Volution The next step in alarm - Transforming the Fire Triangle FireNZ Conference 2015 - DEFSEC Media
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Issue 11 September 2015
The next step in alarm
volution
Transforming the
Fire Triangle FireNZ
Conference 2015
Ambo-fire dispatch
glitch sorted
Last call to surrender
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Visit branz.nz for more information4 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
Index
Presidents Message..............................................................................................................................................................................6
The next step in alarm evolution ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Ambo-fire dispatch glitch sorted..................................................................................................................................................14
Loktronic................................................................................................................................................................................................ 18
Fire Safety Review a slow burner.................................................................................................................................................20
New era of fire industry innovation........................................................................................................................................... 24
FireNZ Conference 2015 - Transforming the Fire Triangle - Program - Workshops - Speakers....................... 26
Smart thinking gives fire training an edge............................................................................................................................... 38
FLIR NFPA-Approved Firefighting Cameras.............................................................................................................................40
The Innovative Tyrip Seam............................................................................................................................................................ 43
Fire funding options squeezed.....................................................................................................................................................44
Fire Services Review debate heats up....................................................................................................................................... 45
Last call to surrender ozone depleting gas.............................................................................................................................46
Advances in Fire Suppression Technology Hybrid Water Mist Systems ....................................................................48
Kiwis take reins of IFE - Bridge building time........................................................................................................................50
Truer course unfolding after disruptive decade.................................................................................................................... 53
Evacuation consultants in spotlight ahead of legal framework alignments............................................................. 54
Everyone in the industry should be properly trained......................................................................................................... 56
Security-based fire alarms raise concerns about delays................................................................................................... 57
Collective bargaining for fire levy doused............................................................................................................................... 58
Fire Protection Association FireNZ welcomes articles and letters The views expressed in this
New Zealand from our readership. These can publication are not necessarily
Private Box 302372, North Harbour cover any aspect of fire protection, those of the Fire Protection
Auckland 0751 Association New Zealand,
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Institution of Fire Engineers
Ph: + 64 9 414 4450 and design), legislation, fire (NZ Branch) or the Society of
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article or seek amendments. Articles agents do not accept any
secretary@ife.org.nz should inform, debate, educate and
THE INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS responsibility or liability
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T&T Publishing Limited Contact Details
27 West Crescent Craig Flint
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Presidents Message
Fire Protection Association New Zealand
It’s a pleasure on behalf of the Each year FireNZ gives us the The wider community will see
FPANZ to extend a welcome to opportunity to step away from that we have another drive on
everyone attending FireNZ 2015. our normal activities and take Halon recovery underway. With
An event such as this is the result stock of what’s happening in our the assistance of funding from
of a lot of work by a very dedicated industry, where we have come Ministry of the Environment (MoE)
team from FPANZ, IFE and SFPE. No from and where we are heading. we are collecting around 4.5tonnes
sooner has one event finished than The ability to spend two days of halon and exporting that for
planning starts in earnest for the looking, listening and talking destruction overseas. Our first
next year’s event. with like-minded people is a rare shipment has left our shores.
FireNZ 2015 is the largest and opportunity and as I think about This last year has also seen a
most diverse event so far and full this event, I can’t help but reflect lot of time invested in assisting
credit and thanks must go to the on the achievements of the recent with and representing our industry
organising committee and FPANZ past. with the building code review
staff team for this. Well done to you The past year has seen process. It is heartening to see
all. significant growth and the desire to consult with our
achievement within FPANZ. industry in an effort to improve our
Probably the most important fire regulations further and good
measure of our progress and communication with MoE is still
success is evident in the continuing occurring in this area.
membership growth. Each month Looking forward, Industry
we see new members from within Training and Education remain as
all spheres of our interest groups the big ticket items to improve.
and a number of affiliated groups Recently we have had various
joining to support, contribute and seminars around the country
gain from all that the FPANZ has to sponsored by Viking, Victaulic
offer the industry. and AON which have been well
The rebranding and reimaging supported.
of our association is complete We need to move to better ways
and members are starting to of engaging students to improve
see the benefit of new logos, delivery of the off job units and
our ‘code of practise’ and how continue with more on job related
regular focused activity by our practical seminars and workshops
special interest groups (SIG’s) to improve consistency and
can make progress with the better work processes. The FPANZ
varying issues we face. Our new through a newly formed training
website has made member and SIG group are working hard to
visitor communication timely and advance this and in so doing lift the
effective and gives a great platform student numbers whilst reducing
to work from in the future. Our the time taken to complete.
approved equipment registers are
David Nathan now on line and free access for David Nathan.
