GasBag - FPA Australia · 2012. 12. 5. · ISO 15779 • Apart from one or two editorial...

GasBagNewsletter for Professionals Working With ODS & SGG Extinguishing Agents

In This Issue• ODS & SGG Awareness• Aviation Special

Circumstances Exemption• Licences, Permits and

Authorisations Updates• Transitioning to a Qualified

Persons Licence 2, 3 and 5• Registered Training

Organisation Profiles• International Organisation for

Standardisation (ISO) Update• Carbon Pricing: Implications for

the Fire Protection Industry• Carbon Pricing FAQs

Winter Edition 2012

If so, fire protection technicians working on your system and extinguishers may require a licence.

Does your facility have a gaseous fire suppression system or portable fire extinguishers?

This container holds a scheduled

extinguishing agent that if released

into the atmosphere, may deplete the

ozone layer or add to global warming.

Commonwealth Ozone Protection

and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas

Management Regulations (1995)

require fire protection technicians

working on this extinguishing

agent container to hold a current

Extinguishing Agent Handling

Licence (EAHL) as issued by the

Fire Protection Industry

(ODS & SGG) Board.

Technicians are reminded to use

the correct procedures when:

• Moving or storing this container.

• Connecting this container to a

gaseous fire suppression system.

• Disconnecting this container from

a gaseous fire suppression system.

Any accidental discharge of

extinguishing agent from this

container must be reported

to the Fire Protection Industry

(ODS & SGG) Board:

• Call: 03 9890 1544 or 1300 731 922

• Email: [email protected]

WARNINGEXTINGUISHING AGENT HANDLING LICENCE REQUIRED

The Board has launched a revised building owner’s brochure to further increase building owners’ and occupiers’ awareness of ODS & SGG containing gaseous fire suppression systems that may be installed in their premises.

The promotion consists of a revised building owner’s brochure and two information labels that should be affixed to:

• Fire indicator panels that are connected to systems containing ODS & SGG

• Cylinders containing ODS & SGG

Companies are encouraged to use the following resources:

• Technicians should use their licence cards to highlight the field of experience they have acquired. This licence should be shown to remind customers to always use a licensed technician.

• Promotional material to continue to increase building owners’ and occupiers’ awareness of ODS & SGG containing gaseous fire suppression systems that may be installed in their premises.

Information sticker that can be affixed to each fire indicator panel associated with an ODS & SGG gaseous system.

Explanatory brochure covering the requirements for gaseous fire suppression system servicing and testing personnel to be licensed (Revised versions will soon be available).

Building Owners’ and Occupiers’ Awareness of Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems Containing ODS & SGG

Expansion of sticker campaign: information sticker to be placed on cylinders that contain ODS & SGG.

• Industry Listing: A current list of companies who employ licensed fire protection technicians, holding Extinguishing Agent Trading Authorisations and/or Halon Special Permits can be downloaded by accessing the Ozone Depletion Registration Scheme page from www.fpaa.com.au/licencing and then clicking the Licensed Companies tab.

Free copies of both stickers and the brochure can be ordered by contacting Carlos Santin by email at: [email protected] call on 1300 731 922.

pg 2

What Do You Need to Do About an Accidental Discharge of a Scheduled Extinguishing Agent?Discharges, accidental or otherwise need to be reported to the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board using a standard notification of discharge form that can be downloaded by visiting the Ozone Depletion Registration Scheme page from www.fpaa.com.au/licencing, clicking the Application Forms tab and selecting the appropriate form.

Aviation Special Circumstance ExemptionThe Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995 require all persons handling ozone depleting substances or synthetic greenhouse gases used in fire protection to be licensed.

In the case of the aviation industry regulation 302 (1A) allows Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs) upon achieving competency PRMPFES 43A to be exempted from the requirement to hold a licence.

The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board has approved for a Special Circumstance Exemption (12 months) to be provided to the aviation industry to exempt LAMEs and aircraft maintenance engineers from holding an extinguishing agent handling licence providing they achieve competence in PRMPFES43A or equivalent assessment outcomes at a CASA approved Maintenance Training Organisation or a Registered Training Organisation.

If you have specific questions regarding your transition to a Qualified Persons Licence, please don’t hesitate to contact Carlos Santin by email at: [email protected] call 1300 731 922.

