Fire protection

National Regulations

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 came into effect on 1 July 2005. These national regulations support the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (the Act).

National regulations apply to those who work in the Fire Protection industry and work with:

• Synthetic greenhouse gases (SGGs)
• Ozone depleting substances (ODS)

The following permits apply:

1. An Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL) is required if you:
   • handle extinguishing agents in bulk or in equipment
   • work on equipment containing these extinguishing agents
   • installing, maintaining, or decommissioning systems, where a discharge of an extinguishing agent is possible.
2. An Extinguishing Agent Trading Authority (EATA). This is for when you:
   • buy
   • store
   • dispose extinguishing agents.
3. A Halon Special Permit (HSP). This is for when you possess halon that:
   • is used in fire protection equipment or,
   • has been used in fire protection equipment
   • other than as provided for in OPSGG Subregulation 304.

The Fire Protection permit scheme aims to ensure responsible management of:

• scheduled gases
• ODS
• SGGs.

This is to minimise their impact on the atmosphere and the climate.

We regulate the use of these gases to ensure:

• safe handling
• national consistency in training
• adherence to set standards.

The regulations also affect those who buy, store or dispose of extinguishing agents.

Fire Protection Industry Board

The Fire Protection Association Australia is the Fire Protection Industry Board (the board). The board co-regulates the administration of the industry permit scheme. The board implements the following:

• Administers a competency-based licensing system. Ensures technicians have the appropriate skills to undertake the installation, maintenance, and decommissioning of fire protection equipment to prevent emissions. The competencies have been developed in accordance with the National Training System.
• Ensures responsible management of extinguishing agents. This means businesses have the appropriate premises to store gases and prevent emissions. The board also ensures employees have the correct licences to handle extinguishing agents.
• Delivers an Education and Engagement program. Assists businesses and technicians to meet licence obligations, by providing customer support, education, and industry engagement. The board works with us to reduce:
  • non-compliance
  • emissions of extinguishing agents.

More information is available on the Fire Protection Industry Board website.

Industry Advisory Group

We have established the Fire Protection Permit Scheme Industry Advisory Group. This is to foster collaboration in the development and administration of the permit scheme. The group will provide information and advice on industry issues. Membership includes representatives from:

• A-GAS (National Halon Bank)
• AusIMM
• Delta Fire Australasia
• Fire Prevention Technologies
• Fire Protection Association Australia
• Fire Protection Industry Board
• National Fire Industry Association
• Special Hazards and Marine - Wormald
• Special Hazards Fire
• TAE Aviation
• TAFE Teacher and Workplace

If you have any industry issues for the group to review, please contact fire.protection@nationalepa.gov.au.

Reports

• Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems in Australia (Stage 1) - 2018

Penalties for offences listed under the Ozone Act and Regulations

Individuals and businesses must comply with the requirements of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 and associated Regulations. Offences may apply for:

• importing, exporting or manufacturing scheduled ODS, SGGs, or extinguishing agents without the required licence or exemption
• undertaking work involving ODS, SGGs or extinguishing agents without holding the required licence, permit, authorisation or appropriate licence class for the work being performed
• handling extinguishing agents without a valid EAHL or approved exemption
• acquiring, possessing or disposing of bulk extinguishing agents without the required EATA, unless an exemption applies
• possessing halon for use in fire protection equipment without a valid HSP, unless an exemption applies
• unlawfully discharging ODS, SGGs, or scheduled extinguishing agents.

Failure to meet these obligations may result in compliance and/or enforcement action, including infringement notices, criminal prosecution, licence or permit sanctions, or penalties of up to $1,650,000 for a body corporate.