President FPANZ members is given. FPANZ President.PEACE OF MIND LONG AFTER
YOU’VE LEFT THE SITE.
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WWB0077/FISHING/A48 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
Presidents Message
Institution of Fire Engineers (NZ Branch)
IFE our Vision
“A global organisation of fire professionals
striving to build a society safer from fire”.
Greetings to all Many of you have served as comment to the gathering that “the
As my final year as your President mentors and sounding boards for IFE has done more for me than I
draws to an end, I will take this me on numerous occasions over have done for the IFE”. Well said
opportunity to reflect on past my term of office empowering me Jack and I couldn’t agree more.
achievements and promote with your passion. On this note I have also enjoyed
the future of the New Zealand There have been many making contact with another long
Branch. It has been a busy three memorable moments and time member and past president
years and I now appreciate the achievements over the last three Kevin Henderson. It is always good
time sacrifices past presidents years but one that stands out for to have words of wisdom from our
have made to ensure the Branch me is how the Branch Council has founder members and we have
continued to grow. To all past developed under the succession several that regularly attend IFE
presidents may I acknowledge policy. I am confident that we now functions.
your efforts and commitment to have a strong and capable Branch Over my term I have had the
the Institution. Executive and the councillors luxury of tremendous support
to support them. The transition from our partner companies
from my term to the next will be PSL Fire &Safety, APC Techsafe
effortless and without disruption, and Metalcraft Insulated Panel
the same passion and drive will see Systems. These three companies
the Branch continue to grow under and the New Zealand Fire Service
the leadership of Trent Fearnley. I have played a huge part in the
will continue on as Past President development of the Branch and
assisting where required working continue to support us with many
on special tasks and offering new initiatives to help develop the
feedback from the International knowledge of our members and
General Assembly. The members of provide us with the confidence to
Branch Council are all motivated, expand into new ventures. They
well developed and keen to see share our passion and ideals and
new initiatives introduced that will I thank them for their continued
support our members and attract support.
new applicants. The Branch is in Looking ahead to the future I
a very good place at the moment can tell you that the New Zealand
and I am very proud of what the Branch has never looked better.
Branch Council has achieved. As mentioned before Trent will
One of the more memorable take over from January 2016 and
Graeme Quensell moments was when I was I am really looking forward to
FIFireE, Grad.Dip. Building Fire Safety privileged to present IFE seeing the direction we go and
& Risk Engineering, FNZFBI, NCAET Companion Jack Maddox with to what heights. He has passion,
President of the Institution of Fire a slice of the old Takapuna Fire experience and is very motivated.
Engineers New Zealand Branch. Station pole in recognition of 25 He will be assisted by Ed Claridge
Leader of the Institution of Fire years of examination invigilation. as Executive Director, another
Engineers International General Jack has been a member since very experienced councilor
Assembly. 1957 and I remember Jacks with drive and qualities that willISSUE 11 | September 2015 9
compliment the new President. but we need to get local groups present) to present and to chat
Both will have the support of a being just as active. We need the informally. The IFE has continued
good blend of councilors from Groups to be running seminars to provide international presenters
all over New Zealand and me as and field trips, supporting local that will provide you with insights
past president. The future looks members and encouraging new into global fire engineering
good as membership is growing ones. To do this we need members and lessons learnt from actual
at a steady pace and this is very like you to take the IFE challenge incidents. So put the 15th and 16th
pleasing and comforting for the and become involved at the local of October in Wellington into your
new president and the team. In Group level, attend meetings, get planners now.
July 2015 we will see Brian Davy elected to the committee and start These are great times for the
take on the role of International introducing new initiatives. We New Zealand Branch and the
President Elect and I am Leader of now have Groups established in all Institution as it nears its 100 year
the International General Assembly major cities and new ones in the centenary in 2018 and I would like
(IGA). This is great for the NZ formation stage so the challenge is to thank you all for your support
Branch as it recognises the level there for you to take. and for allowing me the privilege
of respect our Branch is given by Before I finish I must mention of being President of this historic
the IGA and the Board of Directors. the 2015 FireNZ Conference and Branch. So I will finish with Jack
The appointment of Brian to AGM. This year’s conference is Maddox’s words “the IFE has done
International President is another shaping up to be a great event with more for me than I have done for
memorable moment I will take presenters from all over the globe. the IFE”.
