In Australia, controls for ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGG) are achieved under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989 (the Act) and the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations (the Regulations).
The Act and Regulations control the acquisition, possession, disposal and handling of scheduled extinguishing substances for the fire protection industry in Australia.
These controls apply to any ODS or SGG extinguishing substances scheduled under the Act, including, but not limited to:
- FM-200, Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea)
- Halon1211, Bromochlorodifluoromethane (BCF)
- Halon 1301, Bromotrifluoromethane (BTM)
- NAF-SIII and NAF-PIII, Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC Blend A and HCFC Blend C)
Less commonly used scheduled extinguishing substances include:
- CFC-11, Tichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11)
- FE-13, Trifluromethane (HFC-23)
- FE-25, Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125)
- FE-36, Hexafluoropropane (HFC-236fa)
- FE-241, Cholorotetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124)
- Perfluorobutane (PFC-410)
Handling ODS/SGG scheduled extinguishing substances
Individuals who handle a scheduled extinguishing substance that is, has been, or is used for fire protection must hold an extinguishing agent handling licence (EAHL) or a special circumstances exemption.
Handling a scheduled extinguishing substance means undertaking any task for which there is risk of emission of the scheduled substance. This includes, but is not limited to:
- decanting the agent
- installing or maintaining fire protection equipment that contains a scheduled extinguishing agent (i.e. gaseous fire suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers)
- decommissioning or disposing of fire protection equipment that contains a scheduled extinguishing agent.
Key types of extinguishing agent handling licences
The Fire Protection Industry (ODS & SGG) Board grants three key types of EAHL licences. These are:
- EAHL – qualified persons licence
- EAHL – experienced persons licence
- Extinguishing agent trainee licence
There are six entitlement types that can be granted to applicants to undertake specific activities. Depending on the type of installation work, maintenance or service activity being undertaken, a technician may need to hold more than one type of entitlement.
Licence entitlements and units of competency required to obtain each EAHL – qualified persons.
Applying for an extinguishing agent handling licence
The application form (new applications only) for each type of EAHL can be found below:
- EAHL – qualified persons licence
- EAHL – experienced persons licence
- Extinguishing agent trainee licence
When applying for a licence, please ensure the application form is fully completed and any required supporting materials are attached. Email to: [email protected]
Renewing an extinguishing agent handling licence
If you need to renew your licence, simply email [email protected] stating your name and EAHL number, and request a renewal form. Please note, renewal forms are automatically distributed to licence holders 60 days before their licence is due to expire so please ensure your contact details are up to date so you receive your renewal notice.
To renew your licence, please submit your renewal form at least 30 days prior to your licence expiry date; otherwise you will be required to make a new application.
