Frequently asked questions
Why has the new licensing system come in to effect?
Under Australian laws to protect the environment, the use of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases is regulated. The new national licensing system will enable businesses and technicians to operate throughout Australia using a single licence or authorisation with one set of consistent standards.
How will these regulations affect availability of extinguishing agents?
Under current treaty obligations the import of Ozone Depleting Substances is being reduced. Over time the availability of HCFC fire extinguishing agents (see Fact Sheet 1) will reduce. It is expected that as supply of new product is restricted, the fire protection industry will source extinguishing agents from systems that are being decommissioned or from existing stockpiles. There are no plans to ban or restrict the use of controlled fire extinguishing agents.
Who needs a licence, authorisation and/or permit?
Any person who handles ozone depleting or synthetic greenhouse gas extinguishing agents listed in the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 where there is a risk of emission requires the appropriate national Extinguishing Agent Handling Licence(s). Any technicians who, for example, install or decommission systems are required to have a licence. Working with extinguishing agents in any activity where a discharge of the agent is possible as a consequence of the work being performed requires the appropriate licence and working in this way without a licence is an offence from 1 November 2005.
Any person or company involved in buying, sorting and/or selling extinguishing agents (other than halon) must hold an Extinguishing Agent Trading Authorisation.
Any person or company possessing halon, other than as provided for in Subregulation 304(4), which is for use in fire protection equipment, must hold a Halon Special Permit.
How do I apply for a licence, authorisation or permit?
Licences, Trading Authorisations and Halon Special Permits shall be issued by the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board (the Board) on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). As implementing agency on behalf of DEWHA the scheme will be administered by Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia).
How will the regulations improve the performance of the industry?
The Fire Protection Industry Board is managing a competency based licensing system to ensure that technicians in the industry have the appropriate skills to undertake the installation, maintenance and decommissioning tasks safely with minimal impact on the environment. The competencies are being developed in accordance with the National Training System.
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