with me from my term. This year’s theme of “Transforming
Regards
If there is one aspect of my term the Fire Triangle” will discuss
Graeme Quensell FIFireE
that has not pleased me it is that design, safety and innovation so
President Institution of Fire
I have not been able to get local will appeal to all sections of the
Engineers NZ Branch
groups functioning as I would have fire community. Our International
liked. It’s all very well discussing President Steve Hamm and Leader International General
how successful the Branch Council International President elect (our Assembly of the Institution of
has been at developing ideas very own Brian Davey will be Fire Engineers10 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
Presidents Message
New Zealand Chapter of the Society
of Fire Protection Engineers
New Zealand
Time has gone quickly since the Looking back over the past year, related fields, and the benefits of
last President’s message, and the SFPE New Zealand Chapter has the Fire Engineering course at the
the last FireNZ conference, with been working hard on a number of University of Canterbury. Previous
this year’s conference coming up important local initiatives some of years SFPE NZ careers seminars
rapidly. which we will outline briefly below and the hard work of the University
Before getting into other matters, and some of which will be discussed course staff led to a full capacity
I need to thank the executive at the AGM to be held at the end of intake of Fire Engineering Students
committee for their huge support the first day of the conference on this year, we hope that the recent
while I have taken a big step back 15th October 2015 (hope to see you well attended session will have a
from Presidential duties to become all there!) similar effect on next year’s intake.
a full time Mum to baby Beth. A number of companies have
Particular thanks to Vice President Plugging the skills gap taken the initiative and supported
Geoff Merryweather who has internships for graduates and
stepped up in numerous ways To address the skills shortage in students. Meanwhile the SFPE NZ
including drafting much of this the fire industry and following on executive are hoping to finalise
president’s message. I would also from previous year’s very successful the details of a chapter supported
like to thank Michael James for his efforts, the SFPE is again running internship as discussed at last year’s
contribution to organising the SFPE presentations at the University of AGM.
elements of FireNZ and can say they Auckland on the different careers
wouldn’t be happening without him. that are available in fire engineering Industry stakeholder liaison
SFPE NZ have been continuing
to work hard to provide a linkage
between the members and
MBIE this year. We have opened
up our technical sessions to
allow MBIE to speak directly
with members. We have been
participated in the Engineering
Design Reference Group which
meets quarterly to discuss matters
of national importance in the
wider engineering sector. We also
provided SFPE NZ representation on
a committee that looks at the way
the Ministry use IT to disseminate
information. Invitations to formally
represent as an organisation are a
Claire Williams Geoff Merryweather
President New Zealand Chapter BA MEFE MBA CPEng MIPENZ
great reflection on the dedicated
of the Society of Fire Protection Vice President New Zealand Chapter work of the executive committee
Engineers of the Society of Fire Protection and active members who have
Engineers assisted the Ministry in theirISSUE 11 | September 2015 11
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personal roles, earned respect and steps to publication. A fire assessor topics such as web-design
championed the role of the SFPE NZ benchmarking workshop is also (streamed live or accessed later
with the Regulator. in the pipeline. We would like to on the SFPE YouTube channel).
SFPE NZ chapter have also been take this opportunity to say a huge • Access to the fire protection
working closely with IPENZ and the thanks to all members who put in journal
Construction Industry Council to significant hours to be CPEng fire • The SFPE magazine
harmonise Practice Note 22 and the assessors. • Voting rights on wider SFPE and
NZ CIC Guidelines, particular thanks SFPE NZ also worked together Chapter matters
to the active members who have with SESOC to host a series of
assisted in this work by attending seminars on fire engineering Please see the website
the workshop and providing considerations for structural engin- www.sfpe.com for full details of
feedback on drafts some months eers to help plug any potential the the valuable professional member
ago. We hope this work will be gaps between the two disciplines. benefits.
ready to go out for full membership As you can imagine all of this
consultation in the forthcoming SFPE Organisation work takes time, thank you to
year. all of our dedicated Executive
SFPE NZ have also held SFPE NZ chapter has been working Committee and active members
discussions with IPENZ on member closely with the wider SFPE to who continue to volunteer their
concerns regarding increasing ensure that the benefits of full time to help achieve the vision
liability and are in the process of Membership meet our local needs. of the organisation to be “leaders
accurately scoping this potentially Those who are friends of the local in engineering a fire safe world”.
significant issue. chapter may be interested to know Please do not hesitate to join us if
This year substantial groundwork the many benefits of applying for you are keen to get more involved.
