.

Complying fully with the appropriate service requirements of AS 1851 and AS 2293.2 where applicable, including keeping appropriate records, is one way of demonstrating that you have met your legal obligations should a fire emergency situation arise or enforcement action be pursued.

Section 1.16.2 of AS 1851-2012 requires that service records, including the pass/fail criteria, shall be captured at the time of the routine service. These records may be captured via:

• A hard copy logbook

• An electronic log

• Tags and labels with hard copy summary records.

Importantly, the standard requires that, no matter the method of recording, a hard copy of the service record (or a printed and signed copy of the electronic log) must be left on-site at the completion of any testing. Where tags or labels are used, a printed and signed paper-based copy of the summary record must be provided

within one week of the date of service.

Note that, in general, logbooks will be used in situations where service technicians are testing and inspecting an integrated fire protection system such as an automatic sprinkler system or smoke detection system. Summary records, on the other hand, generally apply to fire protection equipment such as portable fire extinguishers or fire blankets.

The standard goes on to specifically address the requirements of logbooks and summary records, including noting that logbooks must contain the name and address of the building or site, the date and frequency of the service performed, the location and identification of installed systems and equipment, each activity performed, details of non-compliance, the name of the responsible entity (owner, manager or occupier), the name and signature of the service person with the date of service and the name of the service provider or company.

FireTalk is proudly sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers® 1300 888 111

FPA Australia’s New AS 1851-2012 LogbooksFor those members in jurisdictions and situations where the new standard can be used, FPA Australia has released a new set of AS 1851-2012 logbooks and summary records. In addition, for the first time, logbooks that respond to AS 2293.2 for emergency evacuation lighting have also been produced. FPA Australia will also continue to provide logbooks that comply with AS 1851-2005.

Meticulous planning and analysis was undertaken to ensure that these new documents accurately reflect the specific requirements of the standards and strive for best practice in reporting results to end users.

Like many technical documents, AS 1851-2012 and AS2293.2 are not always clear about the requirements of what does and does not need to be recorded. However, FPA Australia’s logbooks and summary records are explicitly clear about exactly what data must be documented during routine service. The professional design of the new documents will assist technicians to complete the service records accurately and will allow end users to fully understand the results, including any remedial actions required to ensure compliance.

FPA Australia has invested significantly into the creation of the logbooks to promote better fire protection and safety outcomes for the community, and give peace of mind to technicians and building owners that appropriate inspection and testing is being undertaken in full and that the records of these activities are fully compliant with the relevant standards.

It is the view of the Association that its logbooks provide a ‘best practice’ level of confidence to service providers using them and end users such as building owners and occupiers.

Membership Benefits in Profile - Vouchers All members of FPA Australia currently receive multiple $50 vouchers redeemable from many departments within the Association and through Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers (AWIB).

These vouchers enable members to receive significant savings on purchases on products such as AS1851-2012 logbooks, education, FPAS accreditation and more. Vouchers are sent in new membership packs or with renewal invitations each year and once the membership is renewed, the vouchers become active and are valid for one year. Each voucher contains a unique identification number that corresponds with each member’s details, meaning you don’t even need to have your vouchers with you in order to redeem them. Simply call membership services to find out if you have outstanding vouchers and to use them on your next purchase.

What can I use my vouchers on?

• Training & Education and Sales Centre - One voucher per $500.00 spend from sales centre orders (including logbooks) and training & educational purchases

• Events One voucher per event entry

• Accreditation One voucher per individual accreditation application

• AlanWilsonInsuranceBrokers (AWIB) One voucher per policy

How many vouchers do I have?

The level of membership determines the number of vouchers received each year. All vouchers are sent with the membership renewal invitation and only become active once the membership has been renewed. Corporate Gold members receive 10 vouchers per year, Corporate Silver members receive eight while Corporate Bronze members receive four. You can find out more about voucher entitlements and membership level in the new Association Profile here.

What if I have lost my vouchers?

No need to worry, the Association has a record of all vouchers and can provide you with a copy of all unused vouchers on request. To have copies of your unused vouchers emailed to you please contact the membership services department on 03 8892 3131.

How do I redeem my vouchers?

A voucher must be presented, or the voucher number quoted, at the time of purchase.

If you do not have your voucher, please request the voucher number from membership services. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash or credit.

