Edition 59, August 2008

New QLD regulation brings in training requirement for fire safety advisors

The Queensland Government's Department of Emergency Services has announced that under the remade Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008, high occupancy buildings will be required to appoint and train a Fire Safety Adviser (FSA).

Under the regulation, a FSA is required to be appointed and trained in the following instances:

  • an occupancy where 30 or more employees are normally employed (the Workplace Health and Safety Advisor test)
  • a class 2 or 3 building that is more than 25 metres in height
  • at risk of overcrowding licensed premises (as nominated by the fire commissioner).

From 1 July 2008 existing high occupancy occupiers have 12 months to appoint and train an FSA. However, for new occupiers of a high occupancy building the FSA must be appointed and trained within one month of occupancy.

The role of the FSA will be to provide/arrange evacuation instruction to staff (such instruction can also be provided by a registered training organisation) and to be involved in the fire and evacuation plan development, review and practice process.

A FSA will be required to complete the following units of competency in the Public Safety Training Package (PUA00):

  • PUAWER001A - Identify, prevent and report potential workplace emergency situations
  • PUAWER002A - Ensure workplace emergency prevention procedures, systems and processes are implemented
  • PUAWER003A - Manage and monitor workplace emergency, procedures, equipment and other resources
  • PUAWER004A - Respond to workplace emergencies
  • PUAWER005A - Operate as part of an emergency control organisation
  • PUAWER006A - Lead an emergency control organisation
  • PUAWER007A -Manage an emergency control organisation
  • PUAWER008A- Confine small workplace emergencies.

A requirement of the FSA training is that it is delivered and assessed by a registered training organisation (RTOs). A FSA will require reaccreditation every 3 years.

RTOs interested in providing Fire Safety Adviser training in the required units of competency, email fireris@emergency.qld.gov.au

The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service will provide, where possible, information to assist with developing well-informed Fire Safety Advisers.

Registered training organisations are also requested to provide to Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, a monthly list of people who have successfully completed the eight required units of competency. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service will provide new Fire Safety Advisers with a FSA Network membership card and information to assist them in their new role.

For more information visit www.fire.qld.gov.au/buildingsafety/legislation.asp or email fireris@emergency.qld.gov.au

This page was generated on 04 January, 2010

Tag cloud Tags: Fire safety,Qld. Click here to view the tag cloud.