Around the Nation

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1 FOCUS ON FIRE IN NSW

The NSW government has released a report that provides recommendations on how to improve fire safety in new and existing buildings. The project was commissioned by the Office of the Building Commissioner to draw upon specialist industry expertise to identify practical measures the NSW government could take to help improve fire safety in class 2 residential buildings. “While there have been a range of reforms to improve fire safety,” the report reads, “there remains room for improvement. Serious defects in fire safety systems are the second most common defect identified by inspections of class 2 buildings undertaken under Fair Trading’s occupation certificate (OC) audit program, arising in around 46 per cent of buildings. Also, recently published research found serious fire-related defects were in around 14 per cent of strata buildings completed in the last six years.” The project working group included fire safety, property, building and construction practitioners with expert legislative and technical knowledge. They offered four recommendations: establish a customer-facing building manual; ensure the effective regulation of fire safety practitioners; enhance the trustworthiness of Fire Safety Schedules, Fire Safety Certificates and Annual Fire Safety Statements; and more effective regulatory and compliance action. Go to bit.ly/3fu1JL0 ■

2 NET ZERO HEROES

The A.G. Coombs Group has committed to a clear net zero goal: Scope 1 and Scope 2 operational emissions by 2030. The building services specialist will work with its value chain, industry partners and customers to achieve net zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040. “Climate change is the most critical challenge facing the world today,” A.G. Coombs says. “Through their construction and operation, buildings are responsible for nearly 40 per cent of annual global CO2 emissions. The A.G. Coombs Group is committed to minimising its emissions impact.” The company says the world must move from a “best endeavours” carbon-reduction process to a definitive and transparently accounted for elimination approach. “It is important that A.G. Coombs as a significant provider in the Australian property and building construction industry’s supply chain has a strong process in place to be part of this transition,” says A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director Russell Telford, “including a clear commitment to a net zero operating position.” Since 2005, A.G. Coombs has operated an environmental program, with two objectives: reduce the environmental impacts of its operations, and assist customers and clients to achieve the same. ■

3 IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE

ARBS 2022 is calling for nominations for the ARBS Industry Awards. “If you know a person, business or product that through their endeavours deserve to be recognised by the industry, then nominate for an ARBS 2022 Industry Award,” says ARBS. “The prestigious awards continue the decade-long tradition of recognising and rewarding outstanding contributions within Australia’s HVAC, refrigeration and building services industry.” Award categories include: ARBS Young Achiever Award 2022; ARBS Product Excellence (HVAC) Award 2022; ARBS Product Excellence (Refrigeration) Award 2022; ARBS Software/Digital Excellence Award 2022; ARBS Project Excellence Award 2022; ARBS Outstanding Industry Education/Training Award 2022; and ARBS Industry Hall of Fame. A panel of industry experts will evaluate nominations based on criteria such as leadership, sustainability, performance and innovation. Nominations close Friday, February 25, 2022 at 5pm. Award winners will be announced and honoured at a gala dinner on August 17, 2022 at Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

4 NEW WAREHOUSE FOR RECTORSEAL

RectorSeal Australia has announced the opening of a new warehouse tailored for Australian customers.

Located in Brendale, Queensland, the warehouse will function as the company’s Australian head office. According to the company, the location offers additional warehouse space to help expand RectorSeal’s current product offering to customers, and the warehouse will be fully staffed “to ensure operational excellence with regard to customer service and product availability”. “Our team is enthusiastic about the new warehouse location, which will support our strategic goal of increasing inventory on hand while decreasing shipping times,” says RectorSeal Australia General Manager Craig Bicket. “With our own dedicated space, we will be able to manage a greater level of inventory to serve our customers’ needs more efficiently.” Bicket and other key RectorSeal staff members will relocate to Queensland as part of the new warehouse move.

“I look forward to meeting our current and new customers to show them our new facility,” says Bicket. “We expect these impressive enhancements we’ve made will offer even higher levels of customer service along with a broader product offering.” Go to www.rectorseal.com.au ■

5 SMART ADVICE FOR SCHOOLS

AIRAH has released a guide to COVID-19 ventilation optimisation aimed at primary and secondary schools. Authored by Brad Prezant, Affil.AIRAH, the guide offers readers a better understanding of airborne transmission and building ventilation systems found in schools in Australia. It also provides advice about building a strategy for different facilities. It is intended as a resource both for schools, and for mechanical engineering designers and maintenance engineers.

GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS

COVID-19

VENTILATION

OPTIMISATION

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GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS · COVID-19 VENTILATION OPTIMISATIONAuthored by Brad Prezant, Affil.AIRAH, MSPH, MBA, CIH, COH, CAQP, WELL AP

“School administrators and teachers are concerned about the safety of children and staff,” says the guide. “There are many more questions about the best way to protect children from COVID-19 infection at school than there are answers.

“School administrators are being bombarded by vendors selling a myriad of products, some of which may improve the health of occupants, and some of which may increase the risk of infection. Many of the solutions offered are expensive. “This document, written from an evidence-based public health perspective, is intended to address the many questions that school administrators have been and will be considering in order to provide appropriate guidance for creating a school setting where the focus can be on education, and not the building itself.” Go to bit.ly/3A77TdR. ■

6 RAC APPRENTICE NAMED TOP TRADIE

TAFE Queensland refrigeration and air conditioning apprentice Natasha Kirchner has been chosen as the Construction Skills Queensland Tradeswoman of the Year at the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards in Brisbane.

Held annually, the NAWIC Awards showcase the achievements and industry advancements of women, men and organisations in the construction industry. Kirchner was recognised for her dedication to building a successful career in HVAC&R, along with her passion for being a positive role model for other females wanting to pursue a trade career. Before switching to RAC, Kirchner worked in hospitality, but was unhappy with her career direction. One day she helped a friend install an aircon unit at his parents’ house, and took an instant interest in how the system worked. “At the end of the day, I was captivated,” says Kirchner. “I have always been a hands-on learner and love being involved in anything that gets my hands dirty, but never connected this with a trade.” As the winner of the award, Kirchner will have the opportunity to work with NAWIC over the next 12 months as a volunteer Tradie Ambassador. ■

Natasha Kirchner

7 TASTING NOTES

Late last year the Tasmanian division of AIRAH organised a site visit to the Overland Brewery and Distillery – a brand-new boutique brewery, distillery, cellar door and bar in North Hobart. The venue was converted from the Appliance Repairs and Pool Signs warehouse, and is now configured to house the distillery, indoor and outdoor casual seating, food vans and other social events.

Attendees were given a tour of the functioning brewery and distillery, including hazardous area ventilation. They were also able to taste some “work in progress”. The guides for the tour were Overland Brewery and Distillery head distiller Nathan Reeves, and COVA Group project/design manager Maciej Jankowiak. COVA Group also sponsored the event. The site visit was followed by networking drinks. ■

8 ARC BACKS EMISSIONS ADVICE

The Australian Refrigeration Council has welcomed the release of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria’s draft guidelines for managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for public consultation. “EPA Victoria’s release of these draft guidelines demonstrates a growing emphasis on the role we all play in the protection of our environment and broader community health from greenhouse gas emissions,” said Australian Refrigeration Council CEO, Glenn Evans.

“Australia’s refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector has led the way, adhering to an emission reduction scheme/program for almost 20 years. “Since the introduction of the industry’s national licensing scheme back in 2005, Australia’s RAC technicians, numbering more than 115,000 today, have reduced Australia’s emissions of ozone depleting gasses by more than 25 mega tonnes. “Businesses across all industries will introduce practices that reduce environmental damage as governments adopt a risk management approach to cutting GHG emissions to reduce harm to others and the environment.”

The draft guidelines are open for public comment until February 8, 2022. Go to engage.vic.gov.au ■

9 AMCA VENTILATION SUMMIT

AMCA Australia is hosting a Building Ventilation Summit as a virtual event on February 24 and 25. “Recognising both the technical and people challenges involved in providing safe indoor environments,” says AMCA Australia, “the Building Ventilation Summit brings together experts from across the sector and beyond to discuss the latest approaches being adopted by industry, the health, economic and political contexts, and the likely medium-and long-term reform implications.” Day one of the Summit will have a largely technical focus, including discussions about current approaches being adopted by industry and the medium-and longer-term implications of COVID-19 for buildings. Day two will focus more on people, workplaces, and communities, as well as the broader economic, demographic, and political context. Confirmed speakers include: Ted Baillieu, Chair of the Cladding Taskforce; Brett Fairweather, M.AIRAH, It’s Engineered; Geoff Hanmer, professor in architecture; Rob Adams, City Architect, Melbourne City Council; Kate Cole, Cole Health, occupational hygienist; Jon Faine, journalist and former radio host; Bernard Salt, demographer; and Tim Wheeler, Property Council. For more information on the Summit, and to register, go to bit.ly/3H4yECb ■