Fire Safety Study for a challenging Major Hazard Facility
Case study overview
A newly registered Major Hazard Facility (MHF), in Altona Victoria designed for storing Schedule 14 materials, faced significant challenges in meeting fire safety compliance. After engaging multiple consultants and facing regulatory hurdles, the facility turned to Risk and Safety Solutions Melbourne (RSSM) for expert guidance.
The client’s journey began with engaging Consultant X (confidential) to prepare a Fire Safety Study (FSS). The resulting report included 140 recommendations but failed to meet the standards required by Work Safe and Fire Agency. The submission triggered:
- A dozen Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) issued by Work Safe.
- A potential shutdown of the site.
- A local council notice for cancellation of occupancy permit.
To address these issues, the client hired a second consultant Y to rewrite the FSS. However, this revised FSS was also rejected by both Work Safe and Fire Brigade, leaving the facility in a precarious situation.
Comprehensive Review
Comprehensive Review of all three existing FSS Conducted a detailed review of the existing FSS documents and identified gaps in addressing critical fire safety requirements.; Ensured compliance with industry practices…
Tailored Recommendations
Developed a new FSS with concise, practical, and actionable recommendations tailored to the facility’s operations.; Focused on addressing all identified non-compliance issues and satisfying regulatory expectations.…
Stakeholder Engagement
Worked collaboratively with Work Safe and fire brigade, and Hobson Bay Council the client to ensure the revised FSS addressed all issues.; Provided clear documentation and responses to questions from regulatory…
Our approach and services
Development of a Fire Safety Study (FSS). Our work covered Comprehensive Review, Tailored Recommendations and Stakeholder Engagement.
Outcome and impact
Through our collaboration with Client, the MHF is now has a comprehensive fire protection system and emergency management framework in place. The Fire Safety Study ensures the facility is equipped with the appropriate systems to prevent and control potential fires, while the ERP and EIB enhance preparedness and coordination with emergency responders.
The revised FSS prepared by RSSM was approved by both WSV and FRV. Relevant Provisional Improvement Notices (PINs) were resolved, avoid a shutdown.
Our efforts not only ensured compliance with VIC regulations but also provided Client with confidence in their fire safety and emergency response capabilities.
This case highlights the importance of engaging experienced consultants who understand the complexities of fire safety requirements for MHF facilities. RSSM’s expertise in Dangerous Goods, Risk Engineering, and Process Safety ensured a successful outcome for the client after multiple setbacks.