FireTalkIn This Issue

Workplace Relations Plus Launch Timing Announced

An Open Letter to the Fire Protection Industry

FPAS – Systems Design & Certification Classes Announced

Fire Australia 2015 – Last Chance To Exhibit

Warning to Owner/Occupiers About Unethical Providers

Fire Australia Donations Help Purchase Burns Laser for Children’s Hospital

Events

Spring 2014 Edition

Newsletter of Fire Protection Association Australia

Corporate Platinum Members

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1300 888 111

Workplace Relations Plus Launch Timing Announced

From this time all FPA Australia Corporate members who subscribe to Workplace Relations Plus will be eligible to utilise a range of workplace agreements tailored by FPA Australia for the fire protection industry as well as a number of other exclusive services.

Workplace Relations Plus will also provide capacity for Corporate members who already have their own enterprise agreements or alternative arrangements in place to receive support for these agreements from FPA Australia.

Services accessible to Workplace Relations Plus subscribers will include:

• A range of tailored enterprise agreements for the fire protection industry

• Support for existing enterprise agreements or other arrangements

• Unlimited workplace relations phone support

• Legal & industrial representation

• Access to a detailed human resources kit

These products and services are in addition to the workplace relations services available to all Association Corporate members which include access to a wide range of detailed workplace relations documents and support for frequently asked questions via our phone service and CONNECT member platform.

Corporate members will also soon receive a request to participate in an important workplace relations survey where we hope to learn more about the needs of our members in order to deliver the best possible range of workplace services. Participating in this survey will help to ensure our workplace relations services are closely aligned to your business needs.

In addition, we will soon introduce a dedicated listing on the ‘Providers of Choice’ section of our website highlighting all Corporate members that employ licensed electricians or licensed sprinkler fitters. This will allow interested parties to identify these companies quickly and easily; a significant new benefit for these member companies and the broader industry.

Finally, in just a few short weeks we expect to release our launch brochure for our Workplace Relations Plus service that will include the full offering and pricing information. The brochure will also include an exciting and extremely cost effective pricing option that will be made available to Corporate members during a special introductory period.

We are extremely excited about our opportunity to assist the fire protection industry with workplace relations services as well as continuing to provide all of the outstanding benefits we deliver as the leading peak body for fire protection in Australia.

Please keep your eyes out for more important news on workplace relations over coming weeks and months.

FPA Australia is pleased to announce the launch of its premium Workplace Relations Plus service which is expected to be available from early 2015.

Dear FPA Australia Member,

I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some misinformation which has unfortunately been circulated by a small number of individuals relating to our Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS).

Disappointingly, despite broad support from the community, regulators and the industry, some fundamentally incorrect information about the Scheme has been forwarded to regulators and other parties in an attempt to derail the strong success of the Scheme.

FPA Australia is extremely proud of the respect and good name that our brand commands and FPAS is an important part of this. With this in mind, it is necessary to clarify a number of items relating to the Scheme and make our position explicitly clear for all industry stakeholders.

It is my intention that this communication will draw a final line in the sand regarding facts and myths about the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme. Please see a few of these facts and myths outlined below.

Myth – If you work in the fire protection industry you must be part of FPAS

FACT – FPAS is a voluntary scheme available to individuals who wish to have their competence and experience recognised by a peak independent not-for-profit industry body. It is not compulsory or referenced in regulation at this time but naturally it is recommended by FPA Australia. End users of fire protection industry services are seeking the use of accredited individuals to meet their expectations to use competent persons and protect their interests.

Myth – You must be an FPA Australia member to be part of the Scheme. FPAS allows for no external participation and is wholly run and ruled by FPA Australia

FACT – You do not need to be an FPA Australia member to be accredited under FPAS. Any person working in the classes of fire protection currently available is welcome to apply. There are currently many technicians accredited under the scheme who are not FPA Australia members or employees of member companies.

