Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS)
and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases (SGG)
Background
Background In 2004, FPA Australia was appointed by the Minister for Environment and Water Resources as the implementing agency for those parts of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 that relate to the fire protection industry. This is a clear recognition by the Government that the industry, represented by FPA Australia is in the best position to achieve the objectives of the legislation in a way that meets industry's needs. It highlights the high standing that the fire protection industry has with the government. However, it also places a clear obligation on our industry to work effectively and efficiently to achieve substantial reductions in the emissions of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases (ODS & SGG) and to rigidly comply with the provisions of the legislation.
Introducing the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board
During public consultation leading to the drafting of the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Managements Act 1989 FPA Australia and other stakeholders supported the establishment of an Industry Board to manage the implementations of the regulations. This would ensure that they were implemented efficiently and effectively. As a result, the Minister appointed FPA Australia as the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board on 1 July 2005.
Members of the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board include:
Chris Orr - Brooks (Chair)
Scott Williams - FPA Australia
Pat McInerney - DEWHA Brian Hobsbawn - DEWHA (Observing)
Barry Lee OAM - Lee Fire Management
Roger Thomas - Tyco
Brett Staines - Chubb
Ray Walton - Kidde
Vic Percival - Lateral Fire Design
Carlos Santin - FPA Australia (Executive Officer)
The functions of the Board include:
- developing, adapting and maintaining the code of practice to support the operation of the fire protection industry’s use of ODS and SGG;
- establishing and operating a licensing system to ensure that technicians working in the fire protection, or related industries, have the technical skills and knowledge required to proficiently handle ODS and SGG used in the fire protection industry;
- facilitating access to relevant education and training opportunities for technicians working in the fire protection industry;
- undertaking reviews and audits to ensure compliance with:
- the licensing system
- the requirement to employ suitably qualified technicians
- the requirement to provide appropriate equipment and
- that the equipment is certified and operating correctly
- ensuring that halon is used only in “essential use applications".
The Board is therefore responsible for implementing the regulations. However, the Government has not delegated the responsibility for enforcement. Prosecutions for offences under the Act will therefore remain the responsibility of the Government, although the Board will refer breaches of the Act to the Government for action.
How do I contact the Executive Office Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board or FPA Australia?
Executive Officer - Ozone Protection
Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board
13 Ellingworth Parade
PO Box 1049
Box Hill Vic 3128
T 1300 731 922
T 03 9890 1544
F 03 9890 1577