Issue 17 | September 2018

Passive Equipment Register to activate FireNZ 2018 FPA stand Conference & Exhibition IoT-enabled hydrant monitoring Banned firefighting a ‘smarter’ option Foams set media alight www.defsecmedia.co.nz fired up excellence and innovation by

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0800 POTTERS www.potters.co.nz Auckland, Hamilton, 0800 768 837 [email protected] Wellington, Christchurch INDEX ISSN 2230-6935 Presidents Message...... 6 Pressure on for fire water...... 10 Training and industry standards top FPANZ priorities...... 15 Blazing trail: Loktronic continues to set the pace for fire protection products...... 16 Data & IoT Shielding The World From Fire Danger...... 20 Protecting Your Process With Fike FK-5-1-12...... 22 FENZ Career recruitment campaign a success...... 24 New board appointments as FENZ turns one year old...... 25 Engage fire engineers earlier...... 26 Rural fire research boost...... 27 FireNZ 2018Conference & Exhibtion...... 28 Auckland Council gives thumbs up to passive register...... 34 Enrolments open for new fire protection programmes...... 35 Banned firefighting Foams set media alight...... 36 Realigning the inspectorate...... 38 ACP buildings outed and CodeMark certificates suspended...... 40 Passive Equipment Register to activate FPA stand...... 42 IoT-enabled hydrant monitoring a ‘smarter’ option...... 44

Fire Protection Association New Zealand FireNZ welcomes articles and letters from our readership. These can cover any aspect Private Box 302372, North Harbour of fire protection, fire engineering (performance and design), legislation, fire safety Auckland 0751 practice, fire industry product development, fire fighting operations, techniques, equipment and case studies and technical news. All articles will be assessed by Ph: + 64 9 414 4450 an editorial panel prior to publication who, at their discretion, reserve the right to Email [email protected] Web www.fpanz.org either decline use of the article or seek amendments. Articles should inform, debate, NEW ZEALAND educate and help our readership through sharing of both knowledge and expertise. Themes for the upcoming magazine production will be promoted in advance Institution of Fire Engineers of editorial committee deadlines to ensure all contributors are able to meet the final New Zealand Branch magazine delivery timelines. PO Box 3961 The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Fire Wellington 6140 Protection Association New Zealand, Institution of Fire Engineers (NZ Branch) or the Society of Fire Protectionn Engineers (NZ Chapter). [email protected] THE INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS Articles are published in good faith but FireNZ Magazine and its agents do not www.ife.org.nz FOUNDED 1918 • INCORPORATED 1924 warrant the accuracy or currency of any information or data contained herein. FireNZ magazine and its agents do not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever with regard to the material in this publication. Society of Fire Protection Engineers Material in FireNZ magazine is subject to Copyright. This publication may not be New Zealand Chapter reproduced in printed or electronic form without the permission of the publisher. PO Box 91511, Victoria Street West FireNZ Magazine is published by DEFSEC Media Limited on behalf of: Auckland 1142 Fire Protection Association New Zealand, Society of Fire Protectionn Engineers (NZ Chapter), Institution of Fire Engineers (NZ Branch). Ph: + 64 9 308 7030 [email protected] www.sfpe.org.nz New Zealand

For more information please contact: Postal & delivery address Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources Nick Dynon, Managing Editor DEFSEC Media Limited believed to be reliable and accurate. However, neither the Phone: + 64 022 366 3691 27 West Crescent publishers nor any person involved in the preparation of Email: [email protected] Te Puru 3575 this publication accept any form of liability whatsoever for Thames RD5 its contents including advertisements, editorials, opinions, Craig Flint, Advertising New Zealand advice or information or for any consequences from its use. Phone: + 64 (0) 7 868 2703 Copyright: No article or part thereof may be reproduced Mobile: + 64 (0) 274 597 621 without prior consent of the publisher. Email: [email protected]

4 Issue 17 | September 2018

Fire Protection Association New Zealand President’s Message

In association with our key partners large financial loss, with several key Employment continues to grow we are pleased to bring you the first industry construction companies and unemployment to edge lower. edition of Fire NZ for 2018. FPANZ forced to restructure their business Inflation remains under firm control is the national body for fire safety and balance sheets. with little need for the Reserve Bank that provides information services The construction market’s to lift interest rates over the short to and education to the fire protection exposure to risk is not really any medium term. The exchange rate is industry and community at large. different to what it has been, but we relatively stable against our major The last 12 months have seen a have seen poor execution in delivery trading partners. number of key initiatives completed and management oversight. The government’s accounts and several new ones developed. We all manage the cost of are in reasonable shape for now at The opportunity to invest in labour and materials to design and least, with the May Budget largely training for our future has seen create finished products that help meeting market expectations, the creation of a trust set aside protect people and property from despite major increases in both tax for further standards development the effects of fire. We interact with and expenditure over the forecast and training initiatives. This is an many associated industries to build period. The share market (NZX) has exciting step towards a financial sustainable business models and reached a new high. platform with direct funding and a provide sustainable buildings. All very positive stuff. While some future that shows we are supporting If we don’t understand the basic key drivers of growth are starting to our strategic business model of mechanics of building up cost to ease off (eg. net migration inflows are education for industry. tender and then apply adequate decreasing but remain at historically We have a motivated and margins we can’t support a business high levels, and construction activity dedicated group of board members to grow and expand to develop both has eased back somewhat), other who have spent a significant portion labour and technology resources sectors, including the manufacturing of time in supporting the association and capability. and services sectors, continue to and developing our strategic plan. The association is no different show solid growth. I take this opportunity to thank our as it’s a business with a focus on This generally suggests a positive board members for their support. investment for the future in several outlook, and we can expect to see As with any team, it is great to key areas. some returns to business confidence see new people join, and we look • For the investment in people and if the government can strategically forward to having two new board training. We need to develop our convince business it is on track members in 2019. With those council capability and resources, and this and won’t place other burdens on members who have served this year will incur additional cost to the its cost base. A regional fuel tax is I would also like to thank you all for association. a great example of added cost to a your service to our industry. • For the investment in product service-based business. In recent times the vertical compliance and sustainability. I would expect that the construction market has We need to ensure standards association will continue to be the experienced significant disclosure of are updated and improved and leading voice of the fire protection poor risk management resulting in the manufacturers and installers industry and deliver longer term continue to support the industry benefits to all its members. I model. We will invest further encourage you to look at your cash reserves to support industry business models and understand to remain relevant in these areas. what the true cost of doing business really is per hour per headcount. It My interest in this issue is to is very easy to give a discount but frame the future of the association much harder to get it back when in conjunction with the business you don’t understand cost. environment. So lets’ explore the The association relies on business current economic climate. and personal contributions of Many key economic indicators time, money and energy from its remain on the positive side of members. This becomes easier the ledger, although a number of when business operators are risks could undermine a generally creating future wealth and managing healthy outlook. The NZ economy is to be able to spend time away from forecast to grow moderately at close supporting their business. We thank Keith Blind to three percent over the forecast you for your support here at Fire NZ President FPANZ period out to June 2020. 2018. Enjoy all it has to offer.

6 Issue 17 | September 2018 21620 and PROTECTIVECOVERS wider withthesefirstclass LOKTRONIC’s expansiveproductrangehasjustbecomeeven fired up ViTECH products aredesignedandproducedinNewZealand. Battery LoadTester Weight: 500gms,Size:165mmx9070mm. and 30ampbatteryloadtesterforfirealarmuse. ViTECH, strong,lightweightaluminumcase,5,15 255mm Hx179mmW86mmD Flush mountwithhorn including weatherresistantoptions. a 105dBhorn.Othermodelsandsizesavailable polycarbonate. Manycanbesuppliedwithorwithout All STI-13210-NG STI-1100 STI-13000-NC 206mm Hx137mmW103mmD Surface mount,hornandlabeloptional 206mm Hx137mmW69mmD Flush mount,nohorn STI ‘Stoppers’aremadeoftough,UVstabilised

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21620/1/18 New Zealand Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers

President’s Message New Zealand

There has been a lot of interesting importance of fire engineer’s role with the same rigor and avoid the complex problems to grapple in the design and construction low standard of many alternative with this year, ranging from of fire safe buildings. To date it solutions that predominated pre cladding compliance, to where has resulted in a joint statement 2012 and VM2. Daryn Glasgow who a fire engineers job starts and published by the NZIA, Engineering was on the MBIE working group stops in terms of the law and as New Zealand and the Society of Fire for Alternative Solutions will be a profession. It has been good to Protection Engineers reaffirming the elaborating on the MBIE guidance be dealing with them alongside importance of design coordination at the up and coming FireNZ a great team on our exec who from all parties to produce a set conference. have a wealth of experience of documents that a builder can At this years FireNZ conference on fire engineering design and successful build the intended there is a great lineup of speakers, construction. design from. The NZIA see design day one is the site visits and When dealing with complex coordination as being an ongoing the combined SFPE and FPANZ problems such as cladding discussion between the Architect workshop style event covering all compliance and fire protection and Fire Engineer from concept the key areas of fire engineering of structures I have to admit that design right through to issuing of and fire protection practice. On there is no magic person that the construction documents. While it day two and three there is a great ball can be passed to to resolve is only a statement of intent it does lineup of high quality speakers. The all the problems, cladding for give architects and fire engineers organising committee has limited example requires input from the fire the mandate to talk to each other itself to a single stream of speaker engineer, architect, facade engineer and come up with the best way to to raise the quality of presentations and cladding suppliers. carry out design coordination to and make sure you can see all the To facilitate this collaborative suit their specific project. speakers. We are also running the approach the SFPE executive On the back of this, they are highly successful SFPEx TEDx style along with Engineering NZ have also keen to collaborate with event show casing the talents of been talking with the NZ Institute us on cladding compliance and some of our young engineers. of Architects (NZIA) about the construction monitoring. We are also looking forward to Having now used the Verification celebrating the Institution of Fire method design for a number of Engineers 100th Anniversary at the years it has become obvious that it conference along with the positive does not provide adequate answers contribution they have made to to all the fire engineering challenges society over the last 100 years. we face. In these situations I am I am looking forward to seeing you finding myself more and more all at the FireNZ conference. being drawn back to Building Code Clause C1 covering the fire safety objectives of life safety, protection of other property and facilitation fire fighting operations. Then thinking about how fire, people and building materials perform to address these requirements. Trying to reverse engineer the Acceptable Solutions or the Verification method to determine their underlying assumptions can often be a fruitless exercise. It is therefore good to see that MBIE have published their guidance on alternative solutions giving it the green light again. I think after the more disciplined and Michael James President structured approach we have now MFireE, BE(Mech), CPEng, CMEngNZ, PMSFPE become used to with C/VM2 we New Zealand SFPE (NZ Chapter) can approach alternative solutions

8 Issue 17 | September 2018 Institution of Fire Engineers (NZ Branch) President’s Message

Kia ora koutou katoa, been working collaboratively on become a Royal Charter. I personally We, the Institution of Fire Engineers many fronts but in particular the think that this is a big step for IFE is now 100 years old. We are FireNZ conference – which I hope but a step in the right direction, celebrating this at this year’s you will all be attending shortly – however, I am not a fan of a name President’s dinner and also at FireNZ and the Training Special Interest change. Call me a traditionalist but in Mt Maunganui where we will Group under the FPA banner. I have the current name has been with us showcase our IFE torch, which is chaired this group, and we have had for 100 years and it has meaning making its way around the world. some good achievements this year. and mana. This is part of the lead up to our As you know, the group’s I encourage you all to participate big celebration later this year in focus was on developing a career in the debate and the online vote Edinburgh at the end of October. We path for the fire industry, and in about the name change and Royal will be trying to set up a live stream particular gaining some recognised Charter. Please go to the UK IFE of this event to all members. qualifications. I am proud to say website and login to My Portal for We also started this off early this that we have achieved our first two more information and update your year with the presentation to the qualifications: the Certificate of details if needed. International General Assembly of Attendance in Fire Technology and, I would like to take this a carved Waka with the phrase ‘He just recently approved by the NZQA, opportunity to acknowledge waka eke noa’ – Everyone in one the Diploma of Fire Engineering. the many years of service to the canoe with no exceptions. It also The certificate program is Institution that Brian Davey has can mean we are all in the same targeted at school leavers in their given. In fact, I believe it is close to canoe heading in one direction. last year of high school. The course 47+ years. I was fortunate enough Many government departments are will be run in the schools’ cadet/ to attend Brian’s 50-year medal using a version of this, including Fire pathway/gateway programme and for service to FENZ, which was and Emergency NZ. will give the student a thorough presented to him in a ceremony at This year so far has been a very understanding of the various strands Duntroon Fire Station. productive one for the IFE and its of our industry along with some Brian has held many positions partners, FPA and SFPE. We have work experience. We have yet to run in the IFE from Branch Councillor the pilot for this course but it will be to Branch President and then run soon. after many years as a director and The Diploma of Fire Engineering International President. He is now is a level 6 qualification and we at the end of his term as Immediate hope that this will be the benchmark Past President and is stepping down qualification for those working in from the Board of Directors. On the industry. We have gone too long behalf of the NZ Branch I would like now without appropriate training to thank Brian for all his good work and now we need to professionalise and dedication to our Institution. the industry further. Brian has been a mentor for me and The problems that we are seeing Graeme before, and I am sure he will with cladding and fire penetrations continue to support our branch and have just highlighted the need for pass on his many years of wisdom. more professionalism and the need to co-ordinate with other disciplines. ‘Haere e whai I te waewae o These were also mentioned in the Uenuku, kia ora ai te tangata’ Hackett report from the UK. We need to react to this now and not A man who sits at the feet of wait for a Grenfell tragedy here. Uenuku gained knowledge which I would just like to give a special preserved him in all difficulties and mention to Michael Clifford, Etienne dangers. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia Hermouet and Ed Claridge for their manawa nui Brian. effort in getting this diploma across the line. Look forward to seeing you all at Trent Fearnley The IFE is undergoing a major FireNZ 2018 in Mt Maunganui. GIFireE, GradDip Building Fire Safety re-think with the introduction of and Risk Engineering President Institution of Fire Engineers online voting, a motion to change No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, New Zealand Branch our name, and also the request to tena koutou katoa.