Members of the Board

Chris OrrBrooks (Chair)

Scott WilliamsFPA Australia

Janet Hughes DSEWPaC (Observing)

Greg Ripon DSEWPaC (Observing)

Barry Lee OAMLee Fire Management

Roger ThomasTyco Fire and Security

Brett StainesChubb Fire and Security

Ray WaltonKidde Aerospace and Defence Pty Ltd

Vic PercivalLateral Fire Design

Carlos SantinFPI (ODS & SGG) Board (Executive Officer)

Your Input and Feedback The Board welcomes your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions on issues relating to ODS & SGG or content for GasBag please contact the board via [email protected].

Across Australia as of 04 June 2012:

• A total of 1247 technicians hold an Experienced Persons - EAHL. • A total of 48 technicians now hold a Qualified Persons EAHL. • A total of 75 technicians hold a trainee licence.

Total number of licence holders by category in each state/territory

Licence 1 Licence 2 Licence 3 Licence 4 Licence 5 Licence 6

VIC 45 156 183 46 42 93

NSW 90 241 341 37 29 140

QLD 102 197 245 59 52 123

WA 72 144 184 36 27 77

SA 8 72 81 2 3 35

TAS 5 28 35 1 1 17

NT 7 10 11 3 4 3

ACT 1 7 11 0 0 5

TOTAL 330 855 1091 184 158 493

Extinguishing Agent Trading Authorisation (EATA) UpdateA total of 136 companies have a current authorisation.

Halon Special Permit (HSP) UpdateA total of 37 companies have a current Halon Special Permit.

Transitioning to a Qualified Persons Licence 2, 3 and 5The Board has approved the roll out of Qualified Persons Licence 2, 3 and 5 that will begin 1 July 2012.

When a technician reissues a Licence 2, 3 and/or 5, a 15 month transition period will be provided to allow them to acquire a Qualified Persons Licence.

All licence holders will be individually notified as to their own individual transition. This will involve a reissue of licence, together with a transition information pack containing information to help with the transition process.

If you have specific questions regarding the above please contact Carlos Santin by email at: [email protected] or call on 1300 731 922.

Licence Transition ExampleOn July 4 2012, Robert Smith receives his reissue of Experienced Persons Extinguishing Agent Handling Licences 2 & 3.

Robert knows it is important to send his reissue of licence together with payment to remain licensed and be provided with 15 months to transition to a Qualified Persons Licence.

Robert checks the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) list included in the transition information pack and decides to call one that offers the units of competency he requires.

Robert chooses one of the RTOs and enrols in the units of competency he requires.

Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL) Update

Robert decides to undergo assessment only as he feels he has the experience and knowledge to be deemed competent.

The RTO then arranges for Robert to undergo completion of the theory and practical assessment required for competency.

Robert undergoes assessment and is later informed by the RTO of his competency in the particular units.

He receives statements of attainment for each unit by mail.

Finally, Robert submits an application, together with certified copies of one or more statements of attainment listing all the units of competency required for the Qualified Persons Licence 2 & 3.

pg 2pg 4

The Board has recently developed and released a listing containing information on the Registered Training Organisations that hold the relevant units for the ‘Qualified’ licence under their scope of registration.

Registered Training Organisation Profiles

A1 Fire and Safety Pty LtdA1 Fire and Safety Pty Ltd is a Queensland based fire protection company. A division of the business is education and training as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to the fire protection industry. As a niche area training and/or assessment is generally direct to fire protection businesses and/or individuals.

Mr Luke Linderman – Phone: (07) 4639 3818 – Email: [email protected]

Fire Skills TrainingFire Skills Training is a Queensland-based RTO delivering the qualifications required for all Extinguishing Agent Handling Licences and a large range of BSA licences.

FST specialises in recognition of prior learning (RPL). If you work in the fire protection industry, you may already have the knowledge and skills required to gain a formal qualification and meet EAHL and BSA licensing requirements.

