Changes to fire protection licensing – effective 1 May 2021

On 1 May 2021 a new Fire Protection Licensing framework came into effect in Queensland.

The previous exemption which allowed licensed electricians to contract for and perform installation, maintenance, general repair, inspection or testing work for fire detection, alarm and warning systems has been removed. This exemption allowed licensed electrical mechanics to contract to carry out work that was not otherwise electrical work without also holding a QBCC licence.

Licensed electrical mechanics now must have a QBCC fire protection contractor licence (or a nominee supervisor’s for nominees of company contractors) to carry out fire protection work on fire detection, alarm and warning systems that is not otherwise electrical work. Electrical contractors currently performing this work have until 31 October 2021 to lodge an application for the required licence.

Electrical mechanics who did not perform this work before 1 May 2021 and who want to do so as a contractor now require a QBCC fire protection contractor licence.

There are some exceptions for licensed electrical mechanics:

• You do not need a QBCC fire protection licence if you carry out the following:
  • inspect and test work on emergency lighting
  • work on domestic battery-operated smoke alarms (in class 1a or 2 buildings)
  • electrical work.
• You do not need a QBCC fire protection occupational licence to carry out installation, maintenance, inspection or testing work on extra low voltage fire alarm, detection or warning systems as an employee working for an appropriately licensed contractor.

For more information visit the QBCC website.