Scheduled extinguishing substances used in the aviation sector
Fire is a major safety hazard for civil, commercial and military aircraft. In Australia, the potential fire zones of modern multi-engine aircraft are protected by fixed fire protection systems. A fire zone is an area or region of an aircraft designed by the manufacturer to require fire detection and/or fire extinguishing equipment and a high degree of inherent fire resistance. Site operators must exercise the highest levels of care with regard to fire protection in order to safeguard lives, aviation equipment, property and the environment.
It is important that gaseous fire suppression systems are installed and maintained by licensed technicians to ensure full functionality in the event of a fire, and to minimise unnecessary discharges of scheduled extinguishing substances into the atmosphere. As such, individuals and businesses working in the aviation sector must ensure they are compliant with the Act and the Regulations when handling scheduled extinguishing agents and have relevant licences, authorisations and/or permits under the fire protection industry permit scheme.
As such, the FPIB is determined to ensure that all businesses and individuals are aware of the fire protection industry permit scheme requirements and we are committed to improving the knowledge of scheduled extinguishing agents among key stakeholders.
The FPIB has developed communication materials including a factsheet and article to raise awareness of legislative requirements when using gaseous fire suppression systems containing scheduled extinguishing agents in the aviation industry.
We encourage you to view the items below:
Requirements for Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs)
Currently in Australia, all Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs) who handle scheduled extinguishing substances are required to achieve competence in unit CPPFES2043A – Prevent ozone depleting substance and synthetic greenhouse gas emissions. To find a training provider and enrol, please click here.