For full details including the terms & conditions of vouchers, please click here to view the Association Profile or contact membership services department on 03 8892 3131.

pg 4

Outgoing NFPA President Jim Shannon Presented With a Special Gift From FPA AustraliaThis year Mr James M. Shannon resigned as NFPA President after serving in the role since 2002. Mr Shannon is a long serving employee of NFPA having spent 23 years with the Association.

During a recent trip to the U.S for the annual NFPA Conference, FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams presented Mr Shannon with an authentic historic boomerang from the Northern Flinders Ranges area of South Australia.

The traditional hunting boomerang, which is made of hardwood (mulga) and is around 70cm long, was likely made sometime in the 1960s. Mr Williams said he was proud to be able to present the gift to Mr Shannon in person.

“Jim Shannon has been a strong supporter of FPA Australia, an outstanding leader and a highly effective advocate for fire protection globally during his more than two decades at NFPA,” he said.

“It was an honour to present him with something uniquely Australian as a symbol of congratulations on behalf of our Association.”

FPA Australia again congratulates Mr Shannon for his outstanding and dedicated service to his Association and the global fire protection and electrical industries.

NSW Advisory Note Automatic Fire Sprinklers The NSW Department of Planning & Environment has issued an advisory note about the design and installation of fire sprinkler systems in aged care facilities.

This advisory note deals with a number of important issues including:

• Workplace safety during installation - obligations of the aged care provider, designer, installer and others

• Advice about the hiring of sprinkler system designers and installers

• The required approvals for sprinkler system installations

• Testing of the completed sprinkler system installation

FPA Australia strongly supports the efforts of the NSW Government, not only in implementing these important reforms that require all nursing homes to be fitted with automatic fire sprinklers, but also working to ensure that only competent individuals are contracted to commission, design and install these lifesaving systems.

To view the Department’s Advisory Note, click here. To view FPA Australia’s NSW Fire Sprinkler Provider List, click here.

Scott Williams and Jim Shannon

After 11 years of active research the Bushfire CRC officially ended its research program on 30 June.

Its ending coincided with the retirement of CEO Gary Morgan after more than 40 years working in fire, forestry and research, including the last seven at the helm of the Bushfire CRC.

The 11 years of the Bushfire CRC have been marked by the sustained effort and support of many people in the fire and research sector. This includes the project leaders, researchers, PhD students, lead end users, Principal Scientific Advisors and countless others within both the research partner organisations and Australia and New Zealand’s fire, land management and emergency services.

The Bushfire CRC was a major step towards a better understanding of the complex social, economic and environmental aspects of bushfires. There was a vision for the future: safer firefighters and communities, through scientific research informing sound policies and procedures. Much of this has been achieved in the move to a new era under the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC.

FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams said the Bushfire CRC and Mr Morgan had played a critically important role in enhancing bushfire research and safety in Australia.

“Gary has been an outstanding leader and ambassador for bushfire research both in Australia and globally and the strong partnership between the Bushfire CRC and FPA Australia has been highly valued,” he said.

“FPA Australia congratulates Gary on his service to his industry and congratulates everyone associated with the Bushfire CRC for the significant research that has been undertaken to better understand bushfire in Australia and abroad.”

Over the last year, the Bushfire CRC and the new Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC have worked in tandem, sharing resources where possible. A formal administrative wind down will continue over the coming months until an Annual General Meeting is held later this year. However, for all practical purposes to its members and the public, the Bushfire CRC has now ceased operation.

Dr Richard Thornton was announced in 2013 as the CEO of the newly created Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC and brings significant experience having served as Deputy CEO and Research Director of the Bushfire CRC since 2004.

Should you have any queries related to the wind up of the Bushfire CRC or any ongoing research please contact the Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC on (03) 9412 9600 or office@bnhcrc.com.au

FPA Australia Congratulates The Bushfire CRC & CEO Gary Morgan

FireTalk is proudly sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers® 1300 888 111

Major NSW Government Fire Protection Tender Released With FPAS RequirementThe NSW Government, via the Department of Finance & Services, has recently released a significant tender document for a range of fire protection work.

The tender, which applies to state-wide services for fire safety systems and associated equipment including maintenance and professional & training services, is one of the largest fire protection contracts in Australia.

Importantly, this tender specifically requires interested businesses conducting inspect and test / maintenance work to employ individuals with Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) accreditation. This is the first time (that the Association is aware of) that a state government has specifically cited FPAS as a requirement in its tender process.