FPA Australia member companies that employ FPAS Accredited technicians can have their business recognised, however this is their choice. Business Recognition is a way of promoting businesses that hold the appropriate insurances and comply with a professional Code of Practice as well as committing to transitioning all of their Inspect and Test technicians to FPAS Accredited status. While there are clear benefits of Business Recognition, it is not a requirement for either FPA Australia members or non-members who employ FPAS Accredited technicians.

Myth – FPA Australia is unfairly using its strong relationships with government organisations to force them to recognise FPAS

Fact – Community expectations for the overall professionalisation of the fire protection industry have driven many regulators to encourage industry self-regulation to satisfy these expectations, without the burden of government regulation. It was only after significant demand from governments that FPA Australia established the scheme in the first instance, so it is fitting that some regulators and other statutory authorities should now choose to promote the Scheme and / or reference it in legislation.

An Open Letter to the Fire Protection Industryfrom FPA Australia CEO Scott Williams

FPA Australia is extremely proud of the respect and good name that our brand commands and FPAS is an important part of this.

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Myth – The Scheme represents a restriction of trade that is being forced on me and I cannot continue to practice without it

Fact – FPAS is a voluntary scheme and therefore does not represent a restriction of trade. If you are not accredited by FPA Australia under the Scheme, this does not prevent you practicing subject to obtaining the necessary licences or registrations currently required by regulations for some activities in some jurisdictions.

Myth – I hold a Certificate III in Fire Protection (CPC32813) and I am therefore licensed to carry out all work in the fire protection industry

Fact – If you are a qualified sprinkler fitter, and you have obtained the necessary licences for the states / territories you work in, you can undertake a range of work focussed on wet systems. Beyond this, there are no licences necessary to undertake the majority of work within the fire protection industry (with some exceptions in some states and the federal Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence permit scheme). The (voluntary) Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme accredits individuals based on specific units of competency that are aligned to specific work activities, many of which are outside the core units required by CPC32813. FPA Australia fully supports that anyone undertaking fire protection work should be trained, competent and licensed where required. However, simply holding a license does not mean an individual is competent in all disciplines of fire protection, as this is subject to the specific units of competency held.

Myth – If you don’t have current qualifications and competencies you cannot enter the Scheme without going back to school

Fact – FPAS incorporates three levels of accreditation; Trainee, Experienced and Qualified. Individuals with relevant experience can enter the Scheme and be accredited under the experienced category and are given ample time (up to 2 years for Inspect and Test accreditation) to transition to the Qualified category. This transition can be achieved via recognition of prior learning (RPL), or through formal training and assessment.

Myth – FPA Australia has only developed FPAS to generate income and additional members

Fact – FPA Australia is a not-for-profit industry association. The small application fees ($100 per year for Inspect and Test individual Accreditation) are necessary to cover the costs of delivering the Scheme.

Membership of FPA Australia is not a prerequisite for entry into the scheme. FPA Australia’s motives are to improve the professionalism of the industry to meet community and regulator expectations, provide improved life safety and property protection outcomes and recognise individuals with minimum competencies and insurances to achieve these goals.

I hope the information above has clarified any confusion you may have held or misinformation you may have been provided. I look forward to now being able to move forward with the strong plans we have to expand FPAS to other classes of work in the industry and trust you will join us as we continue to lead the fire protection industry on this important journey to professionalism which will deliver improved fire safety outcomes for all.

For further information visit www.fpaa.com.au/fpas.

Warm regards

Scott Williams FPA Australia - Chief Executive Officer

Scott Williams FPA Australia

Chief Executive Officer

Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) – Systems Design & Certification Classes Announced

Warning to Owners & Occupiers About Unethical Providers

FPA Australia is pleased to formally announce the next two classes of accreditation under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS): Fire Systems Design and Fire Systems Certification.