has been done to maintain full professional Membership of
and improve transparency and SFPE; Claire Williams
consistency of CPEng assessments. • great webinars by world President
The Fire Practice Field Guideline has renowned fire engineers on a
undergone draft updates to reflect range of topics from CFD and Geoff Merryweather
current practice and awaits the next Evacuation modelling to business Vice PresidentThe next step in
The next step
alarm volutionin
alarm volution
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www.brooks.com.au www.brooks.co.nzISSUE 11 | September 2015 13
The next step in
The next step in
alarm volution
alarm volution
volution Darwin’s most famous theory; it states that The EIB164e Heat Alarm has new thermistor giving
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www.brooks.com.au www.brooks.co.nz14 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
Ambo-fire
dispatch glitch sorted
By Keith Newman
A robust fix is finally in The New Zealand Professional
place eight months after an Firefighters Union (NZFPU) first An initial fix scheduled
emergency communications raised the matter with the NZ Fire
glitch was first detected Service (NZFS) in March when it to go live at the end of
between St John Ambulance
and NZ Fire Service requiring
learned “unacceptable” glitches
and “unreliability” had resulted
June was broken when
an old school phone back-up
protocol to remain in place,
in potentially life threatening
circumstances.
it was put through
until recently. When it appeared nothing had rigorous testing by NZ
News that important messages been done, a second critical memo
from St John had been lost on was leaked to the NZ Herald by an Fire Service and St
four occasions wasn’t escalated unknown party. NZ Fire Service
to national level at the NZ Fire national operations manager Ken John. The issue was
Service until five months after the
first occurrence, raising serious
Cooper says once the issue was
escalated from a technical glitch to
finally resolved in the
concerns that firefighters were
being placed at risk.
one involving the safety of fire crews
it “got onto the right radar” rapidly.
first week of July.
After an urgent high-level meeting
on 18 March this year software
provider Intergraph was on the case
and emergency services covered
themselves by phoning messages
and alerts for all fire and ambulance
callouts.
Cooper says this was “a wake-up
call” which ended up “ripping the
plaster off the wound” to identify
other areas that could be improved,
especially through communications
with the Police. “The main concern is
the constant dynamic environment
the three emergency services are
working in”.
According to Paul Turner, the NZFS
medical response project manager
who took the lead in overseeing the
system fix, several issues were found
but it was decided to focus on a
“point fix”, targeting the intermittent
Ken Cooper, NZ Fire Service, Stephen Wilson, “dropping out” of messages between
national operations manager Intergraph New Zealand manager ambulance and fire.ISSUE 11 | September 2015 15
An initial fix scheduled to go man. They had to secure the loaded Technically speaking the
live at the end of June was broken weapon before proceeding. problem was in “the logic
when it was put through rigorous In another case firefighters weren’t tree” within the software. On
testing by NZ Fire Service and St informed a “possibly violent” person unpredictable occasions when
John. The issue was finally resolved was in attendance at a fire in Dairy multiple packets were sent between
in the first week of July. Flat in October. On another call-out fire and ambulance simultaneously
a message informing them they’d “it wouldn’t necessarily bring all the
Missed messages been stood down never arrived and right data across”.
in a fourth incident a message telling Turner says the problem isn’t
Firefighters Union national crew that a helicopter was 12 minutes specifically with the St John system
secretary Derek Best, although away failed to arrive. but he agrees “if we were all on the
glad the issues have been rectified, Part of the problem is that same system we wouldn’t need to
remains concerned the fix took so Police and the NZ Fire Service have InterCAD”.
long. use the InterCad (iCAD) system A back-up protocol remains
“Many of these issues were to link with the main emergency in place. If an acknowledgement
bought to the attention of the fire communications centre and St has not been received within 30
service some time ago but nothing John uses a different system known seconds of a message being sent,
seemed to happen until we raised it as VisiCAD. The systems work a follow up phone call is made to
again.” slightly differently and require tight ensure information hasn’t been lost.
It was initially claimed the synchronisation. “We need to make sure
problem didn’t affect police or Fire and Ambulance services information gets to the front line
ambulance communications, “if the signed off a formal memorandum of every time and we’ve been quite
Fire Service has a problem then the understanding (MOU) in December vigilant to ensure that it has,” says
others do as well. I don’t think it 2014 a decade after the NZFS Turner. “We’ll keep that up until the
affects only one organisation.” agreed to pick up an increasing three agencies…decide the way
He’s gracious in saying the NZ workload of first responder and forward.”
