News
Performance solution reports or endorsement of proposed BCA non-compliances relating to fire safety systems
03 Jan 2021
Who can prepare performance solution reports or endorse proposed BCA non-compliances related to operational performance of relevant fire safety systems?
A person who is the subject of a competency certificate issued by a certifier may:
Tags: Regulated work NSW, Accredited practitioner fire safety NSW, performance solution report NSW, registered certifier-fire safety NSW (previously C10 Fire Engineer), competent fire safety practitioner NSW, relevant fire safety system, accredited practitioner (fire safety), C10 Certifier, Alternative Solution Report, Fire Engineer Hunter Valley
What is Regulated Work in NSW under the BDCA and BDCR
02 Jan 2021
Clause 64 of the Building and Development Certifiers Regulation 2020 (BDCR) states that - Certain registered certifiers may carry out certain regulated work.
(1) For the purposes of Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 (BDCA) Section 55
Note: BDCA Section 55 of the Act provides that when this regulated work is carried out by a registered certifier it is certification work. The registered certifier must comply with all the requirements of the registered certifier's registration when carrying out this regulated work.
(2) In this clause - relevant fire safety system has the same meaning as in clause 136AA of the Planning Regulation.
Tags: Regulated work NSW, Accredited practitioner fire safety NSW, performance solution report NSW, registered certifier-fire safety NSW (previously C10 certifier), competent fire safety practitioner NSW, relevant fire safety system, accredited practitioner (fire safety), C8 Certifier, C9 Certifier, C14 Certifier, C10 Certifier, Fire Engineer Central Coast
Fire Engineers can do 'Regulated Work'
01 Jan 2021
Clause 52 of Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 (BDCA) defines the meaning of "regulated work" as:
Recent clarification from the NSW Department of Fair Trading has confirmed that Fire Engineers can do 'regulated work' under Clause 64 of the Building and Development Certifiers Regulation 2020 (BDCR). Clause 64 authorises registered fire engineers to prepare a Performance Solution Report (previously Alternative Solution Report) under cl.130 or 144A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation as 'regulated work'.
Tags: Regulated work NSW, Accredited practitioner fire safety NSW, Performance Solution Report NSW, Alternative Solution Report NSW, registered certifier-fire safety NSW (previously C10 Fire Engineer), competent fire safety practitioner NSW
Updated Fire Safety Certifier Contract Information Sheet
27 Dec 2020
The mandatory information sheets for fire engineer certification contracts in NSW have been updated. The sheets now include a note where legislation requires a certifier's fees to be paid upfront. This applies to all Registered certifier-fire safety (previously C10 Fire Engineer) contracts.
Download updated information sheets
Tags: Fire Safety Certifiers, Fire Engineer South Coast, Fire Engineer Western Sydney, Fire Engineer Contracts, Registered certifier-fire safety NSW (previously C10 Fire Engineer) , Fire Engineer North Coast, Fire Engineer Campbelltown
Certifiers Practice Standard (CPS) - Fire Engineering Works
27 Dec 2020
Under the Building Commissioner's Construct NSW reforms, the Certifiers Practice Standard (CPS) has been created to establish clear expectations for the certifier industry.
The CPS sets out the approach to be followed when undertaking certification work as public officials for residential apartment buildings. The CPS applies to all Registered certifier-fire safety (previously C10 Fire Engineer) in NSW as well.
It is important to note that combustible cladding cannot be considered "deemed to satisfy" when applying the concession, and that building fire safety should be assessed on individual building characteristics by a Registered Fire Safety Engineer
Read CPS... Read Practice standard Manual ...