Issue 17 | September 2108 9 Pressure on for fire water The issue of firefighting and sprinkler water supply is an old and vexed one, writes NEW ZEALAND Keith Newman. The path towards standardising water pressure requirements will be a difficult and long one. SupplyingManufacturer the New Zealand& Wholesaler Fire of Industry A standard approach to firefighting [Territorial Local Authorities] expect A more joined-up code and sprinkler water requirements we shouldn’t be using water from A number of stakeholders including may need to be locked into non-portable sources so there’s a the Fire Protection Association (FPA), Fire Protection Equipment to the Fire Industry legislation to break the ongoing lot of ground to cover to get to a FENZ and the Insurance Council have ‘Mexican stand-off’ between mutual understanding about where been talking through “a pile of ideas” councils, Water Supply Authorities to go with this.” to resolve the dilemma, and Davis Conveniently Located in Auckland and the fire industry. He says it’s time to work in a believes the greatest opportunity lies Concern is mounting that ad more collegial fashion, and at the in “a more joined up code of practice”. Friendly & Helpful Staff hoc decisions over infrastructure very least have clear notification of He says the best way to achieve Local Knowledge & Experience changes, lowering of water the time and location of changes this might be to move this year’s pressure and pressure testing could to water supply to avoid life and consultation work on sprinkler Fast Nationwide Delivery compromise firefighting water and property being placed at risk. standards along with firefighting Market Leading Products For Over 25 Years building sprinkler systems. water access requirements, into the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Resource Management Act (RMA) so (FENZ) and the fire protection “TLAs expect we they’re adopted into council district industry have for decades sought a plans. common agreement for guaranteed shouldn’t be using Jason Godsmark, a sprinkler water supply at an acceptable water for non- system specialist with AON and chair pressure but have failed to get of the Fire Safety Inspectorate Special traction. portable sources Interest Group (SIG), says councils FENZ fire engineering manager, need to be more involved with the Simon Davis, says a lack of open so there’s a lot of fire protection industry through some dialogue has led to the parties form of committee “to plan and work failing to understand each other’s ground to cover out what can be done long term.” needs. For example, he says, councils Portable Fire Extinguishers FENZ is often at loggerheads to get to a mutual need to know how many sprinklers with Building Consent Authorities understanding rely on pressurised water in a big (BCAs) “because there are mixed industrial area. At the moment every expectations”, while local authorities about where to go council and water company has and the fire industry often talk a different approach — “a national past each other creating “a bit of a with this.” standard is long overdue.” Mexican stand-off”. Simon Davis, FENZ engineering Over the years councils have FENZ expects the water to be manager. de-rated the water supply. “What in the street, Davis says, and “TLAs was fine 20 years ago might not

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304 Church St AUCKLAND, NZ, 1061 Phone: 09 869 2340 Fax: 09 869 2349 [email protected] | www.flamestop.co.nz © Copyright 2017 - 2018 FlameStop New Zealand Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved. be sufficient today, often because group, says each council makes there’s more housing and buildings Developers need its own decisions with most water in an area where it’s now a lot closer supply authorities taking “a very to the minimum requirement.” to be warned of conservative approach” to pressure, Modern systems often flow and provision of water. compensate by adding tanks the consequences He was involved in discussions and diesel pumps to boost water of cutting corners with Local Government New pressure. Owners of older buildings Zealand (LGNZ) on supply integrity in particular, he says, need to on sprinkler and warned five years ago that be aware of the risk and have unless something was done “all discussions with fire engineers and systems; “if fire sprinkler systems of the future councils to see what can be done. pressures come would need to be installed with pumps and tanks”. Unintended consequences down the sprinkler He says councils need to be Godsmark says fire protection aware of how water pressure has company monthly tests on sprinkler system may not been used in the past and who will systems should indicate whether pass a Building be affected by pressure reduction water supply is dropping off or to avoid non-performing sprinkler pick up any trends, then fire safety Warrant of systems. inspectors in their annual or bi- Today, he says, a lot more fire annual checks verify that pressure. Fitness.” designers are including pumps to On occasion, councils turn off Chris Mak, FPA vice president account for potential lowering of water for maintenance and other pressure. reasons but “every now and then Aitken says the current 40- someone forgets to turn it back on; councils, Water Supply Authorities year old sprinkler standard calls that’s why we have such a robust and government departments on for systems to use only 80% of system,” says Godsmark. such matters; backed by the wider the available water supply in case Chris Mak, vice president of the industry, including engineers, FENZ, it fluctuates. “It’s worked really FPA says too often decisions are associated industry groups and its successfully but that’s what people made without the full facts resulting own membership, it is too often are designing to. If pressure is in unintended consequences. viewed as a lobby group with vested reduced 15-20% it will cause When making changes to interests. problems.” infrastructure to save money, Mak supports the FENZ approach he says those involved need to of having water supply standards Non-binding suggestion understand the impact on ratepayers and codes of practice incorporated The flow rate and quantity of and the construction and fire in the RMA. firefighting water is determined by a industry. “The FPA needs to be code of practice last issued by the consulted on any such issues…rather Warnings ring true New Zealand Fire Service (SNZ PAS than having them presented as a fait Ross Aitken, southern manager 4509) in 2008, but it’s not binding on accompli.” for Chubb and former chairman councils. While the FPA is able to speak to of the FPA’s water supply sub A more binding national code of practice for firefighting and sprinkler water would require the sprinkler code to be reviewed and revised as part of a broad consultation before being signed off by Minister of Internal Affairs, Tracey Martin. The current sprinkler code takes a building by building view whereas Davis prefers a more holistic approach with firefighting water designated for an area. “Rather than the costs falling to individual building or property owners they’ll be shared across the neighbourhood,” Simon Davis says. For the moment, however, he says MBIE, which now embraces Standards New Zealand, is still trying to find its feet on how to manage all of this. While agreeing the sprinkler industry needs to consider designs Simon Davis, FENZ engineering manager Chris Mak, vice president of the FPA that work with lower water pressure,

12 Issue 17 | September 2018 Chris Mak says that can only happen agreements’ and shared knowledge when it is aware that pressure could Sprinkler systems of the past, where councils routinely be a problem. informed building owners and the “The reality is most in the have been tested fire service about planned changes. industry works on a competitive bid Ross Aitken says sprinkler nature where the lowest price wins, and approved systems have been tested and so futureproofing can make your bid using council approved using council water uncompetitive.” supplies for decades “with a tacit He says developers need to water supplies for knowledge” through the consent be warned of the consequences process that this was how things of cutting corners on sprinkler decades with a tacit were done. systems; “if pressures come down “The old heads in councils knew the sprinkler system may not pass a knowledge through this but often new people might not Building Warrant of Fitness”. the consent have that knowledge.” That could result in “significant Aitken says the transparency expenditure, retrofitting pumps, and process that this and relationships developed with modifying systems, which can all Christchurch City Council are a be problematic if there isn’t room in was how things good example of how things should the building.” And of course, there’s were done. be done. “They’ve been reasonably potential life and property protection proactive in keeping us informed issues. Ross Aitken, Chubb southern that the pressure was coming down manager. so most new work is based on lower Breaking silo thinking pressures.” Mak recalls a Standards New Zealand FPA vice president Chris Mak says meeting with representatives from the impact on the NZ Fire Service or the fire protection industry has to the Prime Minister’s office in 2011 the economy through the impact on get smarter in the way it works and looking at ways to help build New building sprinkler systems. the relationships it builds. Zealand’s resilience following the Mak says the matter was He also cites Christchurch as an Christchurch earthquakes. passed to Internal Affairs and the exemplar, having consulted with the One of the main concerns was predecessor of MBIE. “That was FPA, the Society of Fire Protection “silo thinking” where decisions made exactly what we didn’t want: more Engineers and other stakeholders by single government and council silo thinking without considering the about the impact if they dropped the departments, including Water Supply greater good. There was no further water pressure. Authorities (WSAs), failed to consider debate on the matter, which was “They limited inner city rebuilding the cost-benefit to New Zealand as a essentially swept under the carpet.” to about six stories and adjusted whole. He suggests little has changed. their plans to make sprinkler At the time, WSA’s, including protection more cost effective Metro Water, were considering Christchurch shows way without the need to retrofit or install lowering water pressure to save The lack of formalised water a significant number of diesel fire money and reduce leakage in the standards can possibly be traced pumps inside.” water mains with little concern for back to the fading ‘gentleman’s Mak has to hark back about

Issue 17 | September 2108 13 20-years to find another example of That presents a challenge around a council working with community pressure, speed of delivery and the wellbeing in mind when it came to need to start thinking outside the lowering water pressure. square, including the use of tanks “The old Waitakere City council and static water supplies to boost looked at the impact on ratepayers pressure, flow and volume. and adjusted its approach. Where life The conundrum, he says, is that safety was involved in rest homes water companies “get scored on for example, it paid for upgrades their quality… or potability,” and how to sprinkler systems so they would fast they get the water from the remain compliant. “From the FPA’s treatment station to the end user. perspective that was a very positive Then, “we come along and ask for way to do this.” bigger pipes and dead ends and the like, which slows down the delivery Pressure testing or keeps the water in the pipes Part of the process of ensuring there longer.” is sufficient pressure to meet the Discussions are already needs of sprinkler systems in high underway with some councils rise CBD buildings, for example, is who recognise the RMA is a to routinely conduct tests, which Ross Aitken, logical place to put proposed often require onerous consenting southern manager for Chubb national sprinkler and fire access procedures. requirements. To streamline this, the FPA The number one thing, says “They still want to see the Inspectorate SIG is in discussion Godsmark, is for fire systems to be beast before they make too many with Auckland Transport to try and working well throughout the country. comments, so we’ve got to flesh develop a template or industry it out, and as the minister’s made standard for twice-yearly flow Convincing councils clear there needs to be widespread testing to verify water supplies to Meanwhile, FENZ continues to work consultation.” commercial and industrial buildings. on its plans for a more standardised Davis is hopeful a cost- “A number of issues have arisen national approach to firefighting benefit analysis or ‘regulatory over time; and it’s more technical water. impact statement’ will show up than simply running hoses across It’s well into the first year of a unexpected value in doing this the footpath or flowing water three year work programme with right, as it has in a recent New across the footpath in Queen Street, Beca Consultants on how to make South Wales study. Auckland, for example,” says chair proposed changes palatable for the That will include improved health Jason Godsmark. various councils. and safety and a balance between “We need to come up with a For most cities, says engineering the cost of the legislation and the generic plan that Auckland Transport manager Simon Davis, it will repre- public good. “We certainly have to would accept from all inspectors so sent significant infrastructure costs show that this is a sensible way to we don’t have to submit a request on top of existing repairs on pipework proceed with research that stacks for approval every time.” which is often nearing the end. up.”

