News & Events

The content on this website is provided for information purposes. Users must always refer to the relevant authority, regulation or act.



01-July-2017

Work has started on the new Secure Fortifire Customer Portal from 1st July 2017

For the past three years, Fortifire has been working toward the implementation of a new Maintenance Management System that is aimed at introducing greater business efficiency and an even better customer experience.

As  our company continues to grow with increased staff, customers and customer assets to manage, it is important that Fortifire invests in new methods to help us maintain our high levels of customer service, reporting and compliance. We also need to improve the way we share information between our office and field technicians.

During 2017/2018, Fortifire Customers will be issued User Login's and Passwords to access their own dedicated page on the Secure Fortifire Customer Portal where they will be able to:

- Access and download Annual System Condition Reports
- Search for an asset and see details of the service history
- See detailed asset checklists and photos of defects
- Log Service Calls and review the status of outstanding jobs
- Download quotes and approve works
- See a status of the customer account, review invoices and make payments
As we further develop and enhance our system, we plan to continue adding other features in the future.
01-Jan-2017

New Smoke Alarm Legislation from 1st January 2017

Queensland Parliament passed new smoke alarm legislation (31st August 2016) aimed at ensuring Queensland households provide occupants with early warning in relation to fire detection and safety. 

New laws regarding the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms in all Queensland homes will come into effect from 1 January 2017.

Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said the changes followed the recommendations handed down after the 2011 Slacks Creek fatal house fire.

The smoke alarm legislation will be introduced  to ensure the State’s households are among the safest in the country.

"Smoke alarm laws have been overhauled in a bid to prevent a repeat of the tragic Slacks Creek fire that claimed 11 lives,” Minister Ryan said.

This new legislation is an investment in fire safety. It means people will be alerted to house fires as early as possible, giving them the best chance of survival.

Under the new legislation, every Queensland residence will need to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms of the home as well as in hallways or between areas containing bedrooms. A 10-year phased rollout of the legislation would give Queenslanders time to ensure they had the right alarms and they were correctly located and installed.

From 1 January 2017, all smoke alarm installations will need to be fully compliant for new buildings or when significant renovations occur.

Private dwellings will be required to comply with the full smoke alarm requirements within 10 years and all houses leased or sold will need to meet compliance within five years.

Any smoke alarm being replaced after 1 January, 2017 must be a photoelectric type alarm.

“When it comes to alerting people early to fires, research supports photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms as the most effective,” he said.

“An interconnected alarm system means that if you are asleep it doesn’t matter what part of the house the fire starts in, the alarm in your room will alert you."

“This is a life-saving overhaul to Queensland’s smoke alarm systems means we are leading the country with these reforms.”

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has worked closely with the State Government to develop the legislation.

Although some residents will have up to 10 years to comply with the changes, everyone should take action to update their alarm systems as soon as possible and make sure their new alarms comply with Australian Standard AS3786 for photoelectric smoke alarms.

For more information about Smoke Alarms, take a look at Fortifire's Smoke Alarms Web Page, download our Smoke Alarms Information Bulletin or give us a ca or send an email.



18-Jul-2016
 
Fortifire Confirms our Foams are PFOS and PFOA Free
 
In light of recent media attention on Fire Fighting Foams, Fortifire takes this opportunity to confirm our Foam Concentrates are completely Fluorine Free.

At the time of writing, we have been advised by our suppliers that the Foam Fire Extinguishers that we supply are the only Australian Standards approved Fluorine Free Foam Extinguisher. The Foam and Foam Concentrates that we use comply with the recent media release by the Queensland Government.

If your organisation has any concerns about Foam Extinguishers or Foam Concentrate, please feel free to contact our office to see how Fortifire can help. 
 

 


08-Jul-2016

 Queensland Firefighting Foam Ban Blindsides Industry

Today the Queensland Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, the Honourable Steven Miles has announced that Queensland will ban the use of all fire fighting foams containing PFOS and PFOA.

This policy will "require that any existing stocks of foams containing PFOS and PFOA are withdrawn from service at commercial and industrial premises, and similar products phased out and replaced, as soon as practicable with more sustainable alternatives."

Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia) has previously voiced major concerns both with the lack of consultation and process for implementation of this policy.

FPA Australia have supported improvements around the selection and use of firefighting foams in Australia and called for the immediate banning of foams containing PFOS.  FPA Australia has also urged manufacturers to reduce and eliminate the production of long chain fluorinated foams containing PFOA in accordance with the US EPA PFOA Stewardship Program. However, significant issues exist surrounding the rollout of the ban that has been announced today.