Tags: Certifiers Practice Standard, CPS, C10 Fire Engineer NSW, C10 Fire Engineer Blue Mountains, Construct NSW Reforms, Registered certifier-fire safety NSW (previously C10 Fire Engineer)
Timber Framing Concessions for Class 2 and 3 Buildings
23 Dec 2020
The VBA Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has developed a Practice Note for timber framing concessions for Class 2 and 3 buildings under the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
The Practice Note addresses:
It is important to note that combustible cladding cannot be considered "deemed to satisfy" when applying the concession, and that building fire safety should be assessed on individual building characteristics by a Registered Fire Safety Engineer
Tags: Class 2 Fire Safety, Class 3 Fire Safety, Timber fire safety, C10 Fire Engineer Sutherland Shire, Timber performance based design, performance based fire safety, performance based consulting
Rendered Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Wall Systems
21 Dec 2020
In response to mixed opinions on the fire behaviour and risks associated with rendered expanded polystyrene (EPS) wall systems, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) engaged the CSIRO to undertake a literature review on the fire safety of exterior insulation finish systems and insulated sandwich panels as external wall systems.
The literature review identified, amongst other things, the lack of testing or other evidence for the façade fire spread performance of EPS as is typically installed in Australia for buildings of Type A and B construction. The VBA subsequently engaged a full-scale façade test of a rendered EPS wall system to better inform industry.
An Industry Update published on the VBA website summarises the test findings and confirms the understanding that fire can rapidly spread, and that EPS poses a similar risk to 100% PE core aluminium composite panels. The update provides a useful reference for Fire Engineers in NSW, TAS, QLD, NT, SA and WA
Tags: EPS, Fire Engineer NSW, Polystyrene fire safety, CSIRO, VBA, Fire Engineer Albury, Fire Engineer Regional NSW
Disability Upgrades to Existing Public Train Stations and the Role of an Accredited C10 Fire Engineer Within
08 October 2020
By Joyce Van
The current Transport Access Program (TAP) is a NSW Government project to upgrade public train stations to meet the requirements of the federal Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (DSAPT). The Standards set out the minimum requirements for accessibility on public transport and ensure that people with disability have appropriate access to those public transport services.
Security Considerations for the NSW Rail Infrastructure Network
08 October 2020
By Zachariah Reisch
As NSW becomes more interconnected and densely populated, its needs for transport infrastructure will continue to grow. With numerous road, rail and airport projects being funded in the coming years, many are concerned with the cost, efficacy, or political buying-power of such undertakings. Amidst the storms around these projects lies an issue often overlooked - with an exponentially complex transportation system being developed over the coming years, how should their designers and operators best approach the issue of security?
Safety of Innovative Vehicles in Tunnels
08 October 2020
By Fathi Tarada of Mosen Global
Vehicle technology is evolving quickly, with autonomous cars now a reality, and with an increasing proportion of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road. Such innovation can bring many advantages in the management of traffic flow and the reduction of emissions. However, innovative vehicles can present significant risks to road users, particularly in tunnels. A good understanding of the sources of these risks, and how to mitigate them is essential for manufacturers, designers, tunnel owners and operators, as well as for the fire service.
Please view this video by invoking full-screen [ ] icon on the video
VIDEO | The Security Legal Framework in NSW
08 October 2020
By Original Article & scripting by Dr Maher Magrabi, Design by Irfan Khan, Voiceover by Zachariah Reisch
As a part of Lote's ongoing commitment to the dissemination of information that makes our industry smarter and safer, we have developed a new informational video regarding the legal framework of security in NSW. This short video provides an understanding of the requirements for those providing security services and is useful for anyone who engages with security consultants, or indeed security consultants themselves who may be unclear about licensing requirements and the risks of operating without the appropriate accreditations.
Designed features can make cities safer, but getting it wrong can be plain frightening
06 September 2020
Through the effective implementation of security and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, designers and planners make a variety of spaces safer and more accessible to their communities.
However, in some instances, implementation of security measures can go too far. 'Unfriendly architecture', designed to dissuade activities such as 'rough sleeping' or youth congregation can often be overused and create cold, uninviting spaces that alienate groups such as the homeless or young.
This article examines the phenomenon of security in public spaces and cases of its overuse.