14 Issue 17 | September 2018 Training and industry standards top FPANZ priorities

A big programme of work over the last year has seen FPANZ achieve much. But, says Executive Director Scott Lawson, the Association will be kept busy over the next 12 months progressing a range of key strategies

“We’ve spent the past few years part of the register they don’t like, and we develop codes of practice and as turning the association into a much this becomes a focus for immediate we review certification requirements more professional organisation than improvement and development” of our members we will increasingly it ever used to be,” Scott told FireNZ. With a recently released position expect them to put their staff through “As a brand we’ve now built it to statement by Auckland Council training and have professional a level that’s very recognisable to endorsing both the register and FPA development going on.” other industries, to MBIE, FENZ, local members, he observed, “very clearly “Some of it might also come from councils and to other stakeholders in their message is that there’s been a individual product suppliers and general.” void there of where to go to find such manufacturers where we’ve assessed information.” their training as equivalent to a Registers a big hit certain number of hours of industry The Association’s recently developed Formal and ‘micro’ courses recognised training,” he suggested. suite of equipment registers is a good Training is another area where “But we have a lot of work do to example of this. inroads have been made. “Our before we get to where we want “They have been received really relationship with Competenz has training to be.” well, and its actually been quite grown dramatically over the past few surprising how quickly it’s gained years,” said Scott. “We see it as s a Raising standards momentum,” Scott said. “Suppliers very strategic relationship developing FPANZ will also be looking at raising who have products are approaching training such as the Level 3 passive the standards that its members us and asking what’s the process for installers qualification and looking operate at through the continued getting their products listed in there.” at other training like ‘micro based development of FPA Codes of But, according to Scott, the job learning’ where people are able to do Practice. isn’t done by a long way. “We’re smaller courses to fill knowledge gaps “Where there are gaps in terms valuing feedback we’re getting, and develop their staff.” of legal requirements for people to including any negative feedback, “Some of that could be us be licensed we would like to put in which all helps to make the registers delivering our own industry training, place the next best thing, which is better,” he said. “The negative stuff is like the popular ‘Get it Right’ seminars: our own codes of practice, training actually more positive than anything shorter one or half-day course so and levels that people need to work because it shows us that people are people can learn and network over to.” really passionate about a particular current issues or topics. We could “And we’ll be continuing lobbying also deliver training on an area heavily to get certain parts of the where a specific problem may have fire protection industry licensed’” emerged in the marketplace – with said Scott. “We have an obligation to the aim to immediately fix it.” continue to raise the bar.” Over the coming several months Professional development the Association will also look According to Scott, the to maximise regional member Association will be focusing heavily involvement. That will involve on training over coming months. getting out around the country and “That will involve the development of utilising new platforms for electronic FPA training material, development of engagement so that members get additional NZQA qualifications with value from their membership where Competenz where we can, and also ever they are. the development of material that we “The recent outcomes and will deliver ourselves via our subject strategic objectives of the Association matter experts.” are about delivery of positive industry FPANZ training offerings also improvement. The FPA Board and come with CPD (Continuing Council are focused on delivery Scott Lawson, FPA Executive Director Professional Development) hours. “As rather than talk,” said Scott.

Issue 17 | September 2108 15 Blazing trail: Loktronic continues to set the pace for fire protection products

FireNZ Magazine talks with Loktronic Managing Director Peter Calvert who – after three decades of delivering New Zealand-made innovation – just keeps on innovating and supplying the best to the fire protection industry that the world has to offer.

Peter Calvert and the team at Loktronic have been distributing fire safety, protection and prevention, electric locking and security products under the ViTECH, STI and Loktronic brand names since 1989. From its Mount Eden showroom in Auckland, the company supplies and supports clients across the country. From the outset, Peter’s aim was to create a company that would become a yardstick for service. He appears to have succeeded. “Most of the companies I called on 29 years ago – unless they’ve gone out of business – are still our clients,” he recently told FireNZ.

730-101 Battery Load Tester

Despite – or perhaps because Peter had seen the need for of – Peter’s preference towards better equipment in the fire sprinkler “underselling and over-delivering”, area, which led in part to the last year was Loktronic’s biggest development of the fire brigade year to date. It was a year that was alarm (FBA), which has evolved into also capped off by the upgrading of the products marketed by Loktronic the company to ISO9001/2015. under the ViTECH brand today. Revolving around Fire Brigade ViTECH: Kiwi-made fire industry Alarms and Battery Load Testers, ingenuity ViTECH’s product range is very well ViTECH products are New Zealand researched and designed around designed and made. A division of the needs of the market, resulting the Loktronic company, the ViTECH in products of the highest quality – Loktronic’s Peter Calvert has been distributing brand started 25 years ago with that are also reasonably priced. fire safety, protection and prevention, electric locking & security products under the ViTECH, electrician and fire safety stalwart Fire testing requires that alarm STI and Loktronic brand names since 1989. Peter Sheehan. system batteries are tested once

16 Issue 17 | September 2018 730-230 Fire Brigade Alarm Type X 730-231 Fire Brigade Alarm Type Y per month, and the ViTECH 730-101 (15, 10 or 5 seconds depending on STI: stopping interference of fire Battery Load Tester 5, 15, 30AMP 12V load selected) and Voltage after a devices DC makes light work of it. A portable three-second wait. Stopping interference with fire battery testing device suitable for Pressing and holding the “Test” monitoring devices is obviously testing the full range of batteries button will then trigger time to a major issue that Loktronic has used in security and fire systems, it count down and voltage will aimed to address with its STI is suitable for batteries of up to 40 change. Once the time has reached agency. Loktronic boasts a huge a/h. “0”, the test will automatically stop range of STI stoppers, protective Weighing in at around 500 and the screen will display “B” cages, alarmed housings, wireless grams, the 730-101 is a smaller, (Battery Voltage) and “L” (lowest transmitters and strobes. significantly lighter derivative Voltage obtained during test), Safety Technology International of the previous ViTECH T51530 providing the user with an indication is a family owned and operated 12V battery load tester, a flagship of how quickly the battery voltage business headquartered in product for the brand that similarly has recovered. Waterford, Michigan, that began combined 5, 15 and 30 amp testing The testers are reverse polarity thirty years ago with the invention in the one unit. and over voltage protected, and of the Stopper Pull Station Protector. Easy to use and built to handle come with a carry handle for ease It now markets more than 1,000 the knocks, it is ideal for anyone of transportation. They are robust products throughout the world, all using 12 volt sealed lead acid enough for any service vehicle or designed to prevent false fire alarms, batteries. These testers give direct, workshop. theft and vandalism of the things real-time indication of the battery They are suitable for testing the that protect us all. voltage during the load test. full range of batteries (up to 40 a/h) Loktronic stocks a huge range Just press the “Select Load/Test” used in security, fire, access control, mainly oriented to the fire sector but button to step through the 5, 15 or emergency lighting, uninterruptable with multiple derivatives applying to 30A test. Once the load has been power supplies, or any area where different applications across access selected, the screen will show Time stand-by batteries are required. control and security markets. All models offer excellent protection Some other products from ViTECH and Loktronic against physical damage (both accidental and intentional), and 730-400 IP 65 Anti-Inference Device 730-403 Secol valve Anti-Inference Device several against severe environments both inside and out. The well-known Stopper II has been helping to stop false fire alarms (without restricting legitimate alarms) around the world for more than 30 years. It is ideal for schools, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, stores, hotels, car park buildings and public buildings of almost every kind where there is a threat of false alarms. It consists of a clear, tamperproof, tough polycarbonate shield and frame, and the line also includes 730-030 Strobe/Siren, monitored, 32 selectable sounds models with the option of a piezo horn, spacer, SPDT (Form ‘C’)

Issue 17 | September 2108 17 consumption for lower operating temperature. The body of the fire door holding electromagnetic FDH40 range is made of nylon for its NZ made self-extinguishing and longevity SECURITY TECHNOLOGY RELIABILITY qualities. The FDH40S suits both floor and wall mounting, and the universal armature offsets to 55 degrees to fire door holding suit doors opening past 90 degrees. Wall mount extensions are available and can be cut to any length. Model electromagnets 12 & 24 VDC selectable FDH40S/R is available for surface or recessed mounting. All models are designed, tested and produced in New Zealand to AS 4178 and FDH40S the product range is marketed as unbreakable universal mounting unbreakable. unbreakable! • Low power consumption - low operating temperature Responsiveness to customer • One product suits floor and wall mounting requirements and input is part of • Universal armature - offsets to 55º to suit doors the Loktronic service ethos, and opening past 90º • Wall mount extensions available they’re constantly working with • 12 & 24 VDC selectable • Push off button with manufacturers to ensure that their no residual magnetism • Oversize armature for 720-062 IP67 Call Point in red or white with conduit entry products are just right. “If we see a easy alignment • Emergency release button potential problem and know that • Electroless nickel plated armature and electromagnet dry relay contact and weather Loktronic’s superior fire door the problem would disappear even • Stainless fastenings • Full local support and back up proofing gaskets. The Stopper II holding products for 3-5 percent of our clients if we accommodates most manual call Another fire-sector-related product modified the product,” said Peter Standard, floor mounted, wall to door distance 114mm 10 YEAR GUARANTEE* points. that the company manufactures Calvert, “why wouldn’t we do it?” Designed, tested and produced in When the Stopper II with horn is locally and distributes is its own “If you have a problem, ask us, New Zealand to AS4178 lifted to gain access to the protected Loktronic-branded range of and we’ll do our best to solve it.” alarm, a piercing self-contained 95 universal mounted fire door holding With an encyclopaedic mind A) Wall mounted,126mm extn. tube (overall 202mm) or 105 dB warning horn is activated. electromagnets. With a 10 year and an eye for detail that eludes B) Wall mounted, 156mm extn. tube (overall 232mm) Immediate attention is drawn to the guarantee, these products are most of us, Peter has ensured that C) Wall mounted, 355mm extn. tube (overall 431mm) area and a prankster will either run available in field selectable 12 and 24 Loktronic’s web-based product A) B) C) or be caught. volt DC models and have low power information is as extensive as it is specific. In addition, he produces an GUARANTEE extensive hard catalogue, because Option A – Surface Mounted sometimes flicking though a few pages is just that much easier than FDH40S/R doing it online. Surface and Recess mounting But at the end of the day, says This device enhances an outstanding range of Peter, “there’s a lot to be said for unbreakable products which conveniently hold picking up a phone and talking it open fire doors. When a smoke/fire alarm is through.” activated the magnet instantly releases the door Apart from the inherent to the closed position to prevent the spread of advantages of electromagnetic smoke and fire. These units feature a choice locking over other systems for of 3 covers for optimum aesthetic appeal and durability. The installer can utilise one device for certain applications, and the surface mounting or for recess mounting. superior quality of the Loktronic range, it’s their trademark down-to- Option B – Recess Mounted earth and knowledgeable service that continues to set Peter and his 10 YEAR GUARANTEE* team apart. “We’re here for the long- For expert advice and haul, we’ve faced challenges and assistance with your security overcome them. We are New locking needs, trust in Loktronic, Zealanders and privately owned, and call us on 0800 367 565 we aim to deliver a fair go.” Satin Aluminium Gloss Black Gloss White

For more infomation about Loktronic and its products visit 899-156 FDH40S extension options Loktronic Limited Unit 7 19 Edwin Street Mt Eden Auckland www.loktronic.co.nz P O Box 8329 Symonds Street Auckland 1150 New Zealand Ph 64 9 623 3919 Fax 64 9 623 3881 0800 FOR LOK [email protected] www.loktronic.co.nz GUARANTEE

18 Issue 17 | September 2018 21556/1/18 *Standard terms & conditions of sale apply. NZ made SECURITY TECHNOLOGY RELIABILITY fire door holding electromagnets 12 & 24 VDC selectable FDH40S unbreakable universal mounting unbreakable! • Low power consumption - low operating temperature • One product suits floor and wall mounting • Universal armature - offsets to 55º to suit doors opening past 90º • Wall mount extensions available • 12 & 24 VDC selectable • Push off button with no residual magnetism • Oversize armature for easy alignment • Emergency release button • Electroless nickel plated armature and electromagnet • Stainless fastenings • Full local support and back up

Standard, floor mounted, wall to door distance 114mm 10 YEAR GUARANTEE* Designed, tested and produced in New Zealand to AS4178

A) Wall mounted,126mm extn. tube (overall 202mm) B) Wall mounted, 156mm extn. tube (overall 232mm) C) Wall mounted, 355mm extn. tube (overall 431mm) A) B) C)

GUARANTEE Option A – Surface Mounted FDH40S/R Surface and Recess mounting

This device enhances an outstanding range of unbreakable products which conveniently hold open fire doors. When a smoke/fire alarm is activated the magnet instantly releases the door to the closed position to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. These units feature a choice of 3 covers for optimum aesthetic appeal and durability. The installer can utilise one device for surface mounting or for recess mounting.