These classes will accredit individuals who perform design and certify activities relating to selected systems and equipment in the fire protection industry. Initially the Scheme will focus on design and certify activities associated with the following systems and equipment:

• Fire Sprinkler Systems• Fire Hydrant Systems • Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

The ‘Fire Systems Design’ class covers the preparation of designs to a required standard, where the final design documentation outlines the requisite design criteria and provides documentation for procurement / manufacture / construction / installation / and commissioning by competent personnel.

FPA Australia is currently advising all building owners/occupiers about unethical fire protection providers fraudulently posing as representatives of local authorities and conducting fake fire protection compliance audits on site.

There are currently widespread reports of such activity particularly in NSW and Victoria, with one known company using the sham technique widely across Sydney and recently in the Melbourne CBD.

The ‘Fire Systems Certification’ class covers the formal validation and certification that states the properties and performance of installed and commissioned systems have fulfilled the specific requirements to meet the approved design criteria.

FPA Australia is currently taking expressions of interest from all individuals interested in achieving accreditation in either of these new FPAS classes as well as businesses who employ these individuals. It is expected that applications will officially open for these two classes in February 2015.

The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) was first launched in July 2013 and initially addressed the ‘Inspect and Test’ class of fire protection work. The accreditation scheme now has more than 550 individuals currently accredited in the “Inspect & Test” class.

Expressions of interest for Fire Systems Design & Certification classes should be sent by email to fpas@fpaa.com.au and should include name, company, class you would like to apply for and your FPA Australia Corporate member level (if applicable).

FPA Australia will be providing additional information regarding the key components of these new accreditation classes before the end of the year. For more information about the FPAS Scheme please visit www.fpaa.com.au/fpas.

This company may arrive on site unexpectedly, dressed in fake fire service / council uniforms. They will conduct an inspection of the building and highlight what they deem to be non-conformant fire protection systems and equipment, before recommending their preferred provider (a co-owned maintenance company) to remedy the situation.

Building owners / occupiers are advised to exercise caution regarding unannounced audits of their fire protection systems unless the identity of those on site can be clearly verified as a local council inspector, relevant fire authority, other government agency or your contracted fire protection provider.

The Association is currently compiling information and evidence on this business which will be submitted to the ACCC and other authorities. FPA Australia is asking anyone who has experienced this unscrupulous behavior to please contact fpaa@fpaa.com.au and supply us with all relevant information regarding this so that we are able to lodge a comprehensive submission to the relevant authorities.

Fairfax media has reported on this type of activity and you can learn more by reading their article from 2013 here.

Fire Australia Donations Help Purchase Burns Laser for Children’s Hospital

Fire Australia 2015 – Last Chance to ExhibitSponsorship & Exhibition for the Fire Australia 2015 Conference & Exhibition is now open to all FPA Australia members and non-members.

The conference offers a range of exciting options for relevant businesses to showcase their products and services, and a large number of exhibition booths have already been sold.

Dates: Wednesday 25 & Thursday 26 March 2015

Location: Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland

To find an option that is right for your business, download the Exhibition & Sponsorship Brochure here.

The Conference Fire Australia 2015 is the premier fire protection industry conference, attracting a wide range of representation from businesses, government and fire safety practitioners.

Regular attendees to the conference will notice it has moved from a November schedule to March. This is to reposition it away from peak conference season, thus providing more industry personnel the opportunity to attend.

Building on the success of the last conference and exhibition, Fire Australia 2015 will once again provide delegates the option of attending multiple streams over

In December last year FPA Australia was proud to donate $8,000 raised at the Fire Australia 2013 Conference dinner to the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney.

The hospital used the funds to help purchase a new burns laser (pictured) which is now up and running in the hospital’s operating theatres. The Association is extremely proud to have been able to

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the course of both days. The streams will provide a mix of presentations focussing on product compliance and industry specific topics.

The exhibition will once again be a main feature of the event, located central to all aspects of the conference. Sponsors and Exhibitors have the opportunity to present on their products and services within the exhibition hall.

The ThemeDelivering a Fire Safe Future: The Right Choices for Product Compliance & Approval.