Fire Performance of Rendered External Walls and Cladding: Advisory note 2020.2.2
04 September 2020
For a building of Type A or B construction, C1.9(a)(i) specifies that elements of external walls, including their components, must be non-combustible. Components of external walls include:
The impact of the above clause on render and textured paint is discussed further by the ABCB Advisory Note. when used as part of a DTS Solution for an external wall of a Type A or Type B building must be non-combustible.
Cyber-crime during the Covid-19 Pandemic
04 September 2020
Due to the high demand for medical supplies and information globally as a result of COVID-19, many negative practices such as fraud and counterfeiting are drastically increasing.
Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this state of affairs to conduct activities including masquerading as legitimate donation sites to receive donations, sending fake medicine or medical supplies, and undermining sources of legitimate information.
INUCRI's Regional Coordinator Adil Radoini provides an ideal introductory video on the state of cybercrime during the pandemic, and what individuals and businesses should be aware of during this period.
NSW Security Industry Act 1997 & Security Industry Regulation 2016 Reminder
01 September 2020
With reference to the NSW Security Industry Act 1997 and the Security Industry Regulation 2016, a reminder that accepting security 'consultation' from an unlicensed practitioner not only makes the advice offered unreliable but can also have major legal ramifications.
CPTED and Security Risk Assessment Reports (or the like) must be prepared by a Licensed Practitioner. A Licensed Security Consultant is required to hold a Class 2A Security License, and their organisation requires a Master Security License.
Use of an unlicensed 'consultant' in lieu of an accredited one carries a maximum penalty of AUD 11,000 for a Corporation (Security Industry Regulation 2016), and also voids any Professional Indemnity cover.
NCC 2019 Amendment 1 is now in effect!
20 August 2020
Adopted on July 1, 2020, the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Amendment 1 now has legal effect in each state and territory.
Major amendments include Performance Solutions, Fire Safety Verification Methods, aluminium composite panels, childhood centres, timber framing, anti-ponding boards. The next version of the NCC is scheduled to be adopted in 2022.
Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) DBP Act
17 August 2020
The recently enacted Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) (DBP Act) and the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020 (NSW) (RAB Act) impose significant reforms for the construction industry.
The two Acts form part of the NSW Government's response to the Shergold-Weir the Building Confidence Report and the recent building defects identified at Opal Towers, Mascot Towers and the Sugar-cube Apartments.
Among the main conclusions of the Building Confidence Report was that the accountability of different parties involved in the construction process was unclear and there were insufficient controls on the accuracy of documentation, which made it difficult to ascertain whether the building complied with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Out of interest please see this related information on Greenway Chambers website
National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners
16 August 2020
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) released a discussion paper on a draft National Registration Framework (NRF) intended for Building Practitioners. The discussion paper is open for public comment until August the 23rd.
Following an assessment of compliance and enforcement systems in the Australian construction industry authorized by the Building Minister's Forum (BMF), the resultant Building Confidence Report (BCR) made 24 recommendations to address the identified shortcomings in implementing the standards of the National Construction Code (NCC).
The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) is Now Mandatory in NSW
15 August 2020
As of July 1, 2020, FPA Australia has been approved by the Secretary of the Department of Customer Service as an accreditation authority for those under section 59 of the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018.
FPAS practitioners who perform 'regulated work' under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EPAR) are now recognised.
With the exception of C8 (electrical engineers) or C14 (hydraulic certifier - buildings) holders, practitioners will require an accreditation number to perform these roles
Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) is now mandatory in NSW
02 July 2020
The Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) has now been formally approved under section 59 of the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018. To learn more, see the following article by FPA Australia.
NCC 2019 Amendment 1 is now in effect
01 July 2020
From today, 1 July 2020, the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Amendment 1 has been adopted. To read about the key changes and learn more, see the following article by ABCB.