Fire Service is probably no better medical emergency work. Intergraph put together its
or worse than a lot of institutions, Turner says across the new own local and global task force
“Unless there’s a disaster nothing multi-agency environment there and worked around the clock
seems to happen”. are now “50 million data packets an with a series of rigorous tests to
In November last year St John hour being transferred around the identify the issue. Stephen Wilson,
despatchers sent a warning to a fire system”. Entire incident reports are Intergraph New Zealand country
crew heading to a Corromandel shared between agencies for each manager, describes the problem
address but the message never got initial call out and in subsequent as a configuration issue related to
through and they found themselves communications everything is supplementary comments from
confronted with a gun wielding filtered out except new comments. Ambulance despatch.
He insists there’s no problem
with the underlying Fire and
Police dispatch system (CARD) or
the primary incident information
passed between dispatch systems.
An important key in resolving
the problem was the ability to have
VisiCAD data, being shared between
NZFS and St John, run through
Intergraph’s Wellington laboratory
to isolate areas of concern.
An award winner
Intergraph’s InterCAD system,
first implemented in 2009, enabled
the real-time sharing of essential
111 caller information between
Police, the Fire Service and
Ambulance. By June 2011 it had
dealt with 135,000 emergencies
and was described in a case study
as a ‘no wrong door’ solution with
services mobilised immediately no
matter who received the call.16 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
The new hybrid fire-ambulance vehicle being piloted with outlying brigades around the All 111 ambulance emergency calls terminate at one of three clinical control centres in
country as part of the closer working relationship. Auckland, Christchurch and the Wellington Free Ambulance centre. Essential call data is
shared with the NZ Police and NZ Fire Service, who are often first responders.
It won the Excellence in resources linking incident addresses communications centre to use,
Networked Government category of and vehicle locations to street including tracking who put what
the 2010 annual Institute of Public maps. information where.
Administration of New Zealand Lee Brooks, St John Assistant NZFS medical response project
awards. Operations Director of Clinical manager, Paul Turner says data
InterCAD was part of an Control Services insists the recent comes to emergency services
overarching vision promising issues were not related to load or with an address, which needs to
faster, safer, more efficient, shared traffic as the platform is designed be verified for accuracy before the
emergency services through linking to handle high intensity workloads. incident is accepted and imported
the common Intergraph despatch He says St John has invested into the GPS map-based system
systems at Police and Fire with the significantly to ensure its service used by fire and ambulance to give
one used by Ambulance. is as seamless as possible and directions. This is likely to become
Previously if a second service after working with Police and “more seamless”.
was required the request had to be Fire it was determined no further Discussions are also underway
made by phone often resulting in development was necessary from with communication centre
delays and errors through double VisiCAD’s developers. staff, their union and frontline
handling of information. The “We have been fully engaged fire service people on how their
agencies also required different sets with both agencies to provide all interactions with the Intergraph
of information and had different the assistance needed to ensure systems might be improved. This
ways of dealing with it. the interface between our systems includes the “whole package of
When the new system was first remains at the desired level.” how we can work more efficiently
scoped out in 2008 it was a world He says there’s been no thought with ambulance,” says Turner.
leader. A budget of $600,000 was of St John moving to the same One enhancement that has
allocated with members from each system as Fire and Police although been agreed on is the addition
agency and Intergraph reporting it is working on a future CAD of time stamping so St John can
to a steering committee as they roadmap and migrating to new see automatically when a fire
tackled what was described infrastructure to ensure continued truck has arrived at a job. “At
as “significant technical and reliability. No details were available the moment we have to send it
organisational hurdles”. at publication date. through manually and they enter it
The different systems and call “We are committed to making manually. This will free them up to
handling processes had to be our CAD system the best possible do other work.”
aligned without compromising solution it can be, recognising that Turner says NZFS and St John
existing IT and call centre systems at the centre of decision making now have “far better processes
while assuring privacy and security will be the interests of our patients for dealing with issues more
of information. and our specific emergency, non- quickly” and communication with
emergency and clinical needs.” Intergraph is much improved.