FPA Australia is deeply concerned by the Queensland Government view that potential environmental impacts alone should determine foam selection and use.  In addition, the Association has real concerns about the lack of transitional mechanisms for existing users of now banned foams to move to the fluorine free alternatives.

The Association believes that these legitimate issues have not been considered and, in the rush to take action on environmental concerns, the government has blindsided both producers and end users of these products in Australia. The Queensland Government has not engaged in any broad industry consultation to understand and balance the factors required to develop an informed policy position.

The Association has consistently advocated that all firefighting foams will have an environmental effect and that in addition to environmental impact; the selection and use of fire fighting foams should not discount the critically important factors of:

(a)         Firefighting performance

(b)         Life safety

(c)         Physical properties and suitability for use on known hazards

(d)         Compatibility with system design and approvals

Matthew Wright, Chief Technical Officer / Deputy CEO of FPA Australia said the ban was a simplistic response to a complex issue and potentially dangerous.

"Environmental impacts must be a key consideration in the selection and use of firefighting foams, but this policy naively ignores the new generation of  short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foams which are non-toxic and non bioaccumulative and simply draws an unrealistic line between fluorine free and fluorinated foams as the deciding factor for selection," he said.

"Manufacturers of fluorine free and new generation of short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foam are members of our Association and have been committed to developing new foam solutions to transition away from traditional long chain fluorinated foams containing PFOS and PFOA for the express reason of improving environmental performance, but without compromising firefighting effectiveness and life safety." 

"If a foam is not effective for the hazard, the environmental impact will be magnified by the persistence and potential escalation of the fire event itself, damaging smoke, and potentially carcinogenic products and runoff regardless of whether the foam is fluorine free or not." 

It is clear that the use of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP's) as identified by the UN Stockholm Convention are damaging to our environment and therefore their use should be restricted.  FPA Australia contends that such restrictions must be risk based and holistically consider all risk factors. 

FPA Australia has seen no evidence that the Queensland Government has appropriately considered such factors holistically including firefighting performance, life safety, suitability for hazards, compatibility with existing systems and the financial impact of change for end users together with environmental risk.  We have seen no Net Environmental Benefit Analysis supporting this position.

The Association is now calling on the Queensland government to suspend implementation of this policy and work with industry to develop appropriate and cost effective transitional arrangements for suppliers and end users as we have suggested from the outset.

In addition, we call on all governments considering these issues to participate in transparent and collaborative engagement with industry to ensure that all effective, compatible and environmentally sensitive foams available in the marketplace including fluorine free and new generation short chain ≤C6 fluorinated foams, can be used to better protect life, property and the environment. 

To read the Queensland Government media release click here

 

 
01-Jun-2015
 

Fortifire is supporting Give Me 5 for Kids

 

In support of 4TO FM (Townsville), Fortifire will be donating $50.00 to the Give Me 5 for Kids campaign for each new Customer who signs a Fire Safety Equipment Maintenance Agreement during June.

Give Me Five for Kids is a fundraising initiative supported by over 40 radio & TV stations across regional Australia. For almost 20 years, the month of June has been dedicated to raising much needed funds for local community hospitals as well as sick children and their families when they need it most.

 Click Here for more information -    or   
 




10-Feb-2015
 
Changes to QFES response to Automatic Fire Alarms
 

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) are making changes in their response to alarm signals that reset in less than 10 seconds from alarm systems monitored by the QFES. This change only impacts premises monitored by the QFES.

A QFES Communications Officer will in the first instance try to reach your premises, as per your nominated Emergency Contacts, to advise that an alarm has presented, but has reset within 10 seconds. The Fire Communications Officer will then advise that the QFES will not be attending the premises and that the Emergency Contact should confirm with any persons on site that the Emergency Warning System (or other building services) has not activated. Finally, the officer will advise that these contacts should engage the premises’ Fire Protection Company (Fire Technician). 

 



04-Feb-2015
 

Unlicensed fire-protection work

 The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has recently reminded  companies and individuals that fire protection for buildings is a serious matter and must only be undertaken by appropriately licensed entities.

Entities undertaking fire protection work must ensure they have the required licences in place and that they contract and perform work in accordance with the QBCC rules and legislation.

Those seeking to engage a contractor need to be vigilant and undertake reasonable due diligence in selecting their preferred services provider.