Fire Safety and Security imperatives in light of the new Aged Care Quality Standards
01 July 2020: Article by Zachariah Reisch
The past few months have seen an already teetering Australian aged care industry go from bad to worse as many RACFs were the site of deadly outbreaks - and given the negligence turned up in light of these outbreaks, it appears regulatory bodies have a long way to go before the industry is at an acceptable standard. This article explores the current state of Australian aged care in July 2020 and outlines a path forward that allows construction industry specialists to benefit from the work in this sector while also healing its broken core in the process.
Fire Brigade Intervention Model Manual
30 June 2020
With the Fire Safety Verification Method coming into effect 1 May 2020, the Fire Brigade Intervention Model (FBIM) is now referenced in the National Construction Code. The model ensures the safety of building occupants, including firefighters who enter the building in response to a fire.
AFAC has updated its Fire Brigade Intervention Model Manual to reflect these changes. The manual supports the consideration of firefighter intervention into building design.
Fire Safety in Data Centres
27 June 2020: Article by Christopher Koch
The reliance on cloud-based data storage and increasing demand for supplying energy from alternative sources has seen a dramatic increase in the use of Lithium-Ion battery based Energy Storage Systems (ESS). One common application for ESS are data centres to help cater for the increased demand for cloud-based data storage. One of the fundamental requirements of a cloud-based data centre is business continuity via zero downtime requirements. ESS are mandatory, to provide continuous data centre operation during a power outage. Lithium-Ion based ESS are prone to thermal runaway leading to the production of flammable gases and subsequent uncontrollable combustion. The additional ESS fire risks are not readily covered by the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Furthermore, ESS trigger the application of BCA Clause E1.10 - Provision for Special Hazards which prescribes that additional provision must be made if special problems of fighting fire could arise because of the nature or quantity of materials stored, displayed or used in a building or on the allotment; or the location of the building in relation to a water supply for fire-fighting purposes.
Securing a Data Centre: Why a Specialist Security Approach is a Project Imperative
26 June 2020: Article by Dr.Maher Magrabi
Data centre security can be defined as the operational practices and technologies that are employed to safeguard the data centre from external threats and vulnerabilities. The growth of Cloud Computing, Software as a Service, and Platforms as a Service has driven the growth of physical data centres. Being a physical asset, on-shore data centres are also a critical component in national infrastructure. Data centres are the physical facility that houses Information Technology (IT) infrastructure comprising computing, storage, networking, and power resources. As these data centres store sensitive and/or proprietary information that may include customer data and valuable intellectual property, cyber and physical security is paramount to its operation. This article will focus on the physical elements of data centre security.
New Duty of Care could Affect your Liability
23 June 2020
If you carry out construction work in NSW you need to be aware of new laws that could affect your liability for defective building work.
Adoption of AS 4859.1:2018 ahead of Transition Deadline
20 June 2020
Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone areas: AS3959:2018 Amdt 2, Draft for Comment.
Adoption of AS 4859.1:2018 ahead of Transition Deadline
15 June 2020
The NCC 2019 adopted Technical Specification FPA101D ? the design for a residential sprinkler system as a deemed to satisfy solution to provide sprinkler protection to Class 2 or 3 buildings with an effective height of not more than 25m and a rise in storeys of four or more. Sydney Water has announcement its acceptance of FPAA101D.
Adoption of AS 4859.1:2018 ahead of Transition Deadline
13 June 2020
The old insulation standard AS 4859.1:2002 has been replaced with the updated standard AS 4859.1:2018 since the 1st May 2020 transition deadline. The updated standard includes amendments to the way in which rigid foam insulation is aged tested and statistically averaged, the outcome of which is typically a derating of most insulations' R-Value, depending on the thickness, type and chemical composition of the insulation in question.
NSW Government delivers Historic Building Reforms to restore Industry Confidence
10 June 2020
The NSW Government has delivered on its promise to restore public confidence in the building industry by successfully passing the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019.
AAC Member alert: Passage of Design and Building Practitioners Bill
08 June 2020
The NSW Parliament passed the Design and Building Practitioners Bill.
