On July 1 2009 new legislation came into effect making it compulsory for all high occupancy buildings throughout Queensland to appoint a Fire Safety Adviser (FSA). High occupancy buildings that are subject to the regulation are classified as: 30 or more employees; a Class 2 or 3 building that is more than 25m in height; or a Class 4 building which is an at-risk licensed premise.
Introduced under the Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008, the legislation aims to enhance the protection of building occupants, ensuring they can evacuate safely and quickly if a fire or an emergency involving hazardous materials takes place. It also aims to help ensure that a building’s prescribed fire safety installations are regularly maintained. [1]
To help organisations and building owners meet their new obligations, leading fire protection specialist Wormald has developed a nationally accredited Fire Safety Adviser (FSA) training program. The program is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to assume the role and responsibilities of a Fire Safety Adviser for their building. These include becoming familiar with all aspects of building fire safety, providing advice to the occupier to ensure that appropriate emergency planning has been fulfilled and developing awareness and understanding of maintenance and records pertaining to fire safety.
A Registered Training Organisation (RTO), Wormald’s three-day training program has been developed over the last nine months by its Queensland training team. The program is focused not only on its trainees attaining the required Australian nationally recognised qualifications, but also on providing a thorough understanding of the specific fire protection systems they will need to manage and operate should a fire occur. Wormald ran the training program for a number of its Queensland clients for the first time in August 2009, presenting participants with a Statement of Attainment upon completion.
“We were receiving calls from numerous clients who, upon hearing about the legislation in effect, were unsure how to go about appointing a Fire Safety Adviser,” explains Joanne Blain, Queensland Training Manager, Wormald. “We recognised that this type of training program would be invaluable for clients. It is vital that they fully understand what is required of them under the legislation.”
[1] 1 Source: http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/B/BuildgFireSR08.pdf