New training facility opens its doors
15 JUNE 2021
On 30 April 2021, the ribbon was officially cut on the Barry Lee Training Room within the NSW Emergency Services Academy. The new facility was a joint collaboration between Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).
It is the first of its kind in Australia – a dedicated room that showcases a range of equipment covering both wet and dry fire systems. The room is designed for practical training on how to perform work on fixed gaseous suppression systems, including installing and routine servicing in line with AS 1851. At the moment, FPAA uses this room to deliver face to face training for a licence type 3 Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence.
Click here to take a fully interactive peek inside the Barry Lee Training Room.
Other registered training organisations that deliver relevant fire protection training modules include:
Pacific Institute of Technology (PIT)
Fire Industry Training (FIT)
Think carefully before importing ODS & SGG from overseas without a valid licence
7 JUNE 2021
Scheduled extinguishing agents are available for purchase from overseas, sometimes at a much cheaper price than in the Australian market. However, they could end up costing more in the long run.
A licence is required to import scheduled extinguishing agents, either in bulk form or in equipment. Import without a licence is an offence under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989, and carries high penalties (see example below).
Also, scheduled extinguishing agents are designed to standards relevant to the country in which they were developed. This could mean products purchased from overseas may not be approved for use in Australia.
Take the time to improve compliance at your worksite
20 MAY 2021
Completing the FPIB’s self-assessment checklist is an easy way to ensure your company is meeting the conditions of your licence/permit/authorisation and complying with the Regulations.
The checklists for an extinguishing agent handling licence, extinguishing agent trading authorisation, and halon special permit can be found here. They can be completed on your desktop or printed out and filled in manually.
Free ODS & SGG warning stickers available upon request
5 MAY 2021
The FPIB is still offering our warning stickers for scheduled extinguishing substances. Two types of stickers are available – one for fire panels and the other for containers. Pop these stickers on your fire panels and containers to help prevent accidental discharges of scheduled extinguishing substances.
To place an order, simply email ozone@fpib.com.au stating which type of sticker you require and how many units specifically and we will mail these to your preferred address, free of charge.
FPIB launches Alternative Technology Recognition Program
2 MARCH 2021
The FPIB is pleased to advise that nominations are now open for the newly created Alternative Technology Recognition Program. The program aims to recognise businesses that have transitioned away from using scheduled extinguishing substances (ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases) in favour of cleaner alternatives. The program extends to decommissioning a system that used a scheduled substance.
If you are interested in nominating your business or a business you have completed work for as a contractor, please complete the nomination form and send to ozone@fpib.com.au
Updated Good Practice Guide now available
8 FEBRUARY 2021
The FPIB has updated its Good Practice Guide – a useful resource for fire technicians and companies seeking best practice advice when it comes to the use of scheduled agents in gaseous fire suppression systems and portable extinguishers. The updated guide provides greater clarity around the definitions of what is legally required of fire technicians and companies, compared to what is considered purely best practice. You can download a copy of the updated version here.
Stronger penalties in place for breaching permit conditions
4 SEPTEMBER 2020
From 19 August 2020, it is a criminal offence under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 to breach any condition of your fire protection industry permit. Individuals who are found guilty of the new offence can be fined a maximum of $2,220. Corporations that are found guilty face a stiffer penalty of up to $11,100. In the past, if you breached a condition of your permit, you could have your permit cancelled or suspended, or be denied a renewal of your permit.
This can still happen now, in addition to being fined. The new offences are ‘strict liability offences’. This means fines can be applied without proof that you intended to breach permit conditions.
To read the new offence provisions in full, view: www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2020L01029