More refinements ahead Now that the glitch between And while ideas are being
NZFS and St John systems has shared about future enhancements
St John first began implementing been ironed out, there are plans he says “these aren’t something
the VisiCAD despatch system from to further improve and enhance you just plug in, they have to be
US-based Tritech in 1996 which the InterCAD system so it’s thoroughly worked through in a
gave it GIS map-based display of easier for people in the main test environment”.ATED BLEEDER VALVE
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mail@loktronic.co.nz www.loktronic.co.nz20 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
Fire Safety Review a
slow burner - Greater
industry input urged
A poor fire industry response to The MBIE effort to get
an extensive review of fire safety industry involved, including a
regulations and practice in New comprehensive questionnaire on Serious concerns have
Zealand means critical changes, issues impacting fire safety, saw
now being considered as part around 80% of those involved been raised about
of an extended Fire Programme making no comment and many
process, have been influenced failing to even tick the basic choice conflicts, confusion
by around 10 percent of those boxes.
eligible to have a say. Serious concerns have been and misunderstanding
NZ Fire Protection Association raised about conflicts, confusion
chief executive Keith Blind warns and misunderstanding since since the revision
the New Zealand fire industry has the revision of the Building
become far too apathetic about its Code provisions and supporting of the Building
own future. “People either aren’t documents for fire safety were first
across the issues or they don’t released in April 2012. Code provisions and
care about them. We need a more The law change which came into
cohesive cross industry view.” effect in July 2013 was supposed supporting documents
to improve criteria and methods
for designers, fire engineers and
Building Consent Authorities so that
for fire safety were first
fire design could be applied more
consistently.
released in April 2012.
MBIE conceded the fire and
building industry had struggled
with significant changes in content manager Chris Rutledge admits
and structure, leaving things open there’s likely to be spill over into
to interpretation and resulting in 2017 for at least six of the projects.
inconsistencies with the way the Each project has a timeframe
new fire safety requirements were and review process to ensure it is
interpreted. on track with quarterly updates
After six months of processing provided and opportunities for
industry feedback MBIE announced stakeholders to have input. In
at the end of July, a series of several cases there will be a need
14 projects known as the Fire for further extensive consultation.
Programme, designed to make fire Rutledge says it’s unlikely any of
safety more “performance based”. the Fire Programme adjustments
will need legislative changes,
Slipping into the future although any Building Code
changes will require detailed or full
While the timeline stated it public consultation, including those
would be all done and dusted by relating to acceptable solutions and
FPANZ CEO Keith Blind around August 2016, MBIE project timber linings.ISSUE 11 | September 2015 21
FPANZ takes a stand
The Fire Protection Association (FPANZ) membership survey on fire
safety issues gave a strong indication that unnecessary costs could
be avoided if qualified Fire Evacuation Consultants were involved in
building design from the outset.
That would also ensure the need of people with disabilities were
met.
There was general agreement that a Building Warrant of Fitness
(BWOF) should reflect the integrated nature of all fire protection
systems to enable evacuation consultants to more effectively plan and
manage a relevant fire evacuation philosophy.
There was opposition to building owners removing hand held
fire equipment from buildings where it was in accordance with the
original design.
There was strong agreement that any firefighting equipment in a
building should be part of a building’s code of compliance and little
doubt that designated persons or wardens should be trained in the
use of those appliances.
MBIE has confirmed that FPANZ feedback provided a useful input
ahead of the current Fire Programmer being established.
FPANZ is determined to remain part of the discussion to ensure its
MBIE Fire Programme project leader findings are adequately dealt with and pursued further.
Chris Rutledge
“Code changes require The review of acceptable Only around 250 turned up
ministerial decisions and some will solutions (C/AS1-7) is also underway throughout the country. Then, of
be delegated to the chief executive and fire design for prisons, fire the 220 stakeholders responding to
of MBIE and the general manager of stations and other specialist emails in October 2014, an average
building systems performance.” buildings is “quite a way down the of less than 20% ticked the boxes
In the meantime the industry will track”. Passive fire protection will or gave any written feedback to
have to work with existing codes kick off early next year. questionnaires “designed to drill
and requirements. “There’s nothing MOBIE chief engineer Mike deeper into the key issues” raised
technically wrong with existing fire Stannard says the Fire Programme during the workshops.
regulations. This is an opportunity charts a clear direction and Project manager Chris Rutlege
for stakeholders to work with MBIE comprehensive plan for the future says MBIE has an email list of 800-
to make changes around how the development of fire regulations. 900 stakeholders, representing
system works.” “It is expected that through the majority of those who want to
Rutledge agrees some aspects a more interactive and inclusive be actively involved. “We think a
of the system are “not working as stakeholder engagement, coupled quarter of those turning out to the
efficiently as they need to be from with other sector-based initiatives, workshops to give us feedback is
anyone’s perspective, particularly MBIE and the sector will be better pretty good.”
