BSA INTRODUCES OCCUPATIONAL LICENCING IN QLD

The 1st January 2009 saw the introduction of Contractor and Occupational BSA licensing for fire protection work in Queensland.

Why is this being introduced?

The ‘Building Fire Safety in Queensland Budget Accommodation Report’ was released in light of the Childers backpacker hostel fire and made recommendations to tighten up the fire protection industry. As a result of the findings the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991 (QBSA Act) was amended to include installation, maintenance or certification of a fire protection system for a building (under an occupational licensing scheme).

Extensive consultation was carried out with the fire protection industry and other stakeholders prior to the Queensland Parliament passing the legislative changes.

What is fire protection work?

Fire protection work is defined under the QBSA Act as any of the following for a building or part of a building:

• The installation, restoration, repair or maintenance of a fire protection system;
• The preparation of any certificate, statement or record —

(i) relating to the installation, restoration, repair or maintenance of a fire protection system; or
(ii) stating whether a fire protection system meets a standard, requirement or specification;

• The design of a fire protection system;
• The development, approval or certification of emergency evacuation procedures for a controlled evacuation during a fire emergency;
• The formulation or provision of alternative solutions relating to fire safety;
• The inspection or investigation of, and the provision of advice or a report about, compliance with the Building Act 1975 or the Building Code of Australia relating to fire safety.

 What is a fire protection system?

• A fire protection system is a system of fire protection comprising some or all of the following:
• Portable fire-fighting appliances, including, for example, wheeled fire extinguishers, fire hoses, fire blankets and portable fire extinguishers;
• Fire hydrants, with or without pumps;
• Fire hose reels, with or without pumps;
• A fire or smoke detection system, a heat or smoke alarm or another alarm system or emergency warning and communication system;

What is a fire protection system continued

A fire suppression system or fire sprinkler system, whether solid based, liquid based or gas based;

• Fire doors, fire shutters and fire damper assemblies; and
• Emergency lighting.

What benefit will these new laws have on the industry?

Benefits include:

• Better protection for persons and property in the event of a building fire;
• Improved training and safety for fire protection workers;
• Improved compliance with building fire safety regulations leading to reduced costs for owners, occupiers,
• Government, emergency services and local governments;
• Greater community confidence that work is performed by appropriately skilled workers to the prescribed standards; and
• Reduced risks for fire fighters responding to fire emergencies.

Who will need a licence?

Any person (including an employee or someone working under a subcontract arrangement) who personally performs or supervises fire protection work will be required to hold an appropriate licence (occupational or contractor).

What licence will have to be held?

One of the following licences must be held to be able to personally carry out or supervise fire protection work:

• A fire protection occupational licence issued under the QBSA Act that authorises the licensee to personally carry out the work;
• A contractor’s licence issued under the QBSA Act that authorises the licensee to personally carry out the work; or
• A licence, registration or authorisation under an Act, other than the QBSA Act, that authorises the person to personally supervise or carry out the work (for example, an occupational licence issued under the    Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002).

QBM and its FSA’s hold all relevant BSA Contractor and Occupational licensing for Fire Protection Work, another way we ensure the best of service to you our valued clients.

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