VBA requirement for Hydrant & Hose Reel Testing – Victoria

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VBA requirement for Hydrant & Hose Reel Testing – Victoria

Below is an email from the VBA in relation to the requirement for Plumbers in Victoria Requiring VBA registration.

I am a plumber authorized with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). I want to outline the new Authorization requirements. These requirements apply to practitioners who perform routine Repairing of fire protection equipment.

The Plumbing Regulations 2018 clarify that only a qualified plumbing practitioner can service fire protection equipment. This equipment is considered plumbing work. In response, the VBA has introduced four new restricted classes. Practitioners must register or obtain a license to perform this work.

Everyone who services fire protection equipment must register or obtain a license with the VBA. The deadline is 31 December 2020. Unregistered or unlicensed practitioners carrying out this work after this date will be liable to VBA enforcement action.

Overview of the new restricted classes

The new restricted classes create a pathway for individuals in this field. This is for those who are currently unregistered or unlicensed. There are two ongoing restricted classes and two transitional restricted classes.

Ongoing restricted classes:

  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of fire hose reels
  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of unpumped hydrants and valves

Transitional restricted classes:

  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of pumped hydrants and valves
  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of fire sprinkler systems

Individuals who gain registration or a license in the transitional classes can work until 31 July 2021. After this date, they must enroll in or complete a Certificate III in Fire Protection. They need to finish the Certificate III by 31 December 2025.

Why the clarification of the plumbing regulations is important

The routine servicing of fire equipment is important work that keeps Victorians safe in their homes and workplaces.

Accreditation extends the VBA’s regulatory oversight to this vital area of public safety and allows us to more effectively audit this work. The VBA can take appropriate disciplinary action against registered or licensed practitioners who fail to service fire protection equipment properly, thereby placing building occupants and the building at risk. We can act against individuals unlawfully carrying out this work if they are unregistered or unlicensed.

The VBA will audit a random selection of completed routine service work and address any non-compliance according to its Compliance and Enforcement Policy.

What this means for people working in this field

If you carry out the routine servicing of fire protection equipment and want to continue doing that work, you now need to apply for registration or a licence in a relevant restricted class. You must obtain the new restricted registration or license by 31 December 2020. Ensure that you complete this requirement by the deadline. Neglecting this could lead to penalties.

You do not need to apply for one of the new routine servicing restricted classes if you already hold accreditation in the classes of:​

  • Fire Protection
  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of hydrants and hose reels; or
  • Fire Protection restricted to the routine servicing of residential and domestic fire sprinkler systems.

You can continue to undertake routine servicing on the equipment types specified for your restricted class.

For information on applying for the new restricted classes see Fire protection: restricted classes.

Contact VBA Customer Service at customerservice@vba.vic.gov.au for more information.

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