News

There is a requirement that by 14 June 2009 shared accommodation buildings constructed before 1 July 2003 must have a fire sprinkler system installed.

Specifically, regulation 710 of the Building Regulations 2006 requires that a Class 3 building that is a shared accommodation building constructed or for which a building permit was issued before 1 July 2003, must have a fire sprinkler system installed prior to 14 June 2009.

Reported in the Herald Sun on Monday October 13, 2008, the Fire Protection Industry received its first shot across the bow from the main stream media.

For a number of years now, the fire industry has known about the excessive waste of fresh drinking water used as part of a fire sprinkler test. This water consumption comes from testing of fire sprinklers, fire pump-sets and fire hydrant systems.

There are now an array of solutions that will enablus to drop this consumption significantly but there is resistance from almost all parts of the building industry.

Simply put, the capital cost to reduce consumption is far greater than the cost of the water.

Perhaps this shot by the media might be the catalyst for social change...

Fire Australia was launched today by FPAA president Mr Peter Johnson. The conference is being held at the Australian Technology Park in Sydney. There are also over 60 exhibitors and an array of new products. The conference theme is "Setting tomorrows goals today".

The Fire Protection Association of Australia has recently sought nominations for the Board of Directors. I have again been nominated and welcome the opportunity to participate in the election.

I have prepared a candidate statement that hopefully addresses some of the opportunities I see we can expand on within the fire protection industry.

I welcome the support of all members and would be pleased to discuss any issues that may be of relevance in the election process.

Earlier today, I received a message from a friend of mine Carl Sachs of Workplace Access & Safety. Carl wrote an article for the November edition of FM Magazine.

In Carl's article he illustrates the total cost of ownership of both Anchors and Guard Rails. here is a copy of the email from Carl and a link to the article...