 

 

01-Feb-2015
 

NCC 2015 National Construction Code now available for download

 As at 1st February 2015, the National Construction Code (NCC) 2015 is available for download from https://services.abcb.gov.au/NCCOnline/
NCC 2015 is provided as a preview of requirements that will be adopted by the States and Territories on 1 May 2015.

The NCC is an initiative of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) developed to incorporate all on-site building and plumbing requirements into a single code. The NCC sets the minimum requirements for the design, construction and performance of buildings throughout Australia.
 
(In the past, the NCC was known as the Building Code of Australia)



 

 
15-Dec 2015
 

Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club Sponsor - 2015

Fortifire continues it's proud association as official Sponsor for Townsville's Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club.

We look forward to another safe and successful season in 2015.

 




01-July-2014
 

Adoption of AS1851-2012 in Queensland

 
Property owners and occupiers need to be aware of  changes to Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 6.1—Commissioning and maintenance of fire safety installations  from 1 July 2014:
• a revised version of QDC MP 6.1, which includes a six month transition period, will take effect, and
• Form 70 under MP 6.1 will be replaced with new Forms 71 and 72.
 
Background
The amendments to QDC MP 6.1 adopt the 2012 edition of Australian Standard (AS) 1851—Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. A significant change in the 2012 edition of AS 1851 (compared to the 2005 edition previously referenced under MP 6.1) is reduced testing frequencies of certain fire safety features.
 
It is intended the amendments to MP 6.1 will help achieve a reduction in red tape and provide savings for the fire safety maintenance industry and property owners/occupiers, while still protecting the safety of building occupants.
 
A significant benefit of AS 1851-2012 is reduced frequency in testing of sprinklers and pumpsets from weekly to monthly. The Fire Protection Association of Australia has identified that changes to testing frequencies may have the following benefits:
• reducing the potential for overwork of systems or equipment and therefore lowering costs associated with replacing worn out parts
• reducing water use, and
• reducing testing costs for end users without reducing safety.
 
QDC MP 6.1 applies to most buildings, other than class 1a and associated class 10 buildings, including existing older buildings.
 
Commencement
The new version of QDC MP 6.1 commences from 1 July 2014 and has a six month transition period.
 
A six month transition period will apply during which QDC MP 6.1 will reference both the 2005 and 2012 editions of AS 1851. The transition period will apply from 1 July 2014 to 31 December 2014.

From 1 January 2015, only AS 1851-2012 will apply under QDC MP 6.1.
 
Fortifire will be working with existing and new customers during this period to ensure they are meeting their obligations under these requirements.
 

 

01-March-2014
 

National Construction Code 2014 - Overview

 
This overview contains a snapshot of some important changes contained in NCC 2014 (Building Code of Australia). It does not cover  all aspects of the amendment and subscribing practitioners should refer to the NCC 2014 
 
A list of NCC 2014 amendments are  available via the ABCB website. Please refer to www.abcb.gov.au for further  details on these awareness‐raising initiatives.

Changes to the NCC (BCA)
 
Improving early response to residential fires through interconnection of alarms
 
For a number of years now the BCA has required smoke alarms, or where appropriate, heat detection  alarm systems throughout residential occupancies. The location of these alarms in strategic positions  such as a hallway serving bedrooms is designed to allow an early response by occupants to a fire.
 
The size or layout of some residences can create situations where a number of alarms may be  distributed throughout the occupancy (e.g. two storey dwellings). In a Class 1 building, within sole occupancy  units of a Class 2 or 3 building and in a Class 4 part of a building, alarms will be required to
be interconnected so that when one alarm is activated it will activate all other alarms in the occupancy.
 
This feature will increase the likelihood of occupants being aware of the presence of a fire.
 
Note:  Whilst acknowledging that the final Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) demonstrated a net cost, the Board  considered the following factors in its conclusion to include a requirement for interconnection of smoke alarms in  sole occupancy units in Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 buildings where more than one alarm is provided:
 The life safety of building occupants, and particularly those in residential buildings (acknowledging the  additional risks associated with being asleep), was considered to be of paramount importance.
 The cost to the community of interconnecting alarms at the time of construction is not considered to be large.
 Acknowledging that the RIS meets COAG guidelines, the Board was of the view that saving of a life through  the interconnection of alarms represented a greater value to the community than that presented in the RIS.