The Bill requires any design, principal design or building practitioner who intends on making a compliance declaration to be registered under a new registration scheme.
This is a win for consumers, a win for every building practitioner who wants their industry cleaned up and a win for our advocacy efforts.
Registration of Engineers: NSW Parliament passed the Design and Building Practitioners Bill
03 June 2020
The NSW Parliament passed the Design and Building Practitioners Bill, introducing registration for engineers to commence on 1 July 2021.
The new Bill (which will become an Act upon assent by the Governor) introduces a requirement for professional engineers to be registered to practise without supervision. It will initially apply to five areas of practise: civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire safety engineering (more areas of practise can be added through regulation). Although the registration requirements are contained within a law for 'building practitioners', they will apply to engineers working in any sector.
The next step is for the Regulations that support the Act to be developed. Engineers Australia expects that process to begin in the coming months. Members will be encouraged to support Engineers Australia in this process so please look out for communications from Engineers Australia over the rest of 2020.
NCC 2019 Amendment 1 Proposed Changes Update
01 June 2020
The ABCB will include the definition of building complexity and the process for documenting Performance Solutions in NCC 2019 Amendment 1.
CPTED Strategies to Maximize the Security of Critical Infrastructure
29 May 2020
In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, there has been a long-standing crime problem. However, the neighborhood of Asa Branca is succeeding in maintaining a peaceful community, free of police interventions. The community has come together to create a community using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). Thus far, the program, championed by community members themselves, has been a success in an otherwise risky environment.
Permanent Formwork: Expired Sunset provisions from NCC 2016 and implications for your project
27 May 2020
When a permanent formwork system is filled with concrete, the formwork material remains and acts as a permanent lining to the wall. The lining material varies between different types of systems but typically consists of either a polymer (such as Dincel) or fibre-cement. When used in a building these linings must comply with the 'Wall and ceiling linings' section of the National Construction Code (NCC), which can be found under specification C1.10. In editions of the NCC prior to 2016, compliance of a wall/ceiling lining material could be determined by either testing in accordance with AS ISO 9705 or AS/NZS 3837 (i.e. two alternative and equal procedures were allowed). However, since 2016 a new standard, AS 5637.1, is required to be complied with by the NCC instead.
Wayfinding Monitored Addressable Emergency Lighting System
15 May 2020
Efficient evacuation in an emergency can be constrained by the complex nature of the buildings and the occupants within.
Although emergency signage systems are widely used as a well-established means of facilitating evacuation, research demonstrates that only 38% of people 'see' conventional static emergency signage in simulated emergency situations. Besides, conventional signage only conveys single and passive information; therefore, they cannot be adapted to respond to developing evacuation situations and events.
Threat Update: COVID-19 Malicious Cyber Activity
20 Apr 2020
This update by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is designed to raise awareness of increasing COVID-19 themed malicious cyber activity and provide practical cyber security advice that organisations and individuals can follow to reduce the risk of being impacted.
Fire Safety & Security services in the NSW Building Industry: Legal context and application
20 Apr 2020
The planning system in New South Wales (NSW) includes building regulation and certification. A key part of this is sustainable development and ensuring that buildings are safe and meet all the performance expectations, both at the time of construction and throughout their effective life cycle.
Building and Construction Industry: Minimising the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19
18 Apr 2020
The number of workers on a construction project can vary significantly between projects and from day to day. Where workers work closely together it increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19. You must therefore do everything that is reasonably practicable to keep workers a safe physical distance apart of at least 1.5 metres while they are onsite. Check out this publication from Safe Work Australia (SWA) for a more comprehensive list of measures.
Preparing for a Pandemic: Review Business Continuity Plans Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
18 Apr 2020
Organizations worldwide have been reacting to the recent coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19, in a variety of ways, from restricting nonessential employee travel to cancelling large events. The possibility of a pandemic has the potential to disrupt workforces, supply chains and economic activity in the months ahead. So, it is with a sense of urgency that prudent organizations review and update their business continuity plans to insure their operational resiliency. To learn more, see this article by the Risk Management Monitor.
