With the fire safety standards changing, Wormald national product manager, vehicles fire suppression systems, Steve Oxley looks at what businesses need to do to comply.

Workplace health and safety is one of the biggest concerns for Australian businesses, regardless of industry. Safe Work Australia recorded more than 130,000 serious claims in 2021 and more than 169 fatalities Australia-wide, according to the latest data.

The consequences of accidents at work can be devastating, including the catastrophic loss of life. They can also lead to significant costs for businesses in terms of time and money lost as well as potential reputational damage. It’s essential that businesses take the time to ensure their workplaces are safe and secure, and that their people are protected as best as possible to mitigate the potential risks.

Fire presents a major risk to many organisations and industries. It can be especially damaging and dangerous regardless of the situation or industry. However, it poses unique risks to organisations that operate mobile and transportable equipment, such as mining, quarry, construction, civil, timber, waste and heavy vehicle industries. The Australian Standard AS 5062 was the first of its kind in the world when it was introduced in 2006. It then gained recognition in North America and Europe and was first revised in 2016. It provides guidelines for fire protection in mobile and transportable equipment and is an essential regulatory instrument that helps ensure safety onsite for workers and businesses.

Compliance with this standard is crucial to ensure that fire suppression systems will perform correctly in the event of a fire. This can help save lives, as it gives operators a chance to safely exit the vehicle. It can also help save the vehicle itself by minimising the damage that a fire can do.

The AS 5062 standard recently underwent a significant update with its third edition released in 2022, which was necessary to address specific subjects that required upgrading. Some sections have been enhanced, details strengthened, and new information introduced throughout the standard.

Changes to AS 5062: what you need to know

One of the most notable changes to the AS 5062 standard is the revision of its name to Fire Prevention and Protection for Mobile and Transportable Equipment, reflecting a renewed focus on the prevention of fires in the first instance. This is reinforced in changes to the standard, which advise that machinery designs should eliminate potential ignition sources for the entire time a machine is in service.

Other key changes include:

• Testing regimes: previously, AS 5062 only provided performance testing protocols for foam water spray suppression systems. However, testing regimes have now been introduced for fire suppression systems that use agents other than a foam water spray. This means other extinguishing agents can now be tested to specific methods and best practices that conform to relevant standards such as FM 5970 and UL 1254 and identified by the revised AS 5062.
• Routine service schedules: AS 5062 has introduced new routine service schedules for pre-engineered systems. The revised standard now includes daily service frequencies, as well as the capacity for servicing at shift changes. The standard also includes service schedules of six-monthly, yearly and five-yearly.
• Special competencies: all servicing of fire protection systems, including daily inspections, must also be performed by a competent person according to the revised standard. Additionally, all fire protection equipment must be designed and installed by a competent person, and manufacturer or product-specific training is required. Evidence is required to confirm competency in line with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the Fire Suppression Systems.

How Wormald complies with the updated AS 5062 standard

It’s essential that Australian businesses keep up to date with the key changes in relevant regulatory and industrial standards, especially when it comes to worker health and safety. Working with an organisation that is aligned with the new safety standards and regulations is an effective way to remain compliant.

Fire protection and prevention is Wormald’s business. As one of the leading fire protection services providers in Australia, Wormald is already ahead of the changes in the revised standard. This means we’re well-positioned to address these changes and have already taken steps to ensure we’re aligned with the revisions.

For example, Wormald already has training in place for fire OEM products, as well as provision of detailed baseline data including 3D or isometric line drawings of installed fire systems that meet the new standard. Wormald has also already started the more rigorous fire testing process for foam systems outlined in the revised AS 5062 standard.

The updates to AS 5062 have been made to further enhance fire protection and prevention measures in mobile and transportable equipment and keep Australian workers and sites safe across industries. Businesses must have the necessary qualifications and competencies in place to comply with the revised standard and always keep everyone safe onsite.