Expanding the options available for exit signs
 
Internally illuminated “running man” exit signs are a common sight in many buildings where we live,  work or play. In recent years, a number of other countries have permitted the use of photoluminescent  (PL) exit signs under certain circumstances as an option to the more familiar internally illuminated exit  signs. Photoluminescence is the ability of a material to absorb light and UV rays, and re‐emit visible light  for a period after the source light has been removed. These signs have a unique ability to glow for long  periods of time allowing for its potential use in the event of an emergency.

Careful consideration was given to the applications in which these signs are used overseas and it was  considered there was scope for their use in Australia provided that certain minimum specifications are  met. As part of the new Deemed‐to‐Satisfy Provisions for PL signs a new specification has been included  that sets out minimum illumination, luminance and duration for the performance of a PL sign.

The specification also covers sign colour, borders, pictorial elements and viewing distances, and  references ASTM E2073‐10 Standard Test Method for Photopic Luminance of Photo luminescent  (Phosphorescent) Markings.


Achieving deregulation and better fire safety outcomes at the same time 

Reducing regulatory burden and at the same time achieving better fire safety outcomes sounds like an  impossible task.

For a number of years concern has been expressed about the potential dangers associated with fire  hose reels in Class 2, 3 and Class 4 parts of buildings. It is highly unlikely that an occupant who uses the  fire hose reel in the event of a fire will be trained in its safe use. Also, water as an extinguishing medium  can be a very dangerous mix with electrical or fat and oil fires that typically occur in residential  occupancies, particularly when combined with the potential for the fire hose to prop open doors that  form part of the building’s fire separating construction.

Following consideration of these concerns and the commissioning of an assessment of the relative risks  associated with fire hose reels and portable fire extinguisher used in residential occupancies, the  requirement to provide fire hose reels in Class 2, 3 and Class 4 parts of buildings has been removed. In  their place, additional installation requirements for portable fire extinguishers, including a requirement  to cover Class A fire risks, has been introduced.
 
 

 

13-Jan-2014
 

Skills Maintenance - An Important Part of Working at Fortifire

 
Fortifire technicians undertake regular skills training. 

As part of our commitment to safety, we recently completed our six monthly CPR and Low Voltage Rescue training and we also completed our three yearly first aid course.

In this photo, Campbell Yates is modelling our supreme bandaging skills.

Thanks to John Le Roy and his team at One-on-One Professional Business Training  in Townsville for a great day.

 



 
12-Jan-2014
 

Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club Shorts Sponsor - 2014 & 2015

 

Fortifire is proud to announce that we are the official Shorts Sponsor for Townsville's Western Suburbs Rugby Union Club.

Our company logo will appear on all Junior and Senior Team shorts for seasons 2014 and 2015 in the Townsville & Districts Rugby Union competition.

Fortifire wishes all teams the best of luck for a safe and successful season.

 



29-Dec-2013
 

Changes to the Queensland Electrical Safety Laws

 

Changes to the Electrical Safety Act 2002 and a new Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 will come into effect on 1 January 2014. New Codes of Practice will commence on 1 January 2014. 

On 1 January 2014 an amended Electrical Safety Act 2002 will come into effect. The amended Act will be available from the ESO website from 1 January 2014.

Read the explanatory notes for the new Electrical Safety Regulation 2013.

The amended Electrical Safety Act 2002 (ES Act)

The amendments do not significantly change the requirements for electrical safety in Queensland. In addition, any 'person conducting a business or undertaking' will already be familiar with many of the changes that have been in use since the WHS Act commenced on 1 January 2012.



01-Dec-2013

Queensland Building and Construction Commission 

 

On 1 December 2013 the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) replaced the Queensland Building Services Authority as the building industry regulator for Queensland.


The creation of the QBCC represents an important step in the most significant reform of the regulation of the building industry in more than 20 years. To reflect the sector’s position as a key driver of economic growth, and one of the largest employers in the state, the QBCC will be overseen by a professional governing board with extensive experience across a range of relevant sectors including law, finance and insurance as well as building and construction.

A licence is still required to undertake building work and all licensees can continue to operate using their current BSA licence cards and a QBCC licence card will be issued at the next renewal date. 

For more information, click here - www.qbcc.qld.gov.au 



22-Nov-2013

Adoption of AS1851:2012 in Queensland

 So.....when will AS1851:2012 become mandatory in Queensland you ask.

What we can tell you is Building Codes Queensland has this week forwarded draft minutes from a meeting with stakeholders regarding the proposed Queensland Development Code MP6.1 changes incorporating implementation of AS 1851 – 2012.