Mr Robert Miles – Phone: (07) 3333 2378 – Email: [email protected]

Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia)FPA Australia is an RTO specialising in fire protection maintenance training. The Learning & Development Department of the Association offers nationally recognised qualifications and a range of almost 50 individual units of competency for technicians to select from. The product range is flexible enough to be delivered as self-study units or as workshops regularly held in most capital cities around Australia. FPA Australia qualifications and units meet the needs of many of the Queensland BSA Fire Occupational Licences and the National ODS and SGG Extinguishing Agents Handling Licences 1 – 5.

Ms Lauren St Clair – Phone: (03) 9890 1544 – Email: [email protected]

Joint Industry Services Training (JIST)JIST is an industry owned registered training provider, specialising in the delivery of high quality, flexible training in the fire protection industry. JIST was specifically established to meet trade and post trade needs of employers and employees engaged in the fire protection industry.

Ms Anne Tracy – Phone: (07) 3255 5698 – Email: [email protected]

PEER VEETPEER VEET’s provides training to pre-apprentices, apprentices and trainees and tradespeople by qualified training staff who have vast knowledge and experience in industry. PEER has a flexible learning structure, up-to-date technology and facilities and provides both theory and hands-on work. For more information visit www.peer.com.au.

Ms Annette Duggan – Phone: (08) 8348 1200 – Email: [email protected]

The list can be downloaded by accessing the Ozone Depletion Registration Scheme page from www.fpaa.com.au/licencing and clicking the Registered Training Organisations tab.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Listing

ISO Technical Sub-committee ISO/TC 21/SC 8, Gaseous media and fire fighting systems using gas, met in Chicago during September 2011. Some of the more important actions taken included the following:

ISO 15779• Apart from one or two editorial

corrections, work was completed on the first edition of ISO 15779, Condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems. Standards Australia is using this document as the basis for a generic-type revision of AS/NZS 4487 : 1997, Pyrogen fire extinguishing aerosol systems.

ISO 14520• The sub-committee received reports

from four working groups concerning proposed revisions to ISO 14520, Gaseous fire-extinguishing systems - Physical properties and system design - Part 1: General requirements. The revisions proposed by Working Group 1 focused primarily on Annex C, which deals with a test method for fire extinguishment / area coverage fire tests for engineered and pre-engineered extinguishing systems.

• Working Group 2 considered proposed revisions to Annex E, Door fan test for determining minimum hold time (Annex E contains information for establishing the integrity of rooms and enclosures with respect to maintaining the extinguishing concentration for the relevant period [hold time]). Among other things, the WG 2 report recommended that the hold time for nitrogen be determined assuming continuous mixing, and that Annex E should not be used to determine hold time within 600 mm of the top of the protected enclosure.

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Update By Barry Lee OAM, Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board Member

• Annexes B, G and H (Determination of flame-extinguishing concentration of gaseous extinguishants by the cup burner method, safe personnel exposure guidelines, and flow calculation implementation methods and flow verification and testing for approvals, respectively) were reviewed by Working Group 3. The work on Annex B will result in some changes to flame-extinguishing concentrations determined by the cup burner method.

• The activities of Working Group 4 are perhaps of most interest to readers of GasBag newsletter. This WG is charged with revision of ISO 14520 parts 2 through 15 to incorporate the latest fire test data and details of environmental characteristics, i.e., ODP, GWP and ALT values.

• All of this work is to be converted to ISO standard text and incorporated in a Committee Draft (CD) prior to September, 2012; the intent being to progress the CD through the various stages to become the third edition of ISO 14520.

Streaming Agents• Sub-committee ISO/TC 21/SC 8 also

agreed at the Chicago meeting to co-work with Sub-committee ISO/TC 21/SC 2 on developing specifications for streaming agents. The results of this collaboration will be useful not only in the portable and wheeled extinguisher context, but also in terms of ongoing fire extinguishing systems development (e.g., local application systems).

