CEO, Firewize
05 Oct, 2022
According to Australian Standard AS 1851:2012 a defect identified with a "system", "item of equipment" or "safety measure" can be classified into one of three categories;
Firewize CEO Russ Porteous was the person responsible for the design of this workflow used in Australian Standard and is uniquely positioned to comment on its use and application.
Prior to AS1851:2012 there was no clear definition on the severity of a defect (where severity is the affect a defect has on the operation of a system).
This definition is particularly important in jurisdictions where a critical defect has a legislative implication and application on building owners, building occupiers and fire service contractors.
Table 1.5.6 - Routine service activity failure is set out in Australian Standard AS1851:2012 (Page 11) and should be read in conjunction with Clause 1.5.6 that provides a classification of defects and non-conformances as follows;
1.5.6 Defect classification and non-conformance
- 1.5.6.1 Critical defect
- A defect that renders a system inoperative.
NOTE: Examples of critical defects include an impaired water supply which is unable to provide water to a sprinkler system or an inoperative fire indicator panel which is unable to warn the building occupants of fire. A critical defect is reasonably likely to have a significant adverse impact upon the safety of occupants of part, or all, of the building (see Figure 1.5.6 and Clauses 1.8 and 1.9).- 1.5.6.2 Non-conformance
- A missing or incorrect feature that does not affect the system operation but is required to facilitate ongoing routine service.
NOTE: Examples of non-conformance include missing or incorrect zone block plans and non-availability of baseline data required as part of the approved design, missing spare sprinklers, missing sprinkler guards, missing equipment location signs or illegible labels. (See Figure 1.5.6 and Clauses 1.8 and 1.9.)- 1.5.6.3 Non-critical defect
- A system impairment or faulty component not likely to critically affect the operation of the system.
NOTE: Examples of non-critical defects include, local alarm bell not operating, water motor alarm failure (see Figure 1.5.6).
Each Firewize logbook contains a section that includes a provision to capture if any defects have been identified during a routine service activity. The following slides show the application of this feature within Firewize logbooks.