Working from Home Checklist
18 Apr 2020
Has your business transitioned into a 'working from home' model? Be sure to check out the following checklist of considerations for short-term working from home arrangements by Comcare. Please note, the following considerations should be seen as minimum requirements only. Employers may have more detailed working from home guidance in their organisations that should be used in conjunction with this checklist.
GLACIAL PROGRESS: Minister Under Fire Over Flammable Cladding Crisis
24 Mar 2020
NSW Cabinet is still considering how the state should handle the flammable cladding crisis more than six months after receiving advice from the building commissioner, leading to accusations the government is making "glacial progress" to fix serious risks.
FPAA101D and FPAA101H Systems Demystified
24 Mar 2020
One of the most substantive changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 Volume One was the introduction of mandatory sprinklers requirements for Class 2 & 3 buildings that has a rise in storey of 4 storey or more with an effective height of not more than 25m.This Housing Industry Association (HIA) information sheet provides an overview of the changes including the offsets and the new sprinkler standards.
New Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) Regulations in NSW
24 Mar 2020
The NSW Government has introduced reforms to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation which introduced enhanced requirements relating to fire safety in existing buildings. Part of this was the introduction of Competent Fire Safety Practitioner (CFSP) accreditation. Over the past few years there has been a transition to accreditation of CFSP and this will now come into effect 6th April 2020.
Fire Protection Association of Australia (FPAA):
Association of Accredited Certifiers (AAC)-Competant Fire Safety Practioner Information:
Building Code of Australia Out of Cycle Amendment
24 Mar 2020
The Building Code of Australia is being amended out of cycle, with BCA 2019 Amendment 1 expected to be implemented in mid-2020. The preview of the amended NCC is expected to be available this month. Key amendments to the BCA are proposed as follows:
In addition, the ABCB is looking to mandate the method of development of performance solutions, which is currently documented in their document 'Development of Performance Solutions'. This is currently open for public comment, and the provisions surrounding this will not be finalised in the preview issued this month
To review the ABCB's Development of Performance Solutions
Building and Development Certifiers Act and Regulation
24 Mar 2020
The Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018 and Regulation 2020 have been finalised and will come into effect on the 1st of July 2020. This legislation will replace the Building Professionals Act and Regulation currently in force. Items covered by the legislation include accreditation of certifiers, requirements for insurance and conflict of interest provisions.
For people considered as 'competent fire safety practitioners' under previous legislation, they will continue to be considered as a competent fire safety practitioner for as long as they previously would have been recognised under previous legislation up to 5 years.
This legislation also contains accreditation provisions for professionals undertaking regulated work.
The new Act and Regulations can be viewed here:
For the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018
Building and Development Certifiers Legislation 2020
FRNSW Position Statement Security/screen doors on sole-occupancy units (SOUs)
10 Mar 2020
Security/screen doors fitted to sole-occupancy units (SOUs): The fitting of security or screen doors to the main fire door of a unit is a matter to be determined by the appropriate regulatory authority (e.g. Council) or certifier.
However, FRNSW recommends against the fitting of security or screen doors to SOUs due to the increased likelihood of the main fire door of the unit being propped open, corridor egress being impeded by an open security/screen door, and the fire rating of the door frame being compromised from any modification when fitting any additional security or screen door.
Click on Link below to read more:
FRNSW Position Statement Fixed Suction for below ground Water Supply
10 Mar 2020
FRNSW have published a new Position Statement for fixed suction for below ground water supply.
The design of any fixed suction provided for a fire brigade pumping appliance to draught from a below ground water supply is to satisfy Clause 4.4 of Australian Standard AS 2419.1-2017. The maximum length of dry pipe between lowest section water level and large bore suction connection is not to exceed 2.8 m due to the limitations of the primer on the fire brigade pumping appliance.
