Introducing the Code of Practise for evacuation and first aid fire-fighting equipment

• The COP when viewed in isolation is nothing more than a document which attempts to outline current understanding of required industry knowledge and practice for industry groups.

• Contextually this document sits alongside the Fire Safety and Evacuation Consultant Certificate and the FPANZ Code of Ethical Conduct and its Complaint Procedure. In the case of HOFFE the COP sits alongside NZS4503:2005 and NZQA Level 3 qualifications.

• The objective of any COP is to enhance the safety of people in facilities and to offer a framework for emergency planning and give guidance to best practice conduct.

History of the Code of Practise

• Historically for HOFFE a code was developed but failed to be adopted by the industry.

• The first edition of the COP (FSEC) was released in September 2012- a collaborative effort between the Fire Protection Association New Zealand Incorporated (FPANZ), the New Zealand Fire Service (NZFS) in consultation with the special interest group of the Evacuation Consultants.

• Historically, variation in installation-practices hasn’t ensured consistency across the industry and lead to the development a COP for the HOFFE.

Purpose of the Code of Practise• To give Evacuation Consultants direction in the absence of a standard , for HOFFE to work

along side the standard NZS4503:2005.• To operate as an instrument of communication to affirm professional commitment and

build confidence across the fire sector and in the wider public.• To describe expected technical and legislative knowledge and expertise.• To provide Evacuation Consultants and HOFFE technicians with a professional accountable

framework, which is commonly acknowledged throughout the industry.• To allow a training standard to be developed and executed, which witnesses to

commitment and creditability.• To ensure an ongoing standard of expertise for those not only presently in the industry

but those that enter the industry in the future.• This Code also offers Evacuation Consultants technical and legislative framework

resources and in doing so fostering the process of informed decision-making and best practice conduct.

• The 'eyes and practical management agent’ of the Building Act 2004 and its Amendments Acts 2012 , Building Code, Fire Service Act 1975 and Fire Safety and Evacuation of Building Regulations 2006 with the purpose to enable all people to safely evacuate from a place of danger to a place of safety.

Content of the COP• This Code (FSECC) is concerned with fire safety and evacuation procedures and the

management of safe people- movement in the event of an emergency requiring evacuation.

• Part A of this FSECC aims to aid in the understanding of best practice and provide directives for professional conduct in addition to describing the role and responsibilities of the Fire Safety and Evacuation Consultant.

• Part B outlines matters pertaining to fire evacuation, Evacuation Scheme, evacuation procedure and its principal legislation framework.

• Part C outlines matters of building structures, systems and features in the context of fire safety and evacuation practice and its principal legislative framework.

• Part D provides a set of appendices that offer industry related technical and legislation information. This section includes a list of acronyms and abbreviations and a glossary of industry terminology that is used throughout this document and in the fire industry. This part includes details about classes of fire and the use of hand operated fire-fighting equipment, details about hazardous substance, including infectious and radioactive substances and types of active and passive fire protection systems. Part D also includes reading recommendations containing subject matter pertaining to legislations.

Content of the COP HOFFE• Step 1 Contractor/Service agent application

• Continuity of Involvement Companies practice and testing verification of continuity -installing /testing and maintaining HOFFE throughout the year (3 sites completed. (x3 test sheets)• Inspection of HOFFE Systems Reporting of systems inspection and/ or evidence of a test process• Procurement of EquipmentWritten contract agreement for procurement of HOFFE equipment including extinguishers, hose reels, specialist refilling station, foam products, from a listed equipment manufacturer Note: The equipment must be listed in the Fire Protection Equipment HOFFE Register of Certified Products.• Technical InstructionsProvision of relevant technical instructions/training supplied and /or published by the manufacturer/supplier of HOFFE equipment• Competence of all staff and subcontractorsList and verification of staff and subcontractors in your organization including titles in the register attached along with evidence of the experience and capability of staff including CV’s or qualification copies. For staff who have not completed NZ Certificate in HOFFE (Level 3) evidence is required to show significant progress towards the qualification. • Subcontractors Accountability The company (on behalf of the representative signing this form) acknowledges and accepts full responsibility of all subcontractors working on behalf of the company.

Conclusion

• The current dynamic within the industry can be described

as self-regulative in nature this resulting in: • variation in levels of expertise and knowledge, this leading

to partial informed decision-making by relevant stakeholders and ultimately posses a risk to the safety of people in facilities in the event of a fire.

• The formulation of a Code of Practice seeks to remdy this and aims to provide witness to this industry’s dedication to excellence- A reflection of its expressed commitment to meet expectation of professional expertise, ongoing professional development and conduct accountability.