Fire Protection Industry - ODS & SGG Board

The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board is pleased to release the final, industry-approved FPIB Code of Practice.

Developed with consultation from the industry, the Code of Practice is a practical, field-based resource. It is designed to support the day-to-day work of technicians and permit holders handling scheduled extinguishing agents.

The document provides clear and consistent guidance. It supports safe work practices, regulatory compliance and real-world servicing, maintenance and handling activities carried out across the fire protection industry.

Thank you to all industry stakeholders and permit holders who contributed feedback. Your input helped shape the final document.

The finalised FPIB Code of Practice is now available via the FPIB website here: https://lnkd.in/gPe4j2tm

If you would like a physical copy, please email [email protected]

A career in fire protection may mean working with scheduled extinguishing agents that contain Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and Synthetic Greenhouse Gases (SGGs). For new career beginners, a trainee licence is required prior to working with scheduled extinguishing agents.

A trainee licence allows you to work with scheduled extinguishing agents under a supervisor who already holds an EAHL.

Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) offer the Units of Competency needed to apply for a Trainee EAHL licence, which is delivered as blended learning. A full list of available training providers is available on the FPIB website.

👇To learn more on working with scheduled extinguishing agents as a trainee or supervisor, click below.
https://lnkd.in/gGxMS9pC

From the 1st of July 2025 to today, the FPIB has recorded 18 instances of non-compliant work being conducted. This includes ten permit holders who have been identified as working outside of their entitlements.

One of the most common issues identified has been technicians completing work they are not licensed or entitled to perform. In many cases, permit holders were unaware that an additional entitlement was required for certain tasks. As an example, this has been particularly common among EAHL Experience 6 permit holders who believed they could mechanically remove actuators when completing AS 1851 testing. However, removing an actuator requires an EAHL 2 or EAHL 3 entitlement.

Understanding exactly what your permit allows you to do is critical. Holding a permit does not automatically mean you can perform all work involving scheduled extinguishing agents. Each permit has specific entitlement types that outline the work you are legally allowed to undertake.

To avoid non-compliance:
✅ Make sure every technician holds the correct permit and entitlement for the work they are performing.
✅ Review the entitlement types attached to your permit regularly.
✅ Confirm staff understand the limits of the work they are authorised to undertake.
✅ Contact the FPIB if you are unsure whether an additional entitlement is required.
✅ Keep employee details and compliance records up to date.

All permit holders should take the time to understand their licence conditions and entitlement types. Knowing the scope of your permit helps ensure your work is compliant with the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Regulations 1995 (the Regulations).

Incorrect handling of extinguishing systems can lead to accidental discharges and the release of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This can create serious risks on site, including damage to equipment and have harmful environmental impacts. Non-compliance can also affect your business through follow up action as well as potential insurance complications if work has been completed by an unlicensed or incorrectly licensed technician.

For more info: https://www.fpib.com.au/information/industry-news/

Exciting news from the Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board! 🏆🌏

The Board was proud to present the Outstanding Ozone Practice Award at the 2026 Fire Australia Awards to DIS Fire Systems, represented by Mr Neil Zouaoui in recognition of their outstanding work helping drive the transition toward cleaner alternatives in the fire protection industry.

Presented by the Board in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the award acknowledges organisations demonstrating leadership in reducing emissions from scheduled extinguishing agents and supporting environmentally responsible practices across the industry.

DIS Fire Systems has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing emissions by actively encouraging the replacement of HFC-227ea systems with cleaner alternatives such as IG-541 inert gas systems and fluorine-free foam solutions where appropriate. Through 44 replacement projects involving approximately 60 systems nationwide, the company has helped remove around 7,200 kilograms of HFC-227ea from active service, representing an estimated 23,184 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions avoided.

Importantly, DIS Fire Systems has supported this transition by providing complete end-to-end services for clients, including system redesign, installation, engineering, commissioning and ongoing technical support throughout the upgrade process. Their practical and proactive approach is helping demonstrate how environmental responsibility and effective fire protection can work hand in hand.