Scaling FactorsISO/TS 12854 : 2009, Gaseous media fire extinguishing systems - Physical properties and system design - Scaling

Extinguishing concentration according to Annex C

Extinguishing concentration according to Annex B

Scaling factor =

factors for Class B fuels other than heptane, is to remain a Technical Specification for the time being. ISO/TS 12854 provides an alternative to cup burner / pan testing for fuels other than heptane by permitting the extinguishing concentration determined in accordance with Annex B of ISO 14520 multiplied by the scaling factor specific for the extinguishant multiplied by a safety factor of 1.3. For the extinguishing agent, tests according to Annex C of ISO 14520 (0.25 square metre pan with flammable liquid, 100 cubic metre room) and Annex B are carried out with heptane and at least two further Class B fuels (methyl alcohol and acetone). For each of these three fuels, the relationship of the extinguishing concentrations derived from the test methods is calculated as follows:

The scaling factor is taken as the highest figure in these relationships, but not less than 1. ISO/TS 12854 states that, if a scaling factor is not available, a preliminary factor of 1.15 is to be used.

Oxygen Reduction SystemsISO/TC 21/SC 8 also received a verbal report on the development status of a draft ISO standard on oxygen reduction systems. Since this is a combined effort between CEN and SC 8, the SC has formally requested the CEN/TC 191 working group to provide SC 8 with the current draft document; also to make available material related to the health effects of these systems. The intent is to produce a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) for a parallel-voted ISO standard.

pg 6

This article provides an overview of the key implications for fire protection companies on equivalent carbon pricing and explains how this pricing applies to synthetic greenhouse gases (SGGs) used in the fire protection industry.

Fire protection companies who import SGGs e.g. (FM200®) either in bulk form or in fire protection equipment, will be required to hold an import licence and to pay an equivalent carbon price for imports made from 1 July 2012.

Only those companies importing SGGs will be required to pay the equivalent carbon price. However it is expected that importers will pass on some or all of their costs, including additional administrative costs, to customers.

The following are examples of synthetic greenhouse gas extinguishing agents that are used in the fire protection industry to which the equivalent carbon price will be applied.

Gas Product Global Warming Potential (GWP)

HFC-23 FE-13TM 11,700 GWP

HFC-125 FE-25TM 2,800 GWP

HFC-134a Halotron® II 1,300 GWP

HFC-227ea FM-200® (FE-227TM) 2,900 GWP

HFC-236fa FE-36TM 6,300 GWP

Sulfur Hexafluoride SF6 23,900 GWP

Importantly, extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide, Halon 1211, Halon 1301, NovecTM 1230, Inergen®, Argonite®, water mist systems and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are not affected by this legislation, and no additional levies will be charged on their import.

Global Warming PotentialsThe concept of a global warming potential (GWP) was developed to compare the ability of each greenhouse gas to trap heat in the atmosphere relative to another gas. The definition of a GWP for a particular greenhouse gas is the ratio of heat trapped by one

unit mass of the greenhouse gas to that of one unit mass of CO2 over a specified time period.

The GWP will vary, sometimes significantly, between different synthetic greenhouse gases.

No decision has been made in changing from the current Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Second Assessment Report (AR2) to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) global warming potential figures and this is not likely to occur in the foreseeable future.

Carbon Pricing:

Managing the CostsImporters of bulk synthetic greenhouse gases will require a Controlled Substance licence and importers of equipment containing synthetic greenhouse gases will require a SGG Equipment licence.

Importers of bulk synthetic greenhouse gases and equipment containing synthetic greenhouse gases will be required to report all imports on a quarterly basis. The equivalent carbon price and the existing cost recovery levy will be due and payable 60 days after the end of the quarter to which they relate.

Companies should consider their ability to adjust prices to recover any cost associated with the equivalent carbon price. However any price increases that are attributed to the equivalent carbon price may need to be justified to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The Commission has provided a guide for businesses on determining carbon price claims www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/1017091

The ACCC will have an educational and monitoring role with the power to impose penalties for false or misleading conduct in relation to carbon price matters under the Australian Consumer Act 2010.Enquiries should be made directly to the ACCC.

Implications for the Fire Protection Industry

Example of Calculating the Equivalent Carbon Price and Recovery Levy Payable

The following is an example of the equivalent carbon price for FM200® (FE 227™) as it would apply to an Australian importer.

On 4 July 2012, a company imports one tonne of FM200® (FE 227™) into Australia. The total equivalent carbon price payable is calculated as follows:

STEP 1 – Calculate the equivalent carbon price

Equivalent Carbon Price = Quantity of synthetic greenhouse gas x Global Warming Potential x Applicable carbon price

1 tonne x 2,900 x $23/tonne Total = $66,700

STEP 2 – Calculate recovery levy payable

Cost recovery levy payable = Quantity of synthetic greenhouse gas x prescribed levy rate

1 tonne x 165/tonne Total = $165

STEP 3 – Calculate the total levy payable

The total amount payable would be $66,865 calculated by adding the totals for step 1 and step 2.

