FPA training recognised for VBA's restricted classes
Posted on : Tuesday, 24 November 2020
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has
confirmed that a FPA Australia training course meets the
application requirements for both pumped and unpumped fire hydrant
restricted classes.
The course, "FPARS3120 Conduct water flow testing from fire
hydrants using portable flow measuring devices", has been
accepted by the Authority as suitable for delivering "knowledge in
conducting the water supply proving test on fire hydrant
systems".
This means that practitioners who complete the training will be
eligible for registration and licensing under the new restricted
classes arrangements.
The new arrangements, described in this
fact sheet, restrict the routine servicing of water based fire
protection equipment to qualified plumbers, under amendments to the
Plumbing Regulations 2018, but allows certain
practitioners currently performing the work to become
licensed.
The fire protection restricted classes were introduced by the VBA
to address some of the significant concerns raised by our sector
after the amendments unexpectedly designated the routine servicing
of water based fire protection systems as "plumbing work."
FPA Australia lobbied for the restricted classes to be introduced
to overcome this designation, and the recognition of our course now
provides an achievable pathway for individuals to meet the
application requirements for registration or licensing in the class
of pumped and unpumped fire hydrants and valves.
The VBA has also advised that its Executive is currently
considering FPA Australia's request to extend the deadline for
restricted registration and licensing requirements until at least
30 June, 2021.
For more information about training programs for the
restricted licence classes, visit our training page
here.