Safe Work Australia has published a Guide to provide practical information to operators of major hazard facilities (MHFs) in the preparation, implementation and testing of an emergency plan that will meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Regulations.

To download a copy click here.

A better understanding of Building Code of Australia requirements is necessary to ensure dangerous fire emergencies, such as last week’s office fire in Melbourne’s CBD, are avoided.

The fire, which occurred on the seventh floor of the St James Building at 121 William Street on March 5, is believed to have been sparked by welding work as part of scheduled renovations.

Alarmingly, firefighters attending the scene were unable to access water from the building’s hydrant system as water supply had been shut off for the refurbishment work.

The Building Code of Australia prescribes minimum fire precautions during building construction to satisfy suitable means for firefighting by the fire brigade and allow initial attack by construction workers. Buildings under construction should have:

Appropriate portable fire extinguishers at all times on each storey; and when construction has reached 12 metres in effective height, the building must also have:

(1) Operational fire hose reels

(2) Operational fire hydrants at every storey covered by a roof or floor above except for the two uppermost storeys; and

(3) Required hydrant booster connections (installed and operational)

CEO of Fire Protection Association Australia Scott Williams said these regulations were in place to avoid exactly the kind of situation that occurred last week.

“It is very disappointing to see the rules being ignored in this way,” he said.

“These requirements exist to save lives and protect property and it is lucky no one was seriously injured or killed as a result of this incident.

“The job of fire crews is tough enough without the added difficulty having no water available on-site to suppress the fire as quickly as possible.”

Mr Williams said the incident highlighted the need for building management, in consultation with their fire protection provider or contractor, to closely examine their obligations under the building regulations.

“These minimum requirements must be observed, even if the building is empty due to construction, renovation or refurbishment as there are still risks to construction workers and adjoining property.”

Tass Georgas, Senior Fire Safety Engineer at Melbourne’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade said firefighting crews often faced extra unnecessary challenges due to negligence or ignorance regarding the relevant regulatory requirements.

“Only in very rare circumstances should firefighting crews be unable to access water at a property of this size in a metropolitan area,” he said.

“From time to time there may be a necessity for water to be completely switched off during construction work. In these instances appropriate isolation procedures should be implemented in consultation with the jurisdictional fire authority, so that fire stations in the immediate turn-out area can be notified of such an occurrence.

“Having this advanced warning is critical, because in a fire emergency every minute counts.

“This communication allows us to better plan for the kind of emergency situation that took place last week and ensures our crews are properly prepared before they arrive at the scene.”

Copies of the National Construction Code Series Building Code of Australia 2011: Class 2 to Class 9 Buildings, can be purchased from the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au or by phone on 1300 134 631.

The Fire Protection Association Australia is Australia’s major technical and educational fire safety organisation aiming to achieve continual improvement in fire safety through active membership and a range of activities.

Risk Response + Rescue is an affiliate member of the association. We have “Code Compliant Status" and proudly embrace the organisations code of practice providing excellence in education and representation in fire safety matters for life, assets and the environment.

Safe Work Australia today released a fact sheet to provide general guidance for preparing and maintaining general emergency plans. This is intended for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) and workers in fixed workplaces under regulation 43 of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations

To download a copy click here.

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