Note: The primer is used during draughting operations to remove air from the fixed suction pipework and semi rigid suction hose that is connected to the large bore suction connection.
Click on Link below to read more:
FRNSW Position Statement External Combustible Cladding
09 Mar 2020
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will consider cladding risk assessment principles when being asked to provide advice in respect of buildings that have external combustible cladding ("Cladding").
Refer to FRNSW Position Statement on External Combustible Cladding (in the URL below) for further information.
FRNSW Guideline Fire Hydrant Concessions for Existing Buildings
09 Mar 2020
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has recently published the Guidelines for Fire hydrant concessions for existing buildings for consent authorities (i.e. Councils) issuing Development Control Orders on existing buildings.
Click the link below to learn more:
Aged Care Quality Standards (ACQS) - What does this mean for Fire Safety and Security?
08 Mar 2020
The 2019 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has sadly told an unflattering tale; an excerpt from the media release on 31st October 2019 labels the state of the service as "a shocking tale of neglect", and states that the sector "does not deliver uniformly safe and quality care, is unkind and uncaring towards older people and, in too many instances, it neglects them".
Click the link below to learn more:
SFS Submission for the BCA 2022 Fire Safety Performance Requirements
08 Mar 2020
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) has been an evolving document since first introduced as a performance-based code in 1996. Over a number of years, the BCA Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) Provisions have continually changed, and changes to the BCA Performance Requirements have also occurred. As part of the latter changes, the Engineers Australia Society Fire Safety (SFS) has been tasked with the goal to quantify or set a clear, measurable level of performance for the BCA. To achieve this goal, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has given direction for National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 that the BCA Performance Requirements are to be quantified.
Read the report to see their findings on the quantification of the performance requirements:
IEAust SFS Fire Safety Verification Methods Report
07 Mar 2020
Engineers Australia has published a report evaluating the Fire Safety Verification Method (FSVM) which will become a formal part of the NCC in May 2020. The FSVM is starting to be required by government agencies at an increasing rate, and thus is likely to have significant impact on the way fire engineering is practiced.
Check out this report which thoroughly investigates the FSVM and associated handbook to identify the benefits and disbenefits of employing this approach:
FRNSW Guideline Fire Safety in Waste Facilities
05 Mar 2020
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has recently published a revision to the Fire Safety in Waste Facilities: Version 02.02 to incorporate minor changes from the updated Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 references.
False fire alarms cost taxpayers $100 million a year
01 Mar 2020
False alarms cost more than $100 million last year because 97 per cent of calls made to firefighters by NSW automatic alarm systems are mistakes triggered by non-emergencies such as burnt toast and steam.
Two links provided below will give you more information:
New Guidelines - Occupation Certificates and Written Direction Notices - NSW
04 Jan 2020
As 1 December 2019, new provisions in Part 6 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A) have commenced including new provisions for Occupation Certificates (OC) and Written Directions Notices (Directions). This includes the removal of the term "interim OC" from the EP&A Act.
Two links provided below will give you more information:
Challenges to Law Enforcement when dealing with Cybercrime - Dr Maher Magrabi
02 Jan 2020
Governments across the world are struggling to keep up with the growing threat of cybercrime and the evolving techniques used by its practitioners. The Australian law enforcement in particular, is struggling to respond to the transnational nature of cybercrime, the evolution of technologies in encryption and the widespread distribution of computing and cloud computing.
Check out this article which details these issues and proposes a way forward by clicking link below:
Approved bushfire bunkers?
02 Jan 2020
Every year Australians are surprised by the ferocity of bushfires and shattered when their properties are destroyed. We need to plan appropriately for living in bushfire-prone areas because, as the current crisis demonstrates, they are only becoming more devastating.
Property protection measures should include mandatory installation of rooftop sprinkler systems, use of fire-resistant housing materials, appropriate housing design and more rigorous management of the local combustible environment.
Could approved bushfire bunkers be a solution?