Important to note: At the end of the third year, the equivalent carbon price will be based on the benchmark average auction price that will be determined by the carbon pricing mechanism. The benchmark average auction price will be calculated by the auction of permits in the preceding 12 month period, and will be announced well in advance of the 1 July changeover date for each year.

• The legislation allows for a refund of the equivalent carbon price on synthetic greenhouse gases that are subsequently exported within 12 months of import.

• A refund of the equivalent carbon price can be claimed by import licence holders if bulk synthetic gases or equipment containing synthetic greenhouse gases are exported. The export must be made by the licence holder or a customer of the licence holder. Details of the scheme will be available in June 2012.

Incentives for Recycling and DestructionIncentive payments will be provided for destruction of waste synthetic greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances, recovered at end of life. These payments will be made after verification of destruction of the gas and will start from 1 July 2013. It is understood that this program will be developed in consultation with the fire protection industry including FPA Australia.

Administration & Levy Payment The existing administrative levy payment system under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 will be used to apply the equivalent carbon price. The prescribed levy payment pursuant to the Act includes two components:

• Equivalent carbon price • Recovery levy

Compliance and AuditThere will be additional investment by the Government in compliance and audit functions to ensure compliance with the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989.

Calculating the Equivalent Carbon Price and Recovery Levy PayableThe equivalent carbon price is based on the applicable carbon price each year and the global warming potential for each synthetic greenhouse gas.

The applicable carbon price for the first three years of the scheme will operate under a fixed pricing arrangement as follows:

Year 1 (2012/13) - $23.00

Year 2 (2013/14) - $24.15

Year 3 (2014/2015) - $25.40

Companies will also be required to pay the existing cost recovery levy.

An online calculator is available at www.environment.gov.au/equivalentcarbonprice to help estimate the levy on synthetic greenhouse gases, including blends of these gases.

Implications for the Fire Protection Industry

GasBag is a publication of the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board. Statements made in this publication do not necessarily represent the policy or opinions of the Board, FPA Australia or The Australian Government, or their officers or members. The Board does not accept liability for any errors or omissions in anything contained in any edition of GasBag TM newsletter.

Carbon Pricing FAQs1. Will the supply of FM-200 or other synthetic greenhouse gases for

servicing of existing systems or supplying new systems be affected? Despite an expected cost increase to the consumer for any agent imported after

1st July 2012, the introduction of the equivalent carbon price will not affect the continuity of supply of FM-200 or other synthetic greenhouse gases for owners of new or existing systems.

Importantly:

• FM200® (FE 227™) already in Australia prior to 1 July 2012 will not be subject to the equivalent carbon price.

• There are no limits on the quantity of FM200® (FE 227™) or other synthetic greenhouse gases which can be imported.

2. Do existing FM200® (FE 227™) systems need to be decommissioned? No. There is no requirement to decommission any FM-200 installation.

3. Do technicians need an Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence? Technicians working on FM200® (FE 227™) systems and other synthetic

greenhouse gas systems must hold an Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence (EAHL).

To apply for an EAHL you should contact:

Executive Officer - Ozone Protection Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board T 1300 731 922 E [email protected]

4. Is an Extinguishing Agent Trading authorisation needed? An Extinguishing Agent Trading Authorisation (EATA) is required if ozone

depleting or synthetic greenhouse gas extinguishing agents are acquired, possessed, or disposed of regardless of these new requirements. Generally, this means that an EATA is held by a company but may be held by an individual, where appropriate.

More Information For more information about the clean energy package visit www.cleanenergyfuture.gov.au

For more information about the Australian Government’s administration of synthetic greenhouse gases visit: www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone

For more information about technician licence requirements, company specific authorisations or permits visit the Ozone Depletion Registration Scheme page at www.fpaa.com.au/licencing

pg 8

GasBag - FPA Australia · 2012. 12. 5. · ISO 15779 • Apart from one or two editorial...

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