Option B – Recess Mounted 10 YEAR GUARANTEE* For expert advice and assistance with your security locking needs, trust in Loktronic, call us on 0800 367 565 Satin Aluminium Gloss Black Gloss White

Loktronic Limited Unit 7 19 Edwin Street Mt Eden Auckland P O Box 8329 Symonds Street Auckland 1150 New Zealand Ph 64 9 623 3919 Fax 64 9 623 3881 0800 FOR LOK [email protected] www.loktronic.co.nz GUARANTEE 21556/1/18

*Standard terms & conditions of sale apply. Data & IoT Shielding The World From Fire Danger

Advancements in the digital sphere have opened up new pathways for success in a number of industries including engineering, trade services, manufacturing and facility management. But there are still so many industries, like fire protection, that stand to benefit. Though productivity and profitability are key performance drivers, digital resources like new data processors and the Internet of Things (IoT) also benefit external goals that extend past a healthy bottom line. For the fire protection industry in particular, these digital functionalities have the potential to build a solid future of fire prevention and safety when applied by those whose job it is to see those goals accomplished. You may be wondering how this is possible. Fire safety elements like alarms, sprinklers, threat monitors and fire risk management systems IoT solutions in 2018, both available to speak to each other and combine today require the successful to their more than 100,000 users in forces to create new functions that movement and decoding of New Zealand, Australia, the United generate new levels of convenience messages to allow these systems to States and the United Kingdom for the user. Many tech experts have operate. Often this takes the form of from this year. simPRO IoT, in fact, used smart TVs or fitness watches an automated or computer-operated earned the company a place on the that generate a tailored exercise plan system which must maintain a high Australian Financial Review’s Top as examples of IoT. level of efficiency in order to detect 100 Most Innovative Companies list, According to simPRO Chief or prevent a fire’s present danger due to the technology’s applications Technology Officer Jonathan or potential risk. Fire protection and benefits to businesses. Eastgate, IoT solutions are the professionals must also rely on data IoT, has been defined as the equivalent of giving a business its to record incidents and adapt their concept of connecting any own brain. way of thinking to improve current electronic device to the internet and “The concept of IoT, that processes. to other connected devices. It works anything that can be connected Data feeds and IoT have the an application or service that uses will be connected, is exciting ability to deliver these benefits to the information collected from sensors for industries like fire protection fire protection industry, and it is why – or the “things” – and then analyses because of the ability to integrate companies like job management the data from the sensor to perform technologies to find the straight line software leader simPRO continue a specific function. to efficiency and success. to explore how digital solutions Through simPRO IoT, an online “simPRO IoT, for example, can can contribute to society. simPRO network is created which allows save users significant time and have released both data feed and previously unrelated technologies costs running routine inspections

20 Issue 17 | September 2018 to site, by introducing an IoT real- Then, when an event occurs that and increased profitability to time feed to our already extensive falls outside of a tolerable range community safety and wellbeing. asset management platform, whilst for that piece of equipment, a These new digital services are fast improving the level of response to notification is raised, a job is created becoming key to fire protection issues on site,” he said. to investigate, or an alert is sent to effectiveness, efficiency, and all- “By integrating operations with the user. around satisfaction. IoT a business can increase its While IoT systems get to work own crisis reaction times, reduce by connecting machines, new About simPRO reactive maintenance, automate Data Feed add-ons in the market simPRO provides business data entry and archiving and even are using complex algorithms to management cloud solutions for help secure new business. When draw information from multiple the trade and specialty contracting issues are automatically identified electronic formats and correctly industries; including fire and early, business interruptions and interpreting it for use in a variety of security professionals, plumbers, resolution times are reduced and tasks. Their purpose is to eliminate electricians, HVAC, solar, data servicing and maintenance costs are administrative monotony, improve networking, and others. simPRO brought down, it creates a formula accuracy and reduce costs by eliminates the hassle of field service for inevitable productivity and making a business’s data do all the management, reduces paperwork, success.” work. refines office processes, streamlines For these companies, however, Data feeds are applicable in a field operations, increases profit, it’s not about programming variety of systems including security maximises your workforce, and driverless cars or automatic monitoring systems, websites, fire enables more business growth. As toasters and coffee machines for prevention systems reporting and it is cloud-based, it can be used the break room. It becomes more building management systems, anywhere, anytime to help improve about fire prevention technologies allowing users to stay time focused streamlined business productivity communicating with each other to on accomplishing their business and efficiency in real time, giving perform more efficiently and to raise goals more effectively and spending businesses the potential to grow, the bar on safety effectiveness. more time on higher value work. meet and exceed their goals. For example, sensors in fire As more companies sign up With customers in New Zealand, detection and sprinkler systems for the new digital way of doing Australia, the United States and the constantly monitor and report back things, simPRO understands that job United Kingdom, simPRO provides the current state of the equipment management has expanded from a global leadership for trade and they are tasked to keep an eye on. focus on streamlining administration specialty contractors worldwide.

simpro.co.nz/control-fire or call 0800 100 854

Issue 17 | September 2108 21 Protecting Your Process With Fike FK-5-1-12

The Fike FK-5-1-12 system is armed This results in lower friction losses, a simpler system with fewer valves and ready to eliminate any fire longer pipe runs and smaller to maintain and fewer containers to hazard at a moment’s notice. Its diameter pipe – all of which add up refill after a discharge. 500 psi operating pressure provides to higher performance at lower cost ultimate design flexibility and than competing systems. GREEN, EFFICIENT FIRE ensures that the necessary amount SUPPRESSION of agent reaches every corner of the FK-5-1-12 IMPULSE VALVE Fike FK-5-1-12 was developed to protected space in under ten TECHNOLOGY protect your most valuable, sensitive seconds, extinguishing a fire in its Equipped with an industry leading assets from the damaging effects very earliest stages. valve, the Fike FK-5-1-12 system of fire and water in a wide range of FK-5-1-12 extinguishing utilizes Impulse valve technology environments. agent is ideal for protecting allowing for a full, unrestricted sensitive electronic equipment opening upon discharge. This and irreplaceable items from fire opening allows for a lower pressure and the damaging effects of fire system while allowing the agent to sprinkler systems. It is electrically flow distances equivalent to those of non-conductive, non-corrosive higher pressure systems. and leaves no residue behind after a system discharge. In addition THE 500 PSI DIFFERENCE Data Centers to being safe for your local The Fike FK-5-1-12 system is FK-5-1-12 is safe for electronics environment, FK-5-1-12 has a low pressurized to 500 psi, providing and requires no cleanup, making it impact on the global environment, maximum benefit for the cost: the ideal agent for protecting data with no ozone depleting potential Longer flow distances – Because it centers and other environments and a global warming potential of operates at pressures 40% greater containing sensitive electronics. FIKE FK-5-1-12 FIRE SUPPRESSION one – the lowest of any chemical than a standard 360 psi system, the fire suppressant. Fike system naturally has longer flow Fire Protection Technologies are proud to introduce the newest product in our Gaseous Fire Suppression Fike’s FK-5-1-12 system is the capabilities. This provides more only system available with Fike’s design flexibility, including the System Range. The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System brings a new level of flexibility and revolutionary impulse valve with option to locate the system further lower cost in conjunction with sustainable, green fire protection principles. rupture disc technology. The from the protected space. Smaller impulse valve and rupture disc footprint – Compared to a 725 psi The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System utilises Fike’s low frictional loss discharge valve provide an unrestricted path for system, Fike’s FK-5-1-12 system, Control Rooms which is combined with a higher, 500 PSI system pressure and larger cylinders (474 kg) and means longer pipe agent flow during a discharge. with its larger container options, Because it is non-conductive and usually provides for a smaller overall leaves no residue behind, FK-5-1-12 is runs, smaller pipe sizes, lower cost and greater design flexibility. footprint than a bank of 725 psi spun the agent of choice for protecting the cylinders. Simplicity & Reliability control rooms that manage systems The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System is Factory Mutual approved, Underwriters – The Fike system does not use in a manufacturing, processing or Laboratory Listed and complies with AS 4214-2018, NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520. separate nitrogen and clean agent power producing facility. containers. Instead, each clean agent container is pressurized with Fire Protection Technologies are recognized throughout New Zealand and Australia as the leading independent nitrogen to 500 psi. This makes for supplier of special hazard products, technical support and engineering services. Every day equipment and systems supplied by Fire Protection Technologies are actively protecting people, property and critical assets from the hazards of fire and explosion. We pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality products in every situation. When this is combined with our in house design, engineering and technical support capability we Valuable Assets are able to provide the right solution for all your special hazard problems. In environments like museums and historical archives, water can be as damaging as the fire it extinguishes. Fike’s FK-5-1-12 system extinguishes a fire in its most incipient stage, and 09 415 5488 is itself non-damaging to even the 13b Airborne Road, most sensitive materials. Albany, North Shore, 0632 www.fire-protection.net.nz 22 Issue 17 | September 2018 FIKE FK-5-1-12 FIRE SUPPRESSION

Fire Protection Technologies are proud to introduce the newest product in our Gaseous Fire Suppression System Range. The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System brings a new level of flexibility and lower cost in conjunction with sustainable, green fire protection principles.

The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System utilises Fike’s low frictional loss discharge valve which is combined with a higher, 500 PSI system pressure and larger cylinders (474 kg) and means longer pipe runs, smaller pipe sizes, lower cost and greater design flexibility.

The FIKE 500 PSI FK-5-1-12 Gaseous Suppression System is Factory Mutual approved, Underwriters Laboratory Listed and complies with AS 4214-2018, NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520.

Fire Protection Technologies are recognized throughout New Zealand and Australia as the leading independent supplier of special hazard products, technical support and engineering services. Every day equipment and systems supplied by Fire Protection Technologies are actively protecting people, property and critical assets from the hazards of fire and explosion. We pride ourselves on supplying the highest quality products in every situation. When this is combined with our in house design, engineering and technical support capability we are able to provide the right solution for all your special hazard problems.

09 415 5488 13b Airborne Road, Albany, North Shore, 0632 www.fire-protection.net.nz FENZ Career recruitment campaign a success

Firefighting is perennially voted by New Zealanders as the most trusted profession in the country, and for good reason. That FENZ’s just-completed recruitment campaign is its most popular ever, writes Nicholas Dynon, comes as little surprise.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s “We have people from all walks involves questions on abstract, recent career recruitment campaign of life, various ethnicities, ages and numerical and verbal reasoning. to attract a more diverse pool gender who are a part of our crew • Pre-entry Physical Test (PPT): a of applicants has been lauded a and love what they do in their local physical test with job related stunning success. Applications communities.” tasks, aerobic, strength and closed at 10am on 20 August. This recruitment round received endurance tests. According to a 21 August report, a total of 990 applications - the • Practical Assessment Centre the campaign attracted the highest highest ever number of applicants (PAC): a range of rapid-fire tests to number of female applicants ever for received in one recruitment round view problem solving, teamwork FENZ – 161 out of a total number of for FENZ. In two recruitment and communication skills. 990 applicants, or 16 percent of all rounds last year, 720 applications applications. were received. Successful recruits proceeding to The campaign also reflected an Applicants will go through an the new recruits’ course conducted increasingly ethnically diverse range assessment process involving over 12 weeks at National Training of applicants, with 116 applications interviews and physical and Centre in Rotorua starting 7th from Maori, 137 from people cognitive tests, including: January and 1st April next year. 48 of Pacific descent and 51 from • Unsupervised Cognitive places were up for grabs across the candidates identifying as Asian. Assessment: an online test two intakes. “If you can think on your feet, that includes a mix of abstract are driven to succeed, are a people reasoning (problem solving) Spike in number of women person and have a fit, healthy questions. applying to become firefighters lifestyle, firefighting might be the • Supervised Cognitive Fire and Emergency New Zealand career for you,” states a recruiting Assessment: a 60-question, is hailing the spike in the number page on the FENZ website. 30-minute timed test that of women applying to become firefighters. “With 12 days to go till the current round of recruitment closes, 75 women have completed applications to enter our recruitment pool,” Fire and Emergency Recruitment Manager Rochelle Martin stated on 8 August. “That’s the highest number we’ve ever had, but we’d like to see even more women putting their names forward. “Presently only four percent of firefighters are female,” she said. “Women bring a different and valuable set of skills and attributes to the job and we’re keen to increase their number.” According to Ms Martin, the interest in the roles is a reflection of the high regard in which firefighters are held and the variety and challenges of a job in which no two days are the same.

FENZ recruitment campaign success. Image: FENZ

24 Issue 17 | September 2018 New board appointments as FENZ turns one year old

As Fire and Emergency New Zealand blows out the candle on its 1st birthday, Internal Affairs Minister appoints Wendie Harvey and Malcolm Inglis – and reappoints Te Arohanui Cook – to the FENZ Board.

Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Harvey holds appointments on Martin on 27 June announced the government, private and voluntary appointment of Wendie Harvey boards. She has state sector and Malcolm Inglis and the governance experience and skills in reappointment of Te Arohanui Cook organisational change. to the Fire and Emergency New Malcolm Inglis is a self-employed Zealand Board. Management Consultant holding With Fire and Emergency New appointments across a number Zealand (FENZ) turning a year old, of government, private and the minister suggested that it is vital volunteer boards. He brings to the that the Board continues to have the table knowledge of large scale right leadership in place to ensure organisational and sector change the benefits of the fire service and workplace relations. reforms are realised. Te Arohanui Cook is an “I welcome Wendie Harvey Independent Consultant at Horizon and Malcolm Inglis to the Fire and Consultancy with appointments Emergency New Zealand Board, across additional government, and Te Arohanui Cook for a second private and volunteer boards. She term. Each member brings unique has a good knowledge of the attributes and experiences that will voluntary and rural fire sector contribute positively to the Fire and and senior operational firefighting Emergency New Zealand Board’s experience. current focus. toward better fire services for our Wendie Harvey, Malcolm Inglis “I am confident in the ability communities,” Ms Martin said. and Te Arohanui Cook have been of these members to provide A Consultant for Excellence in appointed for a term of three years, invaluable knowledge while working Business Solutions Limited, Wendie which commenced on 1 July 2018.