To ensure fire-safe buildings and infrastructure, a robust fire safety strategy and reliable fire protection systems and equipment are essential.

This requires that decisions on building concept design and the selection of fire safety equipment and systems are right from the very first stages of a project.

When a system or technology is poorly designed, incorrectly selected and improperly installed, commissioned and certified, the impacts of these actions affect the safety of the building’s occupants and the building itself.

The theme of Fire Australia 2015 focusses on getting design concepts and fire protection systems and equipment right from the outset, therefore ensuring these are fit for purpose once installed. This will ensure dependable and cost effective fire protection throughout the life span of the building or infrastructure. One of the key aspects of any system is using the right products for the right circumstances in the right way.

Download the Sponsorship & Exhibition Brochure and keep an eye on the Fire Australia Conference & Exhibition website www.fireaustralia.com.au for updates including program and registration coming soon.

contribute to this important investment and we look forward to continuing to support the work being undertaken by the Children’s at Westmead and the other child burns units around Australia.

In 2015 The Fire Australia Conference and Exhibition will be held on Queensland’s Gold Coast with proceeds from the Conference Dinner to be donated to the Mater Children’s Hospital Burns Unit.

WEDNESDAY 25 & THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2015 GOLD COAST CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

The righT choices for producT compliance & approval

Delivering a

Fire SaFe FUTUre

Only 5 Exhibition

Booths Remain

WEDNESDAY 25 & THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2015 GOLD COAST CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

www.fireaustralia.com.au

fire safety depends on many factors. critical to this is ensuring that fire safety products are designed, installed and maintained so that they are fit-for-purpose.it is essential that the right decisions are made from conception through to completion and that evidence is provided demonstrating complying products are selected and installed to ensure the reliability and longevity of every system.

The righT choices for producT compliance & approval

Delivering a

Fire SaFe FUTUre

FPA Australia Assessment Workshops Eduction 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 at any time when and where it suits you with our self-study option, and 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 Workshops8-12 December Victoria

13-16 January Western Australia

20-23 January New South Wales

27-30 January Victoria

3-6 February Queensland

10-13 February Tasmania

17-20 February South Australia

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

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For more information about FPA Australia events please visit www.fpaa.com.au/eventsTo register and pay for FPA Australia events online please visit connect.fpaa.com.au

Events

Victorian Inaugural Membership Group Meeting Date: Tuesday 9 December 2014

Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Location: FPA Australia National Office Building 2, 31-47 Joseph Street, Blackburn North, Victoria

Featured Presentation Sunsetting of Victoria’s Building Regulations and VBA / ABCB update. Presented by Matthew Wright, FPA Australia Chief Technical Officer / Deputy CEO.

South Australian Inaugural Membership Group Meeting Date: Thursday 11 December 2014

Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Location: Thebarton Community Centre Corner South Road & Ashwin Parade, Torrensville (Enter carpark from South Road)

Featured Presentation In addition to broad information on a range of fire protection areas, this inaugural meeting will feature a presentation on the proposed update of Ministers Specification SA76. The update is close to being finalised following a largely supportive public comment period and will make changes to reference AS 1851-2012 in South Australia. Discussion points will include:

• How FPA Australia’s submissions and engagement have assisted in updating the Ministers Specification and the government’s direction on this.

• How existing buildings can transfer to the new requirements and the roles of different parties in this process.

• Future plans for regulatory improvements (as discussed in the Working Group) to address issues flagged by FPA Australia such as critical defect reporting and the importance of using competent persons such as those accredited by FPA Australia.

• Issues in the construction sector that you see as concerns or where change is happening that you’d like to talk about.

Presented by Matthew Wright, FPA Australia Chief Technical Officer / Deputy CEO, and Jodie Evans, Team Leader, Building Policy Unit, Development Division, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

Tasmanian Inaugural Membership Group Meeting Date: Wednesday 10 December 2014

Time: 10:00am – 11:30am

Location: Tasmania Fire Service Corner Argyle & Melville Streets, Hobart

Topics for Discussion The emphasis of the new State & Territory Membership Group format is to better engage with members regarding emerging trends and information associated with the fire protection industry and also the activities of the Association.