in relation to consenting…which able to deliver on their expected But what about the low response
is probably harder than it needs to roles within the regulatory system.” from the questionnaire? He reckons
be.” a lot of that had to do with the
The goal is to achieve as much Failure to ignite interest number of questions and how they
as possible by the end of 2016. “A were structured. “A lot of people
good approach to anything like this The Fire Safety Review was only answered those questions in
is to take a pause after 18 months, designed to improve co-ordination which they had a specific interest.”
assess what we have achieved, across the sector and with MBIE While the feedback was low at
look at what’s left and apply what but failed to ignite a groundswell one level, those on the mailing list
we have learned to the rest of the of interest in the initial consultation helped give a fairly representative
programme.” process. view. “I think we would design the
Rutledge says four projects are Around 3700 representatives of questionnaire differently if we did
underway including supported the wider fire industry, excluding the same thing again.”
housing (for the disabled) and the the NZ Fire Service, were given the Rutlege is hoping for “high level
reintroduction of alternate solutions opportunity to participate in five of engagement as we move into
and the effectiveness of the fire workshops in major centres last these projects including participation
engineering brief (FEB) process year seeking to understand what in working groups and feedback on
which are at an early stage was and wasn’t working. what’s been developed.”22 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
“A good approach to Fire Programme projects
anything like this is to 1. Fire Safety Requirements for Supported Housing
take a pause after 18 2. Alterations to Existing Buildings and As Near As Reasonably
Practicable (ANARP) Decisions for Fire Safety Requirements
months, assess what 3. Material Group Numbers – Timber Linings
4. Role of the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) in Consenting
we have achieved, 5. Stakeholder Access to MBIE Guidance and Advice
look at what’s left and 6. Re-Introduction of Alternative Solutions and the Effectiveness of
the FEB Process
apply what we have 7. Review of Acceptable Solutions C/AS1-7
8. Understanding Building Categorisation Systems
learned to the rest 9. Fire Design for Prisons and Fire Stations and other Specialist
Buildings
of the programme.” 10. Structural Stability and Storage Buildings
MBIE Fire Programme 11.
12.
Evacuation for Persons with Disabilities in Commercial Buildings
Installation and Compliance of Passive Fire Protection Systems
project leader Chris 13. Construction Monitoring and Post-Construction Compliance
14. Understanding all of the Legislation and Regulations that applies to
Rutledge. Fire Safety in buildings
Although valuable high-level Time to move forward to address a disconnect with
comments reflecting wider legislation which had led to
industry concerns were made In presenting the summary of uncertainty.
during the process, FPANZ CEO the initial review of the 2012 Fire Industry feedback showed
Keith Blind remains concerned at Safety Building Code, MBIE’s chief concern at the widely varying
the level of apathy. engineer Mike Stannard, stated advice offered by BCAs and a
Most contributors appeared much had been learned and it was recommendation that more
to be fire engineers and building now “time to move forward”. training and guidance on Fire
controllers, “where, for example He concluded: “Re-litigating Safety Design be provided to them,
were the property management issues and concerns around the architects and tradies.
groups?” history of the changes will only Feedback suggested it was
Even a separate FPANZ survey slow and stymy the progress we difficult to find qualified fire
didn’t attract the level of response can collectively make.” engineers and BCA’s with
it was hoping for to ensure all The goal was to achieve a sufficient knowledge and proper
stakeholders were informed about collaborative sector-wide approach training.
proposed changes. to achieve “an effective and It was suggested the Building
The FPANZ survey seeking efficient best practice regulatory WOF Compliance Schedule should
answers to 30 questions including system for fire safety in New include signage and passive fire
15 specific member concerns, was Zealand”. protection measures, including
accepted after the MOBIE deadline The review partly arose from greater awareness of the inter-
in an attempt to add value to the a briefing of key MBIE staff in dependency of systems
research. September 2014 where concerns
were raised about earlier fire Consenting inconsistencies
safety code changes, particularly
engagement with “fire review Claims were made of
stakeholders”. inconsistency between what was
Among the top issues raised agreed during resource consent
were the need for further guidance and evacuation regulations with
around alterations to existing designers hiding behind the
buildings including how passive fire Building Code level of performance
resistance was treated along with “creating conflict and issues for
concerns about delays, increased their client down the track.”