The Board recognises that transitioning away from scheduled gases across the fire protection industry will take time, but leadership from organisations such as DIS Fire Systems is helping drive meaningful progress toward protecting both the ozone layer and the environment for future generations.

Congratulations again to DIS Fire Systems and Neil Zouaoui on this well-deserved recognition. 👏

If you or your business have been leading the way in the space, you should consider applying for the 2027 award. You can learn more about the award and previous winners here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gDbEvDGY

The Board recently attended the Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors Conference, Driving Industry Change: Collaboration within and across borders, and it was a valuable opportunity to connect with those working across the marine sector.

A key focus for us was building awareness of scheduled extinguishing agents used on ships and vessels, including FM-200 and NAF-S-III systems. These agents are widely used, but awareness of how these systems operate, and the risks that can lead to a discharge, is not always consistent. Their environmental impacts are also not well understood, particularly when it comes to their global warming potential and the consequences of accidental release.

Our Field Engagement Officers were also on hand to talk through the permit requirements for technicians working with these systems. It was a great opportunity to build awareness among marine surveyors about what to look for, and why proper licensing and compliance play such an important role in reducing risk.

We also spoke about our work with marinas across the country, supporting operators and technicians to improve how these agents are managed and maintained, and to reduce preventable releases. These conversations are an important step in making sure environmental responsibility is considered alongside safety at sea.

It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from surveyors and industry representatives alike. Ongoing collaboration, both within the industry and across borders, will be key to lifting awareness, improving practices, and supporting a more sustainable future for marine fire protection.

Last week the Board was pleased attend Fire Australia 2026, a genuinely rewarding few days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Throughout the conference, we had the opportunity to speak with technicians, business owners, industry leaders and delegates from across the fire protection sector. Many of the conversations focused on the HFC phasedown, the transition to cleaner alternatives, and the environmental impacts of commonly used scheduled extinguishing agents such as FM-200, NAF systems and halon. There was also strong interest in the practical side of compliance, including permit requirements and the simple steps that can help reduce preventable discharges.

Our video presentation and educational resources sparked plenty of discussion across the event. They helped break down important topics such as the ozone layer, the Montreal Protocol, the Kigali Agreement, and the role of the permit scheme in supporting best practice across the industry. It was encouraging to see so many people engaging with these issues and asking thoughtful questions about how they apply in day-to-day work.

We also enjoyed meeting many new faces at the stand, with our seedlings, yo-yos, pens, keyrings and stress balls proving popular across the two days.

Most importantly, the week reinforced the strong commitment that exists across the industry to maintaining high functioning gaseous fire suppression systems, while also reducing emissions through best practice and limiting the release of ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to have a chat. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with so many people working across the sector and look forward to continuing these conversations into the future.

The FPIB is pleased to have published its inaugural Code of Practice, which is now live and open for industry feedback.

Developed to support the safe, compliant and responsible handling of scheduled extinguishing agents, this draft guide provides clearer direction for meeting obligations under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Regulations 1995.

Now is your opportunity to help shape a practical, fit-for-purpose resource that reflects real-world fire protection operations and supports best practice across the sector.

We encourage permit holders, technicians and industry stakeholders to review the draft and share their feedback during the public consultation period.

Read the document below or via the website here and have your say: https://www.fpib.com.au/code-of-practice/

🌍The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board will be attending Fire Australia 2026!

If you’re attending this year’s conference, make sure to visit the FPIB booth. Our friendly team will be on site to share insights about the fire protection permit scheme, best practice in the use of scheduled extinguishing gases within fire suppression systems, and how you and your business can help support the environment.

The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board are looking forward to attending the 2026 Australasian Institute of Marine Surveyors (AIMS) Conference in May.

AIMS will be diving into the topic of ‘Driving Industry Change: Collaboration within and across borders’. TheBoard looks forward to connecting with marine surveyors, and industry leaders shaping the future of the marine industry and sharing how together we can support best practice fire safety and environmental protection at sea.

If you’re in attendance, make sure to visit the FPIB stand to learn more about safe and responsible use of gaseous fire suppression systems on board your vessel.

🗓️7-8 May 2026
📍Fremantle Sailing Club, Western Australia