We continuously monitor your building’s fire alarm system and automatically pass the fire alarms directly to the Fire Service and the system faults to your alarm service agents. This ensures that fire alarms will be acted on as quickly as possible by the Fire Service, but also that your fire alarm systems remain reliable and responsive. We make fire alarm monitoring simple – let us show you how easy it can be! Ph: 03 341 0464 • Email: [email protected]

Issue 17 | September 2108 25 Engage fire engineers earlier

The Industry Transformation Agenda initiated by BRANZ Chief Executive Chelydra Percy has called for ambitious and meaningful change in the building and construction sector and fire engineers can play a key role discovers Keith Newman.

Greater collaboration will be needed He says fire engineers enjoy across the building and construction Fire engineers opportunities to discuss projects sector including working closely enjoy opportunities with architects, builders, developers with fire engineers much earlier in and suppliers to contribute to more the design process if the ambitious to discuss projects robust and cost-effective designs. goal of having a ‘better built’ New with architects, After attending the seminar James Zealand is to be achieved. came up a number of ideas for how Society of Fire Protection builders, developers fire engineers can be involved in the Engineers (SFPE) NZ Chapter process: president Michael James observes and suppliers to 1. Avoid unnecessary fire rating by that traditionally, fire engineers contribute to more siting the building optimally on were only engaged once the design the property. was complete to demonstrate robust and cost- compliance with the Building Code effective designs. 2. Optimise first up cost, leaving little or no scope to add construction cost and value to a project. SFPE president Michael James. construction time by discussing The trend to engage fire fire rated construction material engineers much earlier in the design addressing skills shortages, boom options at the outset of the process is helping reduce overall and bust cycles, procurement issues, project. construction costs and delays provider lower cost housing and without sacrificing safety. creating a better environment for 3. Avoid expensive passive fire Those who are part of the New Zealand building. rating costs by discussing Industry Transformation Agenda James cites Dr Scott Champion the internal building layout, (ITA) have agreed that piecemeal, who was involved in transforming particularly bathrooms. fragmented and incremental the primary industries beef and innovation cannot bring about the lamb sector warning the hardest 4. Avoid expensive variations to ambitious and meaningful change part is getting started. the contract by reviewing the required for the sector. Champion, who helped shift the architectural design to make An ITA February seminar sector from a confusion of multiple sure all the necessary fire rated organised by BRANZ looked at a competing players to a cohesive elements are included in the range of priority areas including group, focused on improved quality base tender price from the and profits for all, said once the outset. process got across the boundaries of single organisations and began 5. Avoid costly rework due to to address the real issues and mistakes during construction by opportunities “the fog will lift”. designing passive fire protection during the design phase along Transformative approach with all other design elements The ITA is based on a global rather than after it had been transformation agenda for the installed. construction sector by the World Economic Forum, and the idea “It is our hope that we will be of collaborative engagement “to brought into the design process as participate in a practical, sustainable collaborators as close to the outset and transformative approach to our as possible and that this becomes building and construction”. industry-wide good practice,” says James says building quality James. family homes at a lower price point, while realising acceptable profit For more information about the margins, requires inventive design, Industry Transformation innovative materials and intelligent Agenda, visit Michael James, President of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) construction methodologies. https://industrytransformation.nz

26 Issue 17 | September 2018 Rural fire research boost

Scion’s Rural Fire Research Team has launched a dedicated website and blog. In operation only since 21 June, already the blog has showcased key research insights, making the science more accessible to the public.

Scion, the Crown research institute leader Dr Tara Strand. “We created weather conditions, terrain and specialising in research, science and this website to ensure that all of the fuel types, and the factors affecting technology development for the work is available as needed.” public and firefighter safety is forestry and wood product sectors, The website features research essential to fire management and has launched a new research updates, new and existing prevention. website and blog dedicated to rural publications and the tools, apps and Among posts already published fire research rural fire research. The software developed by the team. on the blog is commentary on a new site can be found at www. The associated blog is intended paper recently published by Scion ruralfireresearch.co.nz as an outlet where the team can scientists in the international journal The new website was initiated by share their research highlights, Forestry that has summarised a Scion’s Rural Fire Research Team to upcoming events (including decade of research into the climate make their work more accessible to experimental burns) and preliminary change effects on New Zealand’s the rural fire fighting community in results, and showcase their newest plantation forests. New Zealand, as well as their wide publications. In a 27 August post, the blog list of international collaborators The Scion Rural Fire Research refers to the latest Scion Rural Fire and any interested members of the Team’s mission is to develop the Research Update (Issue 12, June public. science and technology needed 2018), which describes research “The best way for our research to protect life and property, and to develop methods for detecting to have an impact is for it to be manage fire. Understanding how smouldering hotspots using used,” said Rural Fire Research team fires are likely to behave in different Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs).

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Issue 17 | September 2108 27 2018

www.firenz.org

EVOLUTION OF FIRE Reflecting on the Past...Looking to theFUTURE

26th – 28th September 2018 | ASB Baypark Stadium | Mt Maunganui

The forum of Fire Protection, Fire Safety and Fire Engineering Professionals

28 Issue 17 | September 2018 EXHIBITION FLOOR PLAN

COFFEE CART ACCOMMODATION RESERVATION FORM

FPANZ (Fire Protection Association New Zealand) 2018 Conference 26-28th September 2018

All accommodation rooms feature high speed internet connection, LCD television with selected Sky Channels, iron and ironing board, in room safe, king size bed, individual air conditioning and heating, separate bath and shower, heated bathroom floor, bathrobes and mini bar.

ROOM CATEGORY RATE OFFERED SUPERIOR KING NZ$220

SUPERIOR TWIN NZ$230 BUFFET STATION SUPERIOR BALCONY NZ$250 AQUA ROOM NZ$290 PREMIUM WATER VIEW ROOM NZ$280 PREMIUM WATER VIEW SPA ROOM NZ$310 BUFFET STATION

Rates quoted are based on room only. Rooms are ideal for a maximum of 2 persons. Please note that all rooms are subject to availability ENTRANCE TO and are all assigned as non smoking. Accommodation reservations are not confirmed until you have received a return confirmation advice from the hotel reservations team. All reservations require a credit card to be guaranteed (confirmed). CAFÉ

Cancellation Policy: 14 - 30 days prior to arrival: A cancellation fee equal to 50% of the accommodation reservation will be charged. MAIN REGISTRATION Less than 14 days prior to arrival: A cancellation fee equal to 100% of the entire accommodation reservation will be charged. ENTRANCE

PERSONAL DETAILS Guest Name:______Company:______Contact Phone:______Contact Home Address:______Contact Email:______Address Line Two: ______EXHIBITORS

RESERVATION DETAILS Altex Coatings Ltd Forman Building Systems Ltd PSL Arrival Date: ____/___/______Number of Nights: ______Departure Date: ____/___/______APC Techsafe FPA Ryanfire Products Ltd ______Adults _____Children Preferred room type: ______Beele Australasia Ltd Hilti New Zealand Ltd Safeworld Est. Arrival Time: ______Arrival flight/time: ______Departure flight/time: ______Bensan Distribution Hydroflow Distributors SFPE Method of Payment:______Bondor New Zealand IFE simPRO All Visa & Mastercard credit card transactions are subject to a 1.5% transaction fee and all Diners and AMX credit card transactions are subject to a 3% transaction fee. BRANZ Johnson Controls Snap Fire Systems Pty Ltd

Special Requests:______Clevertronics Kingspan Tank Vision Ltd Reservation made by: ______Contact Phone: ______Ecoglo International Kiwi Pipe and Fittings Tasman PFV Ltd Evac Chair Distributors Konnect Fastening Systems Tasman Tanks NZ Ltd CREDIT CARD GUARANTEE Fire Innovations Massey University Victaulic Australia Pty Ltd Credit type:______Card number:______Fire Protection Technologies N3 Viking Group Inc Expiry date:______Name on card:______Firemate Software Pty Ltd Pertronic Industries Ltd Winstone Wallboards GIB

Please return this form to: Flamestop New Zealand Potter Interior Systems Trinity Wharf Tauranga 51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga Tel: +64 (7) 577 8700 Fax: +64 (7) 577 8701 Email:[email protected]

Please return this form to: www.fireprotection.org.nz www.ife.org.nz www.sfpe.org.nz

Trinity Wharf Tauranga NEW ZEALAND 51 Dive Crescent, Tauranga. Tel: +64 (7) 577 8700 • Fax: +64 (7) 577 8701 • Email: [email protected]

www.fireprotection.org.nz www.ife.org.nz www.sfpe.org.nz 9 Issue 17 | September 2108 29 NEW ZEALAND

FireNZ Delegates Brochure 2018.indd 9 30/8/18 3:05 PM PROGRAMME

Day 1: Site Visits / Setup Wednesday 26th September 2018

8.00am – 12.00pm No access - Displayworks site set-up 8am -12pm FPANZ / SFPE One Day Seminar 12.00pm Site Visit Site Visit 8.00am – 4.00pm 1.00pm EXHIBITION SET UP Option 1 Option 2 Site access for Exhibitors for stand set-up 8.00am - 5.00pm 11.30am – 4.30pm 2.00pm 1-6pm Start at NTC 3.00pm 9.30am 4.00pm 4-6pm TradeShow Opening 5.00pm 6.00pm

Day 1: FPANZ / SFPE One-Day Seminar Wednesday 26th September 2018

THEME The Fire Engineering Design and

Construction Cycle NEW ZEALAND

PROGRAMME 9.20 - 9.30 Welcome 9.30 - 10.15 FEB and Alternative Solutions (45 min) Keryn Goble (FEB), Daryn Glasgow (Alt Solns) 10.15 - 10.45 Morning tea 10.45 - 11.45 Passive Fire (60 min) FPA led – Paul Ryan 11.45 - 12.15 Fire Protection (30 min) FPA led - TBA 12.15 - 1.15 Lunch 1.15 - 1.45 Evacuation Schemes (30 min) FPA led – Phil Jackson 1.45 - 2.45 Design Coordination and Construction Monitoring (60 min) M James (Des Coord), Greg North (Const mon) 2.45 – 3.15 Afternoon tea 3.15 - 3.45 Cladding (30 min) - TBA 4.00 - 5.30 SFPE AGM

30 Issue 17 | September 2018 PROGRAMME Day 2: Main Conference Thursday 27th September

8.00am – 5.15pm

7:00 -8:00am Delegate Registration 8:00 - 8.10am Conference Welcome by MC Brett de Hoedt 8:10 – 8:25am Welcome by presidents, FPA, IFE, SFPE 8:25 – 8.45am Opening Address: Paul McGill 8:45 – 9.30am Keynote Speaker: David Crowder Grenfell Tower Investigation – The Process 9.30 – 10.15am Keynote Speaker: Niall Rowan – Passive Fire

10:15 – 11.00am Morning Tea – Exhibitors Area

11.00 – 11:45am Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Barnett Combustible Cladding - The Australian Perspective 11.45am - 12.15pm Keynote Speaker: Sean DeCrane Improving the performance of alarms and reduce unwanted alarms – The new UL 217 Test Standard

12:15 – 1:15pm Lunch – Exhibitors Area

1.15 - 1.45pm Speaker: Kevin Weller and Priya Parag (Beca) Keeping Pace with 3D modelling 1.45 - 2.15pm Speaker: Ruggiero Lovreglio Enhancing building fire safety is a open challenge for the fire community 2.15 - 2.45pm Speaker: Nitin Bhaskar (WSP) FDS modelling for performance based designs 2.45pm - 3.15pm Speaker: Martin Robertson (Cosgroves) Fire Protection for Large Chiller Facility

3:15pm – 3:45pm Afternoon Tea – Exhibitors Area

3:45 – 4:15pm Keynote Speaker: Arnold Dix Underground Infrastructure Safety: Some lessons from the past, new focus for the future 4:15 – 4:45pm Speaker: Peter Marriott (Olsson) Salt-water Modelling of Smoke Layer Formation 4:45 – 5:15pm Speakers: Frank Kang and Richard Hunt Gib® Fire Rated Systems Manual Update 2018

5.15pm Conference Closes 5.15pm – 6.30pm Drinks & Canapés – Exhibitors Area 6.30pm Tradeshow Closes 7.00pm – 10.30pm Gala Dinner

CATERING FireNZ 2018 will be catered by Bay Catering. Executive Chef Anthony Lawler uses the best of local produce and will provide food to suit the occasion. The team at Bay Catering always aims to ensure that this aspect of your event will enhance the experience. A full beverage service complements the menu selection. Please make sure you let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. We know you will enjoy your eating experience here at FireNZ 2018.

