MELBOURNE FIRE SHOWS RISKS FOR NSW BUILDINGS SAY WORKERS

The Spencer Street in Melbourne fire proves the risk in NSW buildings while trained professionals are not undertaking the testing of the sprinkler systems that keep our community safe, says the Plumbing Trades Employees Union.

Workers and the Australian community are sighing in relief that the tragic Spencer Street fire in Melbourne did not lead to loss of life. We all join in praising the rapid response by fire fighters for their amazing work.

This blaze highlights the unfortunate risks that exist in NSW buildings because regulator testing and inspections are not undertaken by appropriately qualified people.

“There is a qualification in place for testing these systems but for some reason it has not been adopted by the NSW Government and this is putting the community in danger,” said NSW branch Secretary Theo Samartzopoulos.

“Qualified sprinkler fitters install these systems by law and they should test these systems by law. Just like in Victoria and Queensland,” Mr Samartzopoulos went on to say.

“NSW has a second-rate fire protection inspection and testing system.”

Mr Samartzopoulos added: “The workers installing our fire protection systems are required to undertake the qualification and be issued a licence yet the critical element of checking these systems work is a mess.”

“The Government must get off its hand and step up to help protect everyone that lives or works in a building. We need a licence issued by the Government that makes sure people with the skills do this work.”

“I know some support a self-certification or industry-certification system, but this is not that answer. This is the bosses’ form of ‘no ticket no start’.”

“Only a qualified sprinkler fitter can understand and properly test a fire protection system. In Victoria and Queensland this is the law yet for some reason NSW has a second-rate regime that puts peoples life at further risk.”

“The Plumbing Trades Employees Union calls on the NSW Government to implement Australia’s best practice when it comes to testing the first line of response against building fires in line with Victoria and Queensland.”

FOR FURTHER DETAILS –
Mr Theo Samartzopoulos
NSW Secretary
theo (at) nswplumbersunion.com.au