costs and a lack of accountability It was also suggested current
and confidence. “acceptable solutions” had
There was a need to clarify increased costs for building
the building inspection regime owners without increasing safety
and WOF compliance schedule or providing value for money withISSUE 11 | September 2015 23
Fire Safety Review
Stakeholder Summary
Overview of comments and questions
• Errors within Acceptable Solutions and Verification Method
documents
• Performance based Code versus prescriptive elements
• Inconsistent approach from fire engineers, designers and BCA’s
• Lack of fire engineering or fire sector resources nationwide
• Code and associated documents too open to interpretation
• Disparate views, varying opinions on key issues
High level summary (Top 12 issues)
1. More guidance for alterations to existing buildings
2. Concern changes have increased costs, caused delays and loss of
accountability
3. Building inspection regime, WOF and Compliance Schedule need
clarification
4. Disconnects between legislation creating uncertainty
5. Clarify the role of NZ Fire Service and firefighting water
requirements
6. Re-address interior surface finishes and performance level
requirements
7. More consistent advice needed from MBIE
8. BCA advice varies widely, requiring more training on Fire Safety
Design
9. Guidance needed on Passive Fire Protection and service
penetrations
10. Verification Method should be more flexible and allow innovation
11. Fix errors and inconsistencies in Acceptable Solutions C/ASx
12. Review acceptable solutions for Community Care, Property
Rating, Disabled Evacuation and Fire Fighting
errors across multiple documents without requiring “an engineering
causing confusion, delays and review on top of the peer review”.
uncertainty. It was alleged that there were
Some acceptable solutions too many requests for further
were allegedly inconsistent with information arising from the Fire
the Building Code, with councils Service consent review, resulting in
not understand the consenting delays and increased costs.
and compliance requirements and Another response suggested
designers spending too much time the Fire Service ought to be
having to justify their designs. better resourced with qualified
The NZ Fire Service came in fire engineers and get back to the
for its fair share of criticism in basics of “looking at operational
the Review document. The role reviews or evacuation scheme
of Fire Service involvement was approvals and administration of
questioned with suggestions it trial evacuations.” There was a
should limit its advice to what request for a complaint process for
was required by the Building Act NZFS failings.24 ISSUE 11 | September 2015
New era of fire
industry innovation
The fire industry is entering a new
era of innovation, improvements
in design and changing legislation
and needs to “step forward and
lift the level of professionalism,”
says New Zealand Fire Protection
Association CEO, Keith Blind.
The theme of this year’s fire
industry conference “Transforming
the Fire Triangle” is about the need
for a refresh across design, safety
and innovation based on changes
in fire safety legislation, the latest
technology and international trends.
The annual two-day conference
at the TSB Arena and Shed 6 on
Wellington’s Queens Wharf from 15-
16 October is designed to provide
insight and learning and extend In the passive fire protection to the HOFFE market you will need
thinking around key industry issues space, FPANZ is working with MBIE to be registered and listed with
including the latest developments in and BRANZ on delivering a suite us and the equipment will need
fire protection. of design guideline documents for to be standards approved by an
The event run jointly by FPANZ, the installation and maintenance independent body,” says Blind.
the Society of Fire Protection of passive fire systems. The A complete refresh of the fire
Engineers (SFPE) and the Institution programme, expected to be evacuation consultants code of
of Fire Engineers (IFE) has attracted completed in 12 months, is industry practice, designed to replace an
keynote speakers from the USA, funded and supported. earlier attempt in 2012, will also be
Australia and New Zealand and “There’s a lot going on in the launched at the conference. “This
industry professionals from training space with the update will provide terms of reference and
throughout the Pacific. of qualifications and registering guidelines for people preparing
Three key areas being worked new ones within the existing and supplying evacuation plans for
through are accreditation, framework.” different types of buildings.”
certification of products and “bright An accreditation and certification Anyone with an interest in fire
new ideas and elements that are scheme for the hand operated safety can attend including fire
shifting in the design space,” says fire fighting equipment (HOFFE) protection contractors, consultants,
Blind. market will also be introduced at fire engineers, architects, surveyors,
FPANZ is backing the launch the conference in an attempt to developers, manufacturers,
of 3D software packages for the “improve quality and lift the market”. distributors and installers of fire
designers of fire protection systems A new registration scheme equipment, insurance professionals,
that plug into CAD design suites is being introduced alongside a regulatory authorities, fire service
and will host training workshops on listing of fire equipment product. personnel, property and facilities
their use. “If you are an importer or supplier managers.You can also read