Issue 17 | September 2108 31 PROGRAMME Day 3: Main Conference FRIDAY 28th September

8.00am – 5.15pm

7.30 - 8:00am Registration & Trade Show opens 8:20 - 8.30am Opening by MC Brett de Hoedt 8.30 – 9.00am Speaker: Ben Ferguson & Robert Peart Fire safety design challenges for New Zealand’s most complex developments. 9.00 – 9.30am Speaker: Ben Hume and Darren King (Beca) The evolution leading to a revolution AR and VR 9.30 - 10.00am Speaker: Paul Richards (FENZ) Fire engineering at the end of the earth - Scott Base Case Study

10:00am – 10:30am Morning Tea – Exhibitors Area

10:30 – 11:15am Keynote Speaker: Arnold Dix Grenfell Tower UK - what those bastards wont tell you 11.15 - 11.30am Speaker: Jonathon Beardmore, Crossfire Ltd – FDS Sensitivity Studies 11.30 - 11.45am Speaker: Jocelyn Chen, Beca Ltd – FDS Modelling in Train Tunnels 11.45am - 12.00pm Speaker: Grace Nicholls, Onfire Consulting Ltd – Building Evacuation via Escalators and Lifts 12.00 - 12.15pm Speaker: Dushyant Parmar, Beca – Shopping Around: A Case Study, Chartwell Mall

12:15 – 1:15pm Lunch – Exhibitors Area

1.15 - 1.45pm Speaker: Jan Johansson, JCI An Innovative Solution to Exterior Fire Protection for High-Rise Buildings 1.45 - 2.15pm Keynote Speaker: Sean DeCrane Tall Mass Timber Buildings – The next generation of Buildings

2:15 – 2:45pm Afternoon Tea – Exhibitors Area

2.45pm Tradeshow Closes 2.45 – 3.15pm Speaker: Todd O'Donoghue – New Evacuation Regulations 3.15 – 3.45pm Speaker: Steve Turek – National Risk Reduction Strategy 3.45pm Closing Address 4.00pm Conference Closes

MC & Speaker: Brett de Hoedt also self proclaimed mayor of Hootville.com Due to popular demand, FireNZ will have MC & Speaker Brett de Hoedt running the event again this year. Brett runs Hootville Communications which trains and consults on media, marketing and communications to peak bodies, nonprofits and small businesses.

Before founding Hootville and declaring himself “Mayor”, Brett worked as a print journalist, talk radio host and publicist with media organisations including Truth, New Idea, Channel 7, radio 3AK, The Sunday Age, The Melbourne & Sydney Weeklies and ABC local radio Perth. He has also made video documentaries, reviewed restaurants and written game show questions. Brett promises to keep the show on the road and the energy high again.

12 32FireNZIssue 2018 17 Conference | September & Exhibition 2018 EVOLUTION OF FIRE

FireNZ Delegates Brochure 2018.indd 12 30/8/18 3:05 PM PROGRAMME SITE VISITS Wednesday 26th September 2018 Day 3: Main Conference FRIDAY 28th September ONLY 1 SITE VISIT PER PERSON. ALL SITE VISITS ARE LIMITED TO 40 PERSONS PER TOUR. Choose ONE site visit from the following two options:

8.00am – 5.15pm SITE VISIT OPTION 1: Wednesday 26th September - 8.00am - 5:00pm (Start at NTC 9.30am)

7.30 - 8:00am Registration & Trade Show opens Fire Fighting Operations for Fire Designers 8:20 - 8.30am Opening by MC Brett de Hoedt Fire and Emergency NZ National Training Centre 8.30 – 9.00am Speaker: Ben Ferguson & Robert Peart This programme has been developed to give participants the opportunity to gain a better Fire safety design challenges for New Zealand’s most complex developments. understanding of fire and smoke behaviour and fire fighting techniques by involving them in a series 9.00 – 9.30am Speaker: Ben Hume and Darren King (Beca) of real fire simulations. The evolution leading to a revolution AR and VR All participants will be able to gain first hand experience of real fires in building enclosures, including fire initiation and development, fire and smoke spread, flashover, the use of fire fighting equipment, 9.30 - 10.00am Speaker: Paul Richards (FENZ) fire fighting and search and rescue techniques, and more. Fire engineering at the end of the earth - Scott Base Case Study  DRESS: Long sleeve shirt, trousers, (or overalls) and enclosed footwear. A change of clothes is recommended and showers are available. 10:00am – 10:30am Morning Tea – Exhibitors Area  PRE-REQUISITES: Participants should be of good health and are required to complete a FENZ indemnity form. 10:30 – 11:15am Keynote Speaker: Arnold Dix The programme will be conducted by experienced professional fire officers using various enclosures, Grenfell Tower UK - what those bastards wont tell you props and scenarios and has been designed to offer participants an experience that is as close to the 11.15 - 11.30am Speaker: Jonathon Beardmore, Crossfire Ltd – FDS Sensitivity Studies real thing as possible. 11.30 - 11.45am Speaker: Jocelyn Chen, Beca Ltd – FDS Modelling in Train Tunnels 11.45am - 12.00pm Speaker: Grace Nicholls, Onfire Consulting Ltd – Building Evacuation via Escalators and Lifts SITE VISIT OPTION 2: Wednesday 26th September - 11.30am - 4.30pm 12.00 - 12.15pm Speaker: Dushyant Parmar, Beca – Shopping Around: A Case Study, Chartwell Mall Tauranga Ports and Facilities Site Visit This is an opportunity to look at NZ’s largest and busiest port behind the scenes. We will be 12:15 – 1:15pm Lunch – Exhibitors Area having a tour of the Port and the Bulk Fuel Storage Facilities visit noting risks and hazards, fixed fire detection and suppression systems and FENZ operations/techniques for firefighting in this environment including: 1.15 - 1.45pm Speaker: Jan Johansson, JCI  An Innovative Solution to Exterior Fire Protection for High-Rise Buildings High Volume foam application methods to Bulk Fuel Facilities  High Volume Water application methods to Bulk Fuel Facilities 1.45 - 2.15pm Keynote Speaker: Sean DeCrane  Tall Mass Timber Buildings – The next generation of Buildings Specialist Firefighting Equipment used by Tauranga Brigade  High Volume water reticulation systems and use of recycled water in firefighting 2:15 – 2:45pm Afternoon Tea – Exhibitors Area operations

2.45pm Tradeshow Closes 2.45 – 3.15pm Speaker: Todd O'Donoghue – New Evacuation Regulations GALA DINNER We have planned a great night with drinks and great food for our Thursday 3.15 – 3.45pm Speaker: Steve Turek – National Risk Reduction Strategy night Gala dinner. This year’s dinner event enables you to be as involved as you 3.45pm Closing Address want to be or to spend time networking if that is more to your liking. 4.00pm Conference Closes We know you will enjoy this great night.

ENTERTAINMENT BY COMEDIAN MARK WRIGHT MC & Speaker: Brett de Hoedt This year we will be entertained by Mark Wright, a well-known face of New Zealand television and stage. also self proclaimed mayor of Hootville.com Mark Wright is an actor, comedian, entertainer and raconteur. Due to popular demand, FireNZ will have MC & Speaker Brett de Hoedt running the event He boasts a successful television career appearing in over again this year. Brett runs Hootville Communications which trains and consults on media, 20 different series including the ‘Billy T James Show’ ‘Issues’ with McPhail and marketing and communications to peak bodies, nonprofits and small businesses. Gadsby, ‘That Comedy Show’ ‘Comedy Central’ and ‘Newsflash’. He has also graced our screens in ‘What Now’, ‘Shortland Street’, ‘Celebrity Squares’, and ‘The Before founding Hootville and declaring himself “Mayor”, Brett worked as a print journalist, Mean Team on Sports night’. And more recently in ‘Amazing Extraordinary Friends’ talk radio host and publicist with media organisations including Truth, New Idea, Channel 7, Mark has won two NZ Film and Television awards both for Best Performance. radio 3AK, The Sunday Age, The Melbourne & Sydney Weeklies and ABC local radio Perth. He He is also a talented improvisor, being a regional, national and international has also made video documentaries, reviewed restaurants and written game show questions. Theatresports champion. Mark is perhaps most well known as New Zealand’s Brett promises to keep the show on the road and the energy high again. original “ODD-FELLOW”.

12 FireNZ 2018 Conference & Exhibition EVOLUTION OF FIRE Issue 17 | September 2108 33

FireNZ Delegates Brochure 2018.indd 12 30/8/18 3:05 PM Auckland Council gives thumbs up to passive register

According to a recent position statement, Auckland Council now requires all fire stopping systems to be registered on FPANZ’s passive product register, and installers should be Association members.

FPANZ rated a couple of significant mentions in “All fire stopping systems (fire stops) to be specified Auckland Council’s Position statement for acceptance and accepted as part of the building consent and of fire stopping – AC1825 (v.2), which was released in inspection approvals process, it stipulated, “shall be in August and now available on the Council’s website accordance with AS 4072: Part 1.” The position statement, according to its preamble, “Fire test reports or Variations subject to Formal “outlines Auckland Council’s expectations for acceptance Opinion complying with the requirements of AS1530: of fire stopping systems (fire stops) as put forward Part 4 and AS 4072 shall be available upon request to within building consent applications and for acceptance support the system proposed and demonstrate on site on site during the construction, inspection and Code installation where necessary,” it continued, with Council Compliance stages of building work.” accepting reference to AS 1530.4:2014 as well as the cited and superseded 2005 version. In a big nod to FPANZ’s recently developed passive product register, the statement articulated Council’s requirement that all passive fire stopping systems to be VACANCY used “are to be registered on the FPANZ Passive Product Register otherwise they will be treated as Alternative TECHNICAL SALES Solutions.” Alternative Solutions and systems that do not meet ENGINEER these requirements will only be accepted in limited circumstances. Requirements: “Passive fire protection is both complex and detailed,” it continued, “and adequate time should be spent • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent. researching the correct product before specifying, • 5+ years proven experience in Business designing, sourcing or installing any product to ensure Development and key account management the chosen system is fit for purpose and can be within the fire and safety industry constructed to meet the Building Code.” • Travel nationally and internationally In a second nod to the Association, the statement • Capability to assess tenders to completion articulated the Council’s endorsement of FPANZ • Confer with industry specialists to assess membership as an indication of installer qualification equipment and systems and experience: • Prepare and deliver technical presentations “Auckland Council expects that all installers and explaining products and services to customers inspection contractors are suitably qualified and and prospects experienced in passive fire stopping systems. As a • Other requirements to be discussed on minimum all passive fire stopping installers should be application registered with the Fire Protection Association of New Zealand (FPANZ) and listed on their website.” If you are interested in discussing or finding out With Auckland Council’s endorsement of FPANZ further details in regards to this opportunity membership and the passive register freshly inked, other please email your application to: councils around the country will no doubt be looking. [email protected] Position statement for acceptance of fire stopping – AC1825 (v.2) can be viewed/downloaded at https:// www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/building-and-consents/ understanding-building-consents-process/ask-for- guidance/Documents/ac1825-position-statement-fire- stopping.pdf

34 Issue 17 | September 2018 Enrolments open for new fire protection programmes Industry training organisation Competenz has launched New Zealand Certificates new fire protection programmes for apprentices and • NZ Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Technology trainees. Developed with input from industry experts, (Testing) – Level 3 the programmes cover skills in detection and alarms as • NZ Certificate in Hand Operated Fire Fighting well as fire protection and hand-operated firefighting Equipment – Level 3 equipment. • NZ Certificate in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – Competenz has created logical pathways for learners Level 3 to progress, with four New Zealand Certificates at level • NZ Certificate in Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – 3 and six New Zealand Certificates at level 4. These Level 4 replace the previous National Certificates, and learners • NZ Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Technology can enrol now. (Inspections) – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems - Each certificate is a combination of practical on-the- Level 4 job learning and theory delivered online through Canvas • NZ Certificate in Fire Protection Systems Technology eLearning, which apprentices and trainees can access (Inspections) – Fixed Fire Detection Protection 24/7, whenever and wherever it suits them. Systems – Level 4 A Competenz training advisor visits throughout the • NZ Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems – Level 3 year to structure the training material into manageable • NZ Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems – Level 4 chunks of learning, set deadlines with learners to • NZ Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems – complete assessments, and support them through their Special Hazards – Level 4 training. • NZ Certificate in Passive Fire Protection Systems – Competenz Chief Executive Fiona Kingsford says Building Consent Inspections – Level 4 the new certificates have been designed to build skills To find out more about the fire protection across all businesses dealing with fire protection and fire qualifications, call customer services on 0800 526 1800 detection systems. or email [email protected]. “Developing highly skilled employees is critical to staying competitive, productive and safe. These new qualifications take a step-by-step approach, which allows for practical and theory to be combined to give better structure and spread the learning load.” Training and apprenticeships for the fire protection industry » Developed by sector experts » Learn online 24/7 » Combination of practical and theory » Flexible programmes tailored to your business » NZ Certificates registered with NZQA.

Talk to our team today 0800 526 1800 competenz.org.nz

Issue 17 | September 2108 35 Banned firefighting Foams set media alight

Little is actually known about the potential effects banned chemicals PFOS and PFOA have on human health, writes editor Nicholas Dynon. As the EPA accounts for remaining stocks and residents await contamination reports, the uncertainty persists.