There was general meeting agreement to the following proposal;

·          1 June 2014 – 31 December 2014: a transitional period where both the 2005 & 2012 versions are referenced under the MP6.1 and either can be used to meet the MP6.1 requirements, and

·          from 1 Jan 2015 the 2012 version is the only standard referenced under the MP 6.1 and the 2005 version will no longer be able to be used. 


It was generally agreed that this option allows time:

  • to adjust administrative systems
  • to train contractors/staff
  • for owners to transition to the new standard including, new maintenance schedules
  • for owners and contractors to have documentation printed (i.e. Log Books, etc.)
A formal announcement of the official time-frames for adoption of AS1851:2012 in Queensland is expected early in 2014.



Feb-2013

Wiring Rules AS/NZ3000:2007 Amendment 2:2012

From 14th Decemeber 2012, Electrical work in Queensland must comply with the minimum requirements of Australian Standard 3000 incorporating Amendment 2.
 
Refer to the link below for more detailed information.
 
 

Dec-2012

Christmas lights electrical safety recall

The Queensland Electrical Safety Office has warned that several Christmas rope lights are being recalled by Woolworths Limited, Masters Home Improvement and Big W.
 
Refer to the link below for more information.
 
 

Dec-2012
 
Christmas Light Safety 
Every year, we hear stories about people who have been victims of fire or electrocution because of incorrectly installed or defective Christmas lights. Here are a few tips to improve safety this festive season:
 
- Before installing, check the condition of your equipment and replace broken bulbs with those specified by the manufacturer.
- If you are not sure what you are doing, contact a licensed electrician.
- Don’t overload power points and power boards and never "piggy-back" adaptors.
- Only buy and use equipment that has Australian Standards approval and look for Energey Efficient devices.
- Don’t use damaged or broken equipment, switches, power points, plugs or leads.
- When installing outside, ensure equipment is appropriate and only use weather proof rated items. Use lighting products specifically designed for external use. Indoor lights are less durable and are not designed to cope with the weather in the same way as outdoor lights.
- Look up and live, Check that outdoor lights are away from overhead power lines leading to your house
- Keep electrical connections away from areas that may become wet.
- Never use metal nails or staples to hang cords and lighting strings
- If there is no safety switch fitted to your home, use a portable one at the supply.
- Keep cables and cords clear of areas in the home where people walk, where vehicles travel and don't feed leads through windows and doors.
- Use leads of appropriate length and don’t leave extension cords wound up when in use.
- Keep tinsel away from power boards and wall sockets. Tinsel can be made of metal foil and can conduct electricity.
- Turn your Christmas lights off when you’re not at home.
- Don’t cover transformers with presents or decorations – this is a common cause of fires during the Christmas season.
 
For more tips and information, try an internet search or these websites:
 
 

 
Dec-2012
 
 
FPA Australia
AS 1851:2012 - THE USE AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW STANDARD
National Seminar Series - QLD - 4 Dec Brisbane
 
The use and adoption of the new AS 1851-2012 Standard across all jurisdictions in Australia is critical to establishing a nationally consistent approach to the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. This half day seminar will discuss the release of the new Standard and what this means for building owners, property professionals, fire protection companies and other key stakeholders.
 

 
Nov-2012
 
They say we're in for a hot Summer so remain vigilant
 
Each year, public awareness regarding fire risk in metro areas is usually highest in Winter when there are numerous campaigns and articles related to Heaters, Electric Blankets and Fire Places.
 
In Summer, the general emphasis seems to be focued on Bush Fires and there is a concern that those who live in suburbia may become a little complacent.
 
Just because you don't live on acreage or your home or business is not backing onto bushland, this is not an excuse to ignore fire safety.
 
As daily temeratures climb, so to do operating temperatures and of plant and equipment, fridges and freezers, air conditioners, pumps and appliances. Are these items clean, functioning efficiently and in safe operating condition? Are leads and cables undamaged? Are vents clear of obstruction? Are filters clean?
 
What about your BBQ? Are you firing it up for the first time after a winter break? Is the surrounding area clear? Could near-by vegetation be exposed to the BBQ? Is the LPG Cylinder, fixings and hoses clear and undamaged?
 
How about your roof gutters....are they clear?
 
Is your home or nusiness in danger of being at an increased risk if a neighbour has a fire?
 
Some areas are already experiencing some record high temperatures and Summer is not yet here. As we draw closer to Decmber 1, take some time to look at your home and business and ensure you have taken steps to mitgate fire risks.