Registration and Licensing for VBA Fire Protection Restricted Classes
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has approved the
introduction of four new restricted classes of registration and
licensing for the routine servicing of certain fire protection
systems.
The restricted classes were necessary after amendments
introduced in the Plumbing Regulations 2018 mandated that the
routine servicing of water based fire protection systems was deemed
to be "plumbing work" and therefore must be carried out by an
appropriately qualified plumbing practitioner.
On behalf of the fire protection industry, FPA Australia
petitioned the VBA to address significant industry concerns, which
effectively resulted in many skilled workers no longer being able
to lawfully undertake work that they had been doing for many
years. The effect of this sudden change would have led to a
massive workforce shortage, resulting in routine service not being
undertaken and putting the community at risk.
The announcement in April 2020 of the restricted registration
and licensing arrangements introduced by the VBA has addressed some
of the concerns raised by FPA Australia and the fire protection
industry, however the limitations of the restricted classes is
likely to still result in workforce capacity constraints.
Restricted Classes
The VBA has introduced two ongoing classes and two transitional
classes as pathways for people carrying out routine service of
water based fire protection systems who are currently unregistered
or unlicensed as a result of amended regulations.
The VBA requires all technicians to be registered or
licensed with the VBA by 31 July 2021 in each restricted class
relevant to the work performed by the individual.
Those registered or licensed in a transitional class (fire
sprinklers and pumped hydrants) will be able to work until
31 July 2021, after which time they will need to be
enrolled in a Certificate III in Fire Protection (sprinkler fitter
qualification), which must be completed by 31 December,
2025.
An individual who successfully applies for either registration
or licensing in a fire protection restricted class will be
classified as a plumbing practitioner under the Building Act,
restricted to the scope of works specific to each class held.
How to enrol in training, assessment and the Licensing
and Registration recognised exam
As a Registered Training Organisation, FPA Australia provides
training and/or assessment in the units of competency required by
an individual to apply for each of the fire protection restricted
classes.
Additionally, three of the four classes of registration require
the applicant to complete a Licensing and Registration recognised
exam before applying for registration. FPA Australia will
deliver this exam to the fire protection industry as part of its
training and assessment pathways.
To find out more about available pathways to meet the
application requirements, click on the button below for the
relevant Restricted Class.
Need Help
If you require assistance with the VBA restricted classes, the
registration or license application requirements or information
about the requirements for a licence please contact the VBA on 1300
815 127 or select an option below.
If you require assistance with the training and assessment
options offered by FPA Australia or need help with your enrolment,
please contact the FPA Australia Training Team by email: training@fpaa.com.au or
by calling (03) 8892 3182.
To enrol in training, assessment and the Licensing and
Registration recognised exam, select one of the above buttons for
the relevant Restricted Class.