Recent months have seen a raft “However, as part of our ongoing However, says the ministry, “the of media reports covering the investigation, we are talking with results of these animal studies and contamination of groundwater managers at a range of installations, their relevance to humans are not around New Zealand Defence Force including oil facilities.” always clear.” (NZDF) bases and petrochemical Indeed, in the months Similarly, the ministry is not sites by toxic firefighting foam following the December NZDF convinced in relation to studies into containing the banned chemicals announcement, petrochemical sites the impact of these chemicals on PFOS and PFOA. have come under the spotlight, with humans. These studies, it says “have Following the December 2017 some allegedly having continued to not consistently shown that PFAS central government announcement discharge foam despite the 16-year- exposure is linked to adverse health of toxic firefighting foam old ban. effects.” contamination at NZDF bases, “Provided the foams are a steady stream of reports have Health effects unclear appropriately stored,” stated the weighed in on what has become a The chemicals PFOS and PFOA EPA’s Dr Thomson-Carter, “they contentious – and expanding – topic. (or perfluorooctane sulfonate and pose no immediate risk to people or According to Dr Fiona Thomson- perfluorooctanoic acid) have been the environment.” Carter, the Environmental Protection confirmed at “above-safe” levels in Authority’s general manager of several properties. But what, exactly Troubled timeline Hazardous Substances and New ‘above-safe’ means is open to Firefighting foam manufactured with Organisms, the initial focus of EPA interpretation. PFOS and PFOA were the standard investigation into the foam was “on What we do know is that these in international aviation from the airports around New Zealand, where chemicals are extremely persistent 1970s to the early 2000s. According such foams may have been used in the environment and resistant to to the Ministry for the Environment, historically for firefighting training typical environmental degradation these foams put out liquid fuel and responding to emergencies.” processes. Their persistence means fires quickly, “thus improving safety that they can also accumulate in for passengers, air crew and fire the human body if absorbed, with fighters.” a half-life of up to several years. But But according to the ministry, what this means in terms of adverse New Zealand withdrew PFOS and health implications is not entirely PFOA from the list of chemicals clear. approved for firefighter use in The official health advice shared 2006. No import, manufacture or by Australia and New Zealand is that use of PFOS compounds has been “there is no conclusive evidence that permitted here since 2011 other than exposure to PFASs damages human for specified, identified uses, such as health, but it cannot be ruled out laboratory analysis. either.” This has meant that the big According to the Ministry for users of PFOS/A foams, including the Environment, adverse health airports, the NZDF, FENZ (at least effects have been demonstrated in in its previous iterations) and the animals exposed to much higher petrochemical industry, have had levels of PFOS and PFOA than are to source new foams and work known to occur in people. “Changes out what to do with their toxic Dr Fiona Thomson-Carter, in the liver, thyroid, and pancreatic stockpiles. Environmental Protection Authority’s function, and some changes The NZDF has been advised by general manager of Hazardous in hormone levels have been its suppliers that since 2002 they Substances and New Organisms reported.” have not supplied to the NZDF any

36 Issue 17 | September 2018 foam products containing PFOS be found and we are working with instructing its personnel not to use or PFOA above trace levels, and in them to check that their storage the small amount of type Class B November 2014, the NZDF added arrangements ensure environmental foams yet to be tested. PFAS chemicals to the list it routinely safety,” said the EPA’s Dr Thomson- tests for at bases. Carter. FPANZ advice Yet despite groundwater tests at “Our aim is to ensure facilities “We have been receiving a number Ohakea airbase first alerting Defence with these foams comply with the of enquiries from members and to contamination in April 2015, it regulations, and the firms involved other interested parties about the wasn’t until 7 December last year are being highly co-operative. We use and disposal of firefighting that the NZDF went public for the are also checking that adequate foams,” stated Scott Lawson in a first time about contamination. measures are being taken regarding recent FPANZ newsletter. According to the NZDF, the two- safe disposal of non-compliant According to Scott, FPANZ is in year wait before the Government foams, by ensuring they are properly “multiple and ongoing discussions” was told of potential water exported from New Zealand for safe with the New Zealand Defence contamination at Ohakea air base destruction.” force, Fire and Emergency NZ, was due to the need to develop new the Environmental Protection testing and safety guidelines for the FENZ use of foam Authority (EPA), the Ministry for the two toxic chemicals. According to Fire and Emergency Environment and local councils Testing of groundwater for PFOS New Zealand, FENZ uses two types around safe disposal. and PFOA continues at Defence of foams to fight fires. Class A foams “These discussions are sites in Auckland at Devonport and are used for vegetation fires and complicated, and delivering a Whenuapai, Manawatu, Rangitikei, house fires and make up about 95 suitable outcome will take time,” Marlborough and Canterbury. percent of all the foam used by he wrote. “However, I do know that But it appears the Defence Force FENZ at incidents. These foams we are working hard on this topic is not the only foam user to have contain wetting agents similar to and the aim is to help our industry dragged its knuckles on the issue. detergents, and do not contain deal with legacy issues as well as According to media reports, some fluorinated compounds, such as disposal of current foam waste.” airports have been using the foam PFOS and PFOA. FPANZ recommends to its illegally in the 12 years since they Class B foams are used for members that they regularly check were banned. fighting fires involving flammable the EPA website for the latest alerts, The Environment Ministry states liquids such as petrol and crude oil. information, requirements and that it is not aware of any evidence FENZ has had the bulk of its Class obligations about the management that fire-fighting foams using PFOS B foam stocks chemically analysed, and disposal of firefighting foams. or PFOA continue to be discharged and has confirmed that none of “We are also looking to FPA into the environment. these products contain the banned Australia and others globally for best “There are only a very small chemicals. practice in this area. Clearly, this will number of places within New Nevertheless, FENZ is taking be an ongoing topic that we will all Zealand where these foams can a precautionary approach, and need to keep up with.”

Issue 17 | September 2108 37 Realigning the inspectorate

The Inspectorate Special Interest Group, writes Keith Newman, has been busy. Reviews of sprinkler standard NZS4541 and alarm standard NZS4512 are much needed, and will require plenty of work.

Signing off on sprinkler, smoke fire alarms, installation issues and and fire alarm systems can be a code compliance, established the frustrating and complex business Inspectorate SIG a couple of years when installers and Building Consent back to tackle the differing views on Authorities (BCAs) in different parts technical and interpretation issues. of the country have varying views “If you install a fire alarm in on what’s acceptable. one place, it should be the same The fire safety Inspectorate in another — everyone should be Special Interest Group (Inspectorate looking at things the same way SIG) is determined to sort out across the industry.” confusion, improve communication Fire safety inspection is a highly and get everyone singing from the specialised and technical area with same song sheet. skills in high demand by builders, Current challenges include developers and fire equipment reviews of sprinkler standard installation companies. There NZS4541 and fire alarm standard are stringent requirements for NZS4512 designed to clear up accreditation and registration. inconsistencies and make provision “You have to have a good Services (FPIS), which caused for new technology that has entered working knowledge of the codes industry upheaval when it went into the market in recent years. you are inspecting, show you liquidation in December last year. Jason Godsmark, one of the ‘go have continuing professional The inspectorates are: Aon to’ people for tricky questions on development and be assessed (currently the only certifier of externally on a three-yearly basis sprinkler systems), Argest Building including internal and external peer and Compliance Management, reviewing.” Building and Fire Safety Limited, Fire Systems Inspections Ltd, Review before you do Sprinkler and Alarm Inspections There are only around 35 registered in Christchurch and Hudson Fire people who can sign off on Inspections in Dunedin. standards compliance for new Problems can occur, says sprinkler, fire and smoke alarm Godsmark, when installers systems and niche areas including misinterpret requirements and gas flood and deluge fire systems. proceed without having work They’re also called on to re- checked or their designs reviewed, evaluate sprinkler systems on an often resulting in developers and annual or biannual basis as part of contractors dealing with costly the Building Warrant of Fitness. remedial issues later on. Looking back 20-years, there It can be complicated when was only one player in the different regions, councils or inspections business. Today there inspectorates sign off things that are are six companies or inspectorates, not ideal, says Godsmark, who has with one recently stepping up to been in the fire industry for 25 years Jason Godsmark, Inspectorate SIG chairman replace Fire Protection Inspection – five of them with Aon, having

38 Issue 17 | September 2018 worked his way up to northern people also work with council and functional and noise level testing. regional and operations manager of often share the same concerns,” Smoke and heat detectors are tested fire inspection. says Godsmark. as part of the same process. While standards work is clear to Fire safety inspections are done the Inspectorates, he says installers by arrangement with the building Alarm standard review are affected by the “process owners. For sprinklers, that includes Plans to review the sprinkler and control behind how BCAs sign operational flow testing checks with alarm standards will keep installers, off”, particularly when “procedural specialised equipment that attaches inspectors and BCAs on their toes issues” arise because of different to the test facilities on the system, for months to come. views of how the Building Code verifying there’s enough water and Although MBIE is driving works. pressure to meet the demand. changes to the eight-year-old fire That’s especially evident with Residential flow might only be alarms standard, it’s something the “minor alterations” in fire alarms and a couple of hundred litres a minute industry is keen to engage with. sprinklers, what that term means, and commercial or industrial “Considerable technological changes and the level of building consent premises may be in excess of 15,000 have happened and we want these required. litres a minute. incorporated into the code.” Functional tests in the valve Godsmark says the code can Signing for safety house ensure systems are working be inflexible and, despite methods Part of the problem, he suggests, correctly and a building ‘walk put in place for manufacturers to is that BCAs work independently, through’ will ensure coverage of bring in new products, “it’s been and there’s a high turnover in that the system is correct and that onerous”. industry. “All we can do is ensure we there is nothing that may affect the The current standard, which are consistent in our approach and operation of the system in the event MBIE has agreed to review, is written in how we sign off what is written of a fire. around wired technology, however into the standards.” Similar tests are conducted with there’s been a big move toward “We’re going to try and get fire alarms, including checking the wireless equipment, often used as a in front of the council people a fire panel to confirm the correct niche product for heritage buildings bit more this year. International number and placement of detectors and those with difficult access. Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) and manual call points, along with The way power supplies and batteries are monitored has also changed. “We need to be a bit more flexible, particularly in relation to international panels.” Godsmark says international panel producers, for example, aren’t inclined to make modifications to suit the small New Zealand market, and there have had to be some work arounds. “It’s put a bit of a roadblock on some stuff.” There’s also been a shift away from ionisation smoke detectors to photo-optical detectors. The current move is toward laser based and there’s broader migration to analogue addressable equipment as compared to zone based. Following consultation with industry groups, Godsmark believes a new sprinkler standard should be ready within the 2019- 2020 timeframe with a six-month lead time “so people know what requirements they need to design to so inspectors can be assessed against these requirements.” While the New Zealand sprinkler standard is probably one of the most robust in the world, he says, “we are constantly aiming for better fire systems standards in order to keep our global excellence in protection and detection and to keep people and property safe”.

Issue 17 | September 2108 39 ACP buildings outed and CodeMark certificates suspended

Editor Nicholas Dynon looks at the recent progress of government responses to the issue of ACP cladding prompted by the June 2017 Grenfell tragedy.

The Grenfell high-rise fire in London Building Code Acceptable Solution According to the MBIE website, resulted in the deaths of 72 people. for Protection from Fire restricting CodeMark is suitable for any building It was the greatest loss of life in a the use of combustible cladding on product but is “particularly beneficial fire on British soil since World War buildings above three storeys. to manufacturers and suppliers of II, and materials used to clad the products that are innovative, new to building were to blame. CodeMark suspensions the market or would have serious Following a string of high profile In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, consequences if they failed.” fires involving aluminium composite MBIE commissioned Australian fire In a story that aired on the ABC’s panels (ACPs), the use of ACP as safety engineer Tony Enright to Four Corners program in August external cladding has been the undertake an audit of ACP cladding of last year, Tony Enright, put the subject of a number of inquiries and certifications. Leaked late last year, danger of ACPs in stark terms: regulatory changes both in New Enright’s report recommended “A kilogram of polyethylene Zealand and elsewhere. the suspension of six CodeMark will release the same amount of Building Code compliance certificates relating to 13 products. energy as a kilogram of petrol, and documents were revised by MBIE “This work was not intended to it gets worse than that because in 2017, for example, to place identify specific safety concerns polyethylene is denser than petrol increased restrictions on the use with ACP cladding,” said MBIE Acting too, so a kilogram of polyethylene is of combustible external cladding. Building System Assurance Manager like about … one and a half litres of These included changes to the Paul Hobbs, “rather to identify if petrol.” there was sufficient documentation Following Enright’s recommen- with ACP CodeMark certificates.” dations, MBIE suspended the “The expert advice found there following CodeMark certificates under was insufficient documentation to Section 271 of the Building Act 2004: support six CodeMark certificates, • CMA-CM40035 Alucobond and manufacturers have been Cladding Systems unable to satisfy the evidence- • CMA-CM40075-I01-R01 Apolic FR based requirements outlined by ACM Panel Cladding MBIE to support claims made in the • CMA-CM40100 Larson FR CodeMark certificates.” • CMA-CM40094 Symonite CodeMark is a voluntary product (Alubond) Cladding Systems certification scheme that provides • CMA-CM40111-I02-R03 Symonite a way to show a product meets Cladding Systems (Reynobond Building Code requirements. FR) Cladding products must comply • CMA-CM40193-I01-R01 Vitrabond with Building Code fire performance FR Cladding System requirements through either an Acceptable Solution, a Verification Manufacturers have an Method (by presenting a product opportunity to rectify issues certificate, normally issued by identified with their CodeMarks, and Dr Tony Enright, CPEng, Australian fire CodeMark), or an alternative if not rectified, MBIE may revoke the safety engineer solution. certificates.

