Benefits of Hiring a Local Fire Engineer in Brisbane

Fire engineers play a critical role in safeguarding lives and assets. They specialise in analyzing fire risks, designing fire safety systems, and ensuring compliance with national and local regulations. Their work often includes:

• Conducting risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards arising from non-compliances with the NCC/BCA.

• Developing Performance Based Solutions to addressed the hazards arising from BCA non-compliance.

• Conducting risk assessments to identify potential fire hazards arising from non-compliances with the NCC/BCA.

• Assisting with regulatory compliance, including obtaining necessary approvals; QFES approval in the case of buildings within the Queensland Jurisdiction, permits and other sign-offs.

• Advising on evacuation procedures, emergency response plans and drafting Management in Use documents for the maintenance and supporting performance solutions.

  
  

Choosing a local fire engineer offers several advantages:

Fyrewise is a local fire engineering consultancy based in Brisbane. Since Brisbane is regarded as the capital city in Queensland, the primary governing authority providing approvals for Fire Engineered Alternative Designs is the Queensland Fire Department (QFD), previous known as QFES. The requirements by the brigade in various parts of Queensland, far north in Cairns and down south in Brisbane could vary vastly. A local fire engineer who is primarily operating in Queensland understands the requirements unique to the QLD state, can quickly and easily conduct on-site assessments, provide timely recommendations, and collaborate with contractors during construction or renovation projects. Furthermore, a local fire engineer is likely to have close relationships with other local consultants involved in the project such as the building certifier, architect and other engineering professionals which ensure the smooth transition of the project.

Process of getting a Fire Engineering Report (FER) approved

The process of getting a Fire Engineering Report approved in Brisbane typically involves several key steps. This process ensures that fire safety designs comply with national and state regulations, particularly the National Construction Code (NCC) and any applicable local laws. Here's a general outline of the process:

Step 1: Engage a Qualified Building Certifier to identify deviations from the DtS provisions in the Building Code of Australia

Step 2: Consult a Qualified Fire Engineer to define project scope required for a FEB/FER process

Step 3: Development of the Fire Engineering Brief (FEB)

The fire engineer develops a fire safety strategy that meets the performance-based requirements of the NCC.

• This may include alternative solutions (performance solutions) to achieve compliance where deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) provisions are not practical or suitable.

• The strategy typically covers:

  • Smoke control

  • Fire detection and suppression systems

  • Occupant evacuation

  • Structural fire resistance

Step 4: Apply for a FEB Meeting with the Brigade

A meeting with the QFD is requested through the building certifier, where the fire engineer describes the proposed performance solution and how they achieve the performance requirements in the BCA with the proposed fire strategy for the building

Step 5: Proceeding to a Fire Engineering Report (FER)

Based on the comments from the QFD, the report would be converted to a Fire Engineering Report incorporating comments from the QFD. This may include major or minor revisions, an additional fire safety systems requested by the brigade to facilitate the firefighting needs.

Step 6: Submission of the FER to the Certifier or Building Surveyor

• The FER is submitted to a certifier or building surveyor responsible for issuing building approvals.

The certifier assesses whether the report complies with the NCC and relevant state regulations.

Step 7: Final Certification

Upon project completion, the fire engineer may provide a compliance certificate confirming that all fire safety measures have been installed and tested as per the approved FER. This certificate is required for the occupancy certificate, which allows the building to be legally occupied. In Queensland, these could be in the Form of Form 12, Form 15 and Form 16 documents throughout the timeline of the project.