To assist in the delivery of this information, 6 portfolios have been established and this meeting will include discussion on topics associated with these portfolios. Focus on discussion in these portfolios are as follows:

• Accreditation & Licensing

• Regulations ,Codes & Standards

• Bushfire

• Products & Services

• Membership & Member Activities

• Regulatory Stakeholders

Upcoming State & Territory Membership Group Meetings

To attend one of these important free Membership Group meetings, simply register your attendance via the CONNECT platform at connect.fpaa.com.au or email your full name and company name to engagement@fpaa.com.au and arrive ready to contribute positively to the discussion.

You can learn more about the STMGs on the Association’s website at www.fpaa.com.au/engagement/stmg

As always there is plenty of activity taking place within the Association’s State & Territory Membership Groups. Three important membership group meetings have recently been announced around the country over coming weeks. Please see all the details for the upcoming events below and keep your eyes on the events page of the FPA Australia website as more STMG activities are announced.

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.

Individual

NSWMr Boris KrastevMr Brad GribbleMr Greg MurrayMr Jason DunnMr Kenneth EngsmyrMr Lindsay WoodMr Pavindra GovindMr Vladislav Fikh

QLDMr Darryl YoungberryMr David BroadbentMr Mark WhitmoreMr Michael CrossMr Rodney Robins

SAMr David Hammond

VICMr David GreigDr Jonathan BarnettMr Roger BurnettMr Russell Harrison

WAMr Clinton BullockMr Craig RulandMr Phillip Thelwell

Corporate Bronze (1-4 staff)

NSW2Link Innovations Pty LtdCEASSAElite Fire TrainingEmerge Fire Services Pty LtdFire Protect Systems Pty LtdHTM Group Pty LtdHydro-Tech IndustriesNSW Fire Prevention & Protection Services Pty LtdPegasus Mechanical Installations Pty LtdPetalura EnvironmentalThe Tasman Tank CoTotal Concept Industries

Upgraded Members

Individual NSW

Ms Helen Daskalakis

Corporate Silver NSW

Abate Pty LtdFire Compliance & MaintenanceIJACT Pty Ltd

SACeasefire Strategic Safety Solutions

TASIndustrial Fire & Electrical

VICDetector Inspector Pty LtdSinclair Plumbing & Fire Protection

Corporate Gold NSW

Eagle Fire Protection

NTElectrical & Fire Services P/L

VIC24 Seven Maintenance SolutionsTitan Fire Solutions P/L

QLDBJS Fire SolutionsIndustry Fire ServicesSafe Property Services P/LThe Tank Inspectors Pty Ltd

VICB Shore Fire Service Testing Pty LtdCity Edge Plumbing Pty LtdFire Alarm Essentials Pty LtdPrepare To Act

WABronte ProjectsHills Fire Equipment Service

UNITED ARAB EMIRATESInnovative Healthcare Equipment Ltd

Corporate Silver (Fewer than 15 staff)

NSWAlform Fire & Electrical Pty Ltd

TASRussell-SmithSafe Workplace Solutions Pty Ltd

VICElectel Pty LtdEmergency Dynamics

WAApplied Fire Technology Pty Ltd

Corporate Gold (More than 15 staff)

QLDAdvance Fire Technology Pty Ltd

VICUL International Australia Pty Ltd

Organisation Silver SA

ASC Pty Ltd

VICFederation Centres

FPAS Recognised Businesses

NSWRegion West Fire Control (NSW)Redmen Fire Protection (NSW)Torvac Solutions P/L (NSW)Hix Group Pty Ltd T/A Firetection (NSW)

QLDCentral Western Fire P/L (QLD)

TASIndustrial Fire and Electrical (TAS)

VICThermal Fire Protection (VIC)FireLogic Pty Ltd (VIC)

Recognised Business