Introduction
Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW) issues position statements to provide clear guidance on various fire safety and building regulation matters. These statements are designed to inform and assist stakeholders, including building owners, designers, and fire safety professionals, in understanding and complying with fire safety requirements. The position statements reflect FRNSW’s stance on specific issues and are updated periodically to incorporate the latest standards and practices. There have been a large number of updates in 2024. This article comprises a listing and summary of these position statements.
Detailed Summaries of FRNSW Position Statements Released in 2024
- Accessibility of Fire Hydrants (29th April 2024) — This statement emphasises the importance of ensuring fire hydrants are accessible at all times. It outlines the requirements for placement, maintenance, and obstruction-free access to hydrants to facilitate effective firefighting operations.
- Applicable Building Code of Australia (BCA) (29th April 2024) — FRNSW provides guidance on the application of the Building Code of Australia, highlighting key fire safety provisions and how they should be implemented in various building types.
- Application of Fire Sprinkler Concessions under Specification 18 of the NCC (30th August 2024) — This statement details the conditions under which fire sprinkler concessions can be applied, ensuring that safety is not compromised while allowing for flexibility in building design.
- Automated Vehicle Parking Systems (AVPS) (29th April 2024) — FRNSW addresses the fire safety considerations for automated vehicle parking systems, including fire detection, suppression systems, and emergency access requirements.
- Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) (29th April 2024) — This statement outlines the fire safety measures necessary for buildings equipped with automatic storage and retrieval systems, focusing on fire detection, suppression, and access for firefighting.
- Consultation on the Performance-Based Design Brief (PBDB) (30th August 2024) — FRNSW emphasises the importance of consulting with relevant fire authorities during the development of performance-based design briefs to ensure fire safety objectives are met.
- Consultation with the Relevant Fire Brigade, Fire Service, or Fire Authority (29th April 2024) — This statement highlights the necessity of engaging with fire services during the planning and design stages of building projects to address fire safety concerns effectively.
- Dry Fire Hydrant System (4th June 2024) — FRNSW provides guidelines on the installation and maintenance of dry fire hydrant systems, which are essential for areas where water supply may be limited or unreliable.
- Electric Vehicles (EV) and EV Charging Equipment (4th June 2024) — This statement addresses the fire risks associated with electric vehicles and their charging equipment, recommending safety measures to mitigate these risks.
- Exemption from Fire Safety Standards (29th April 2024) — FRNSW outlines the criteria and process for obtaining exemptions from certain fire safety standards, ensuring that any exemptions granted do not compromise overall safety.
- Extended Fire Hydrant Coverage (14th June 2024) — This statement provides guidance on extending fire hydrant coverage in large or complex buildings to ensure adequate water supply for firefighting.
- External Combustible Cladding (14th June 2024) — FRNSW addresses the risks associated with external combustible cladding and provides recommendations for mitigating these risks through proper material selection and installation practices.
- Fire Doors with Fire Activated Bolts (29th April 2024) — This statement discusses the use of fire doors equipped with fire-activated bolts, ensuring they meet the necessary performance criteria for fire resistance and safety.
- Fire Engineering for Existing Buildings (12th September 2024) — FRNSW provides guidance on applying fire engineering principles to existing buildings to enhance their fire safety without extensive structural modifications.
- Fire Hydrant System - Single vs Multiple (9th October 2024) — This statement compares the use of single versus multiple fire hydrant systems, providing recommendations based on building size, complexity, and fire risk.
- Fire Hydrant System in Existing Building or Premises (12th September 2024) — FRNSW outlines the requirements for maintaining and upgrading fire hydrant systems in existing buildings to ensure they remain effective.
- Fire Hydrant System in New Building or Premises (30th August 2024) — This statement provides guidelines for designing and installing fire hydrant systems in new buildings, ensuring compliance with the latest standards.
- Fire Safety in Early Childhood Centres (12th September 2024) — FRNSW emphasises the importance of fire safety in early childhood centres, providing specific recommendations to protect young children in these settings.
- Fire Safety Study (FSS) Process (14th June 2024) — This statement outlines the process for conducting a fire safety study, including the necessary steps and documentation required to ensure comprehensive fire safety planning.
- Fire Sprinkler System in Existing Building or Premises (12th September 2024) — FRNSW provides guidance on retrofitting fire sprinkler systems in existing buildings to enhance fire protection.
- Fire Sprinklers in Class 1 Buildings (i.e., Homes) (30th August 2024) — This statement discusses the application of fire sprinklers in residential homes, highlighting the benefits and installation requirements.
- Fire Sprinklers in Class 2 and 3 Buildings (30th August 2024) — FRNSW provides guidelines for installing fire sprinklers in multi-residential buildings, ensuring adequate fire protection for occupants.
- Fixed Suction Connection for Below-Ground Water Supply (30th August 2024) — This statement addresses the use of fixed suction connections for below-ground water supplies, ensuring reliable water access for firefighting.
- Massive Timber Building Systems (30th August 2024) — FRNSW provides guidance on fire safety measures for buildings constructed with massive timber systems, focusing on fire resistance and suppression.
- Pressure Reducing Fire Hydrant Valve (PRFHV) (30th August 2024) — This statement outlines the use of pressure-reducing fire hydrant valves to manage water pressure in fire hydrant systems effectively.
- Security/Screen Doors Fitted to Sole-Occupancy Units (SOUs) (30th August 2024) — FRNSW discusses the fire safety implications of fitting security or screen doors to sole-occupancy units, providing recommendations to ensure safety.
- Self-Storage Facilities (9th October 2024) — This statement provides fire safety guidelines for self-storage facilities, addressing fire detection, suppression, and emergency access.
- Small-Bore Suction Connections (30th August 2024) — FRNSW outlines the use of small-bore suction connections in fire hydrant systems, ensuring they meet performance requirements for effective firefighting.
These position statements reflect FRNSW’s commitment to enhancing fire safety across various building types and scenarios, ensuring that stakeholders have the necessary guidance to implement effective fire safety measures.