Section 1.8.1 of the Statement of Requirements and Schedules for the tender reads as follows:

1.8.1 Qualified Personnel

The supplier must ensure that all personnel are competent as defined by AS 1851-2012.

“A person who has acquired through training, qualification, experience, or a

combination of these, the knowledge and skill enabling them to correctly perform

the required task.”

Competence based solely on experience is deemed insufficient to meet this

requirement.

Evidence of completion or enrolment in Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPA)

Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) training and accreditation scheme is

deemed to satisfy this requirement.

The cost of training shall be borne by the supplier.

The inclusion of FPAS as a requirement in this significant tender marks a major milestone for the advancement of the Scheme, which has seen steady progress since its launch in July 2013.

The NSW Government should be congratulated for taking such a strong leadership position in ensuring only trained and competent individuals maintain lifesaving fire protection systems and equipment on government properties. FPA Australia is also aware of other state & territory governments that are working towards making FPAS a requirement.

We also congratulate those businesses who currently employ FPAS accredited technicians and who are now exclusively able to undertake fire protection inspection and testing services in NSW Government buildings and facilities as a result.

To access the tender document visit the NSW Government E-tendering website here. To learn more about FPAS visit the web page here or call FPA Australia on 03 8892 3131.

Two Important New Technical Documents Released

FPA Australia has recently released two important new technical documents: Information Bulletin IB-07 -Date of manufacture stamping of portable fire extinguisher cylinders and Information Bulletin IB-08- Safe handling of portable fire extinguishers during servicing.

IB-07 is intended to provide information on the date of manufacture stamping of portable fire extinguishers and the impact that the manufacture and supply process has on the likely date of manufacture stamp to be found on extinguishers purchased from manufacturers. The document clarifies the requirements for date of manufacture stamping under AS 1841.1 and AS 2030.1 as well as providing information on the location of the date of manufacture stamp and the steps involved in the manufacture and supply of extinguishers and how these impact on the likely date of manufacture stamp to be found on extinguishers purchased in Australia.

IB-08 is intended to provide information on: the importance of safe handling of portable fire extinguishers during servicing, where personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required and what six monthly service activities require physical inspection and therefore handling of extinguishers.

FPA Australia has been advised of instances concerning fire extinguisher ruptures during routine servicing, particularly during six-monthly service activities conducted as part of six monthly, yearly and five-yearly services as per AS 1851. It is hoped that the information contained in this Information Bulletin may assist in reducing the likelihood of such occurrences in the future.

To access the new Information Bulletins visit www.fpaa.com.au/technical and select “Technical Documents”. FPA Australia members can also download all Technical Documents from the CONNECT member resource portal at connect.fpaa.com.au.

The strong attendance at these events is a great testament to the commitment of Association members to keeping up-to-date with the latest industry developments

The strong attendance at these events is a great testament to the commitment of Association members to keeping up-to-date with the latest industry developments and FPA Australia would like to sincerely thank all of those who attended.

In addition, the Association thanks our fantastic speakers Rhondel Johannessen, Managing Director of DELTRA Australia and Rebecca Fullerton, General Manager Business Development, Training, Sales & Marketing at Chubb. Feedback from these events has been extremely positive and all presentations were very well received.

FPA Australia would also like to thank our valued sponsors Chubb, LinkFire, Concept Safety Systems and Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers, without whom the seminars would not be possible.

All attendees should now have received an eMenu which includes all presentations from the seminars and also certificates of attendance for CPD purposes.

FPA Australia again thanks everyone involved in this important seminar series and we look forward to seeing you again at one of our upcoming events.

AS 3745 Amendment Seminars Wrap Up - FPA Australia Thanks All Attendees, Speakers and SponsorsThe FPA Australia National Seminar Series on AS 3745 Planning for emergencies in facilities, including its recent amendment, wrapped up in Tasmania on June 19, with around 300 people attending the seminars around the country.

FireTalk is proudly sponsored by Alan Wilson Insurance Brokers® 1300 888 111

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

Events

Don’t Miss The NSW Fire Expo - Wednesday 30 July The NSW Fire Expo will host a contingent of industry-leading fire protection exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Three free technical presentations and the NSW Membership Group meeting, will also be held on the day.

While attendance at the expo, technical presentations and Membership Group meeting is free, seats are limited, so book now to reserve your spot.

NSW Membership Group Meeting: 9:30am An informative and professionally run forum where attendees can engage on current matters and raise and address issues of concern affecting all aspects of the fire protection community.