40 Issue 17 | September 2018 “We are confident that there are no Grenfell-type buildings in Auckland,” said McCormick. “We haven’t identified any building that would be considered dangerous due to ACP cladding.” MBIE, too, appears satisfied there is no systemic issue of ACP use in high rise buildings in New Zealand. We have informed building owners and body corporates and have stressed that these buildings are not considered dangerous. We have encouraged them to notify their insurers and seek their own professional engineering advice.

Multiple lines of defence In many cases, the use of ACP is limited and the safety from fire of such buildings and their occupants is maintained by features such as sprinkler systems that reduce potential fire risks. “While some of the buildings assessed may not comply with the current building code,” said McCormick, “Auckland Council considers that a combination of fire prevention measures, fire safety systems, the extent of ACP coverage and any potential exposure to an ignition source do not cause immediate concerns for occupants or visitors safety.” New Zealand’s performance- based Building Code, says MBIE, provides multiple lines of fire “This process has not unearthed composite panels (ACP) in their defence. A multi-storey building evidence that these products are construction. constructed in New Zealand would dangerous, only that their use Ian McCormick, General Manager have active fire protection (such as needs to be considered on a case- Building Consents, stated the smoke detection, a building-wide by-case basis by Building Consent council reviewed over 300 buildings, alarm, and an automatic sprinkler Authorities (BCAs) when considering and that the investigation found system), passive fire protection (solid a building consent,” Mr Hobbs said. 116 buildings that appear to utilise fire-rated construction), and an all- Building Consent Authorities ACP cladding to some extent. In out evacuation plan. (BCAs) can no longer rely upon some cases, the cladding material In advice to tenants, Auckland these CodeMark certificates as has a combustible polyethylene Council stated there are a range of evidence that the products comply core, while in others it possesses a fire safety measures tenants should with the requirements of the modified fire resistant core. insist on, including familiarisation Building Code while they are in a There are more than 5,000 with their buildings’ evacuation state of suspension. residential apartments and hundreds procedures and escape routes, They will have to consider of commercial offices associated ensuring that the fire safety systems product use on a case-by-case with the buildings identified by are maintained and in good working basis, including those for which a Auckland Council as having some order, and that working smoke building consent application has form of ACP cladding. alarms or detectors are present. been received but not yet issued. The extent and use of ACP on There are many factors that the buildings vary considerably, from contribute to a building’s level Auckland ACP update the full façade to decorative features of safety, continued the advice, On 12 June, Auckland Council only. The buildings comprise a including risks such as the presence provided an update on its almost- mix of residential and commercial; of combustible building materials. complete investigation into buildings however, McCormick says they are “In addition, other factors such as that potentially have aluminum considered low risk. building management and occupant behaviour can alter the fire risks.”

Issue 17 | September 2108 41 Passive Equipment Register to activate FPA stand Keith Newman writes that the FPA’s Passive Equipment Register looks set to shape the market in a good way – those that make it into the register stand to benefit over those that fail to make the grade.

The first in a series of bold steps being taken by the FPA to clean up the industry and raise the bar on fire safety means only products tested and compliant with Building Act standards will appear in its new Passive Equipment Register. The Passive Equipment Register launched at the end of March lays the groundwork for other independent fire protection registers and be followed with new NZQA qualifications and a series of industry statements from the Fire Protection Association (FPA) to clear up confusion. The claim “we think this will do the job” is no longer acceptable to the FPA, which believes the industry deserves better than having to rely on uncertainty or commercial claims on individual web sites. Even the FPANZ Passive Fire Protection Products Register can’t answer all the problems Passive Fire Protection (PFP) special interest group chairperson Paul Ryan, says having a register of While there might only be a all products that comply with the relatively small representation at first, AF407-2.1/ AF1530.4 standard, “is a he says it will gain momentum over world first and quite a feather in our the next few months as providers cap.” get their products tested and The Passive Equipment Register paperwork done. will include manufacturers and Lawson believes builders, providers of products for penetration engineers, construction companies, protection such as fire collars, councils and independently qualified sealants, putty, wraps, intumescent persons (IQPs) will make decisions dampers for cable and pipe based on referencing the document penetrations, and even fire doors — those who aren’t included “could and paints. lose business.” Products will need to have been Ryan says the register was born tested and have a certificate from out of industry frustration, especially credited laboratories including from BCAs, councils, architects, fire BRANZ, Exova or CSIRO before engineers and installers wanting to being listed. find out exactly how a product was Executive director Scott Lawson tested and what standard it was says the FPA is not waiting for tested to. everyone to come on board before In the past, he says, some launching, as that could take forever. manufacturers have claimed to “If you’re not in it, you’ll feel the comply but getting that data out pain as it gathers momentum in the of them at the “eleventh hour” has Paul Ryan, Passive SIG chairman marketplace.” been difficult.

42 Issue 17 | September 2018 How do you know if this installation is NZBC compliant or not? This might look like compliant installation but has two different manufacturers products that have never been tested together

Some claimed their product was in education to counter the The first Technical Position more rigorously tested than our confusion…we’re going to sort this Statements are due to be issued code but certain technicalities in out.” soon “as the voice of industry, not Australia and New Zealand are very The Passive Equipment Register individuals,” he says. different. is the first step in helping to “repair It would be a powerful thing Ryan says, manufacturers should the industry” as the FPA gets serious for “the poor guys in council first get the laboratories to look at about the way forward. At least who’re hearing different voices their European data and see if it can three more steps are planned, and directions” to go on to the FPA be “bought across in line” with the including qualifications and website and, for example, look at local standard. authoritative advice. the rules behind smoke leakage and The FPA has been working other questions that keep arising, to Down to business alongside Competenz on developing find the correct approach, says Ryan. When Ryan took the helm of NZQA Level 3 and 4 qualifications the Passive SIG over a year ago, for installers and designers of Other registers planned there had been a lot of “doom passive fire protection materials While the FPA took a lead for its and gloom” with the industry which it hopes to have in place Passive Equipment Register from the being “hammered quite hard over before the end of the year. successful Fire Alarms Equipment many years for the poor quality of A further step will be for the FPA, Register, Scott Lawson says it opens products, testing, installation and through the Passive SIG, to start the way for more reliable information lack of education”. issuing position statements. “The on other fire protection areas. Instead of talking about non- industry has grown quite quickly “We’ll do it for hand held compliance and historical issues and when that happens you always firefighting equipment and sprinklers the focus is now on “raising the have self-proclaimed experts and a and eventually end up with a full safety bar and taking leadership lot of opinions,” says Ryan. suite of registers based on products of an appropriate standard.” Ultimately, says Lawson, these registers, with hyperlinks to product specifications, installation details and other relevant material, should be the only source anyone needs to go to. “As an industry we have concerns about product that doesn’t meet the standards for New Zealand or best industry practices, particularly in the area of hand held firefighting equipment.” That register will make it clear there are products coming into the country that don’t meet minimum requirements “and somehow skate under the radar”. The Passive Equipment Register and Fire Alarm Equipment Register can be downloaded from the FPA website at: http:// www.fireprotection.org.nz/online- How do we know this is properly installed and supported by AS 1530.4/AS 4072.1 resources/FPA_equipment_registers test data?

Issue 17 | September 2108 43 IoT-enabled hydrant monitoring a ‘smarter’ option

Can limitations in traditional hydrant checks be solved by technology? FireNZ explores how IoT, GPS and long-range, low-power radio technologies are plugging fire emergency responses into the smart city.

According to a 26 June article in It’s a danger that hasn’t gone hydrants or outlets, but at least they Stuff, a lack of a traffic management entirely unnoticed in Wellington, yet know where they are, even if they’re plan has meant that firefighters have a lack of political will means little not well marked. not been checking fire hydrants. progress has been made. The Local Government Act One in five hydrants across New During the Third Reading of the 1974 and subsequent amendments Zealand might not have been Fire and Emergency New Zealand place responsibility firmly with local inspected in the past eight years. Bill in May last year, Labour Party MP councils to locate fire hydrants off FENZ safety manager Ian Duncan Kris Faafoi commented that “there the main water pipes at the most said routine five-yearly checking of would be an understanding in the convenient places for extinguishing hydrants was halted three years ago. community that all the fire hydrants fires and to keep them in effective The testing regime was apparently in New Zealand are being checked working order. stopped when it found firefighters that they are operational on a A conspicuous notice or mark must comply with the NZ Transport relatively regular basis.” should indicate the location of each Agency’s code of practice for “It is something that if one hydrant. temporary traffic maintenance. day—God forbid—it became an FENZ has a reporting system for The report noted that a recent issue when a hydrant did not work problems with hydrants, including fire in West Auckland where a and something could have and Toby boxes filled with mud, leaking hydrant was obscured in a garden, should have been done, I think it or broken valves or problems with and another buried under weeds, could come back to this House, access. illustrated the potential danger. because we did not deal with it in a They have at times found the legislative way.” access point for high pressure Hon Ruth Dyson, Labour’s water hydrants buried under road member for Port Hills agreed. “I seal, plastic indicators cut down by do think that we need a more lawnmowers or signage damaged. common-sense approach to traffic However, FENZ is now recording management,” she told Parliament. and reporting where all water outlets “If we can trust firefighters to are located. “We’ve now got a good save our lives—and we do—I think system with Watercare where we we can trust them to test fire can record by asset number and hydrants without needing a traffic GIS maps across whole cities,” says management plan, and I hope we engineering manager Simon Davis. can do that.” “The computers on trucks programme has been trialling Digitally detecting hydrants different ways to ensure the The good news is that the information is at the fingertips of frustration of firefighters turning officers.” Davis says local authorities out to a blaze then struggling to are also sharing the same data. find water outlets for their hoses is becoming a thing of the past Locating hydrants one part of it through the use of mobile devices Locating fire hydrants via GPS solves with global positioning technology the problem of identifying difficult to (GPS) and shared digital mapping. find hydrants due to environmental or Brigades may occasionally still human-caused obscuration. But what Hon Ruth Dyson, Labour’s member for have to dig up freshly laid tar seal about the problem presented by a Port Hills or clear away mud and debris from located hydrant that doesn’t work?

44 Issue 17 | September 2018 Issue 17 | September 2108 45 According to a report in January analysis, and can be stored up to Water flow equipment provider in the Otago Daily Times, residents two years on a secure web server. Talis recently announced that they of Heaton Park expressed major Hydro-Guard’s Acoustic Leak will be tapping into SIGFOX’s rapidly concerns after firefighters were Detection Sensor collects acoustical growing IoT network to enable their unable to use the subdivision’s data and reports back to an analysis fire hydrant monitoring technology, hydrants during a major local fire, module for comparison against COPERNIC. The solution would equip leaving their homes at risk. baseline noise levels. It can detect utility companies and council officials A lack of water volume in the leaks of five gallons per minute to track and analyse the status of subdivision’s tanks resulted in no or greater, and can locate leaks to smart fire hydrants to ensure they are water pressure in the hydrants, within six feet. functioning properly and to prevent including the one closest to the fire. In Australia, LPWA (low-power issues such as water theft. As firefighters battled the fire, FENZ wide-area network) technologies Sigfox uses the Industrial, rural firefighters attempted to fill a are being tested by South East Water Scientific and Medical ISM radio tanker using one of the hydrants, (SEW) for smart metering as well band (868MHz in Europe and only to discover there was no water as monitoring devices in sewers, 902MHz in the US). Its cellular, pressure. manholes and fire hydrants. ultra-narrowband (UNB) network A little more wind and the lack of LoRa is a patented LPWA has been exclusively designed for water availability may have resulted wireless data communication IoT small messages that meet the needs in homes being destroyed. technology that uses license-free of the vast majority of objects sub-gigahertz radio frequency connected to the IoT. Smart city monitoring fire hydrants bands (169 MHz, 433 MHz, 868 MHz COPERNIC provides for real-time In many countries, fire hydrant in Europe, and 915 MHz in North monitoring of fire hydrants by time- water pressure monitoring and leak America). It enables very-long- stamping all data related to hydrant detection is increasingly being done range transmissions (more than 10 functioning. remotely, thanks to the Internet of km in rural areas) with low power An electronic module installed Things. consumption. on the hydrant sends SMS or email In the US, the Jones hydrant- LoRa permits inexpensive, long- alerts via the Sigfox network when mounted Hydro-Guard sensor range connectivity for IoT devices in the hydrant is being opened, closed, monitors system pressure and can rural, remote and offshore industries, tampered with, or malfunctioning. alert personnel via mobile (GSM typically in mining, natural resource The data is made available on a and CDMA) within minutes if a management, renewable energy, web-based portal, and alerts can be spike occurs. Data is encrypted and transcontinental logistics, and accessed, received and read via a uploaded up to 24 times per day for supply chain management. mobile app.

46 Issue 17 | September 2018 Our technical support starts with you. To keep your projects on time, we provide quick answers.

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