Manufacturing

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 Challenge

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.

Our Approach and Services

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, regulatory guidelines, and the specific needs of an MHF storing Schedule 14 materials.
  • Consulted gaps with the regulators such as Works Safe and Fire Brigade

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.
  • Presented to the Fire Brigade unit for a pre-submission comment

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 agencies, paving the way for acceptance.
  • Assist client on implementation of the recommendations arise in the Fire Safety Study (FSS) and during consultation with regulators

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. 

Why Choose RSSM?

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.

Client Comments:

Mrs, Kaylee Watson, the HSE Manager of the subject MHF remark after completion of Project “A big thanks you for recusing us from a big black hole. We are looking forward fro more business in future. Thanks you again”.

Contact Us

If your facility is facing fire safety compliance challenges, let RSSM provide the expertise and solutions you need. Visit us at https://riskandsafetysolutions.au or e-mail us via info@riskandsafetysolutions.au

We are approved Dangerous Goods Consultant (Classes 2,3,4,5,6.1,8 and 9) including hazardous area classification with the AIDGC (Australian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants). Approval Number 131.

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