Technical Presentation 1: 11:00am - Bill Lea, Prime Pumps Fire Hydrant Testing: the challenges - In this thought provoking session the problems and issues associated with undertaking fire hydrant flow testing in Sydney Water areas will be explored and discussed.

Technical Presentation 2: 1.00pm - Darin Evans, FIRE Consulting Complying with the BCA: which edition of an Australian Standard is required - This presentation will discuss the application of primary and secondary reference documents under the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Technical Presentation 3: 2.30pm - Steve Woolcock, Holland Fire Door Installations Use of glass as a fire barrier - An overview of the latest trends and challenges in the use of glazing elements in fire rated construction.

DATE: Wednesday July 30, 2014 COST: Free VENUE: Canada Bay Club,4 William Road,Five Dock, NSW, 2046 TIME: 9am - 4pm

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to educate yourself and your staff at the Membership Group meeting and the technical presentations as well as learning about the latest cutting edge products and services on the local NSW market. Contact us today to secure your spot by calling 03 8892 3131 or email events@fpaa.com.au

FPA Australia Assessment Workshops Training that suits your needs and your paceEnrol 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 run for one day or 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 and knowledge assessed? FPA Australia offers you several 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.

Check out the dates below for upcoming public workshops or call 03 8892 3131 to find out when FPA Australia will be conducting a session near you or arrange private assessment sessions.

Public assessment workshops18-22 August Victoria25-29 August New South Wales2-5 September Queensland22-26 September Victoria7-10 October Western Australia28-31 October New South Wales25-28 November Queensland

15-19 December Victoria

For more information, visit the Training and Education pages of the FPA Australia website at www.fpaa.com.au/training.

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

Dan WhellensMathew BissellGeraldine Fennelly

VICChristopher RozyckiSimon A. De Garis

WALinden Wears

Individual

FIJIRichard Sekiguchi

NEW ZEALANDKen Clarke

NSWChristine MyerscoughMorgan Cook Matthew FranklinNeil Atkinson

QLDLaura Gannon

VICDaniel W. AshbyLawrence Hamilton

Corporate Bronze (1-4 staff)

NSWAtak Group ServicesBecom Pty LtdDAWAM Enterprises T/A Ember Bushfire ConsultingExcel OHS Safety Solutions Pty Ltd T/A Jim’s Test and Tag - NewcastleIntelligent Fire Protection ServicesJims Test & Tag (Western Sydney)Micree Pty LtdPozest Fire Systems Pty LtdRyan Fire ProtectionSimon Safety ServicesSuperior Air Conditioning (NSW) Pty LtdWattlegrove Services Pty Ltd

Upgraded Members

Corporate Silver NSW

Complete Plumbing and Fire Pty LtdEmpire Fire Protection Pty LtdFrontline Fire Pty Ltd

QLDAllfire DesignFCF Fire & ElectricalFire Comm Pty LtdNorthern Fire Systems Pty LtdTT Building Consultants Pty Ltd VICC & N Group Pty LtdDynamic Fire Systems Pty LtdMJC Fire Protection Pty Ltd

WAScavenger SuppliesVision Fire Systems

Corporate Gold

NSWFirestorm Fire Protection Pty LtdGrosvenor Fire Pty LtdWarren Smith & Partners Pty Ltd

QLDFire & Safety Industries Pty LtdFirelec Pty LtdRemedial Building Services Australia Pty Ltd

VICFire Rating Solutions Pty Ltd

Corporate Bronze

VICDBT Services Pty Ltd

QLDAZZO Project Services Pty LtdScanline Fire Doors P/L ITF Pedersen Family Trust

SAAttack Fire and Hydraulics Pty Ltd

TASWillson Consulting

VICElide Fire Ball Australia Pty LtdSouthern Cross Town Planning Pty Ltd

WAEngage Fire ServicesMediforce Life and RescuePreplan Pty LtdSafecheck Pty Ltd

Corporate Silver (Fewer than 15 staff)

NSWDynamic Fire Pty LtdOxford Fire Pty LtdSydney Fire Pty Ltd

VICAsset Support Group Pty Ltd As Trustee for Brend Family TrustG H Fire

QLD A1 Interior Linings Pty Ltd

Corporate Gold (More than 15 staff)

NSWFirestopping Pty LtdPromaster Protection

WAOTOC Australia Pty Ltd

Organisation Silver NSW

University of Western Sydney

TASAustralian Antarctic Division