CIBSE QLD | Full Function Fire Testing

Statutory requirements of testing and realities of achieving a full function test in a complex building

CIBSE is pleased to invite members and guests to a technical evening focused on full‑function fire testing and the ongoing performance and compliance of performance‑based fire safety systems. The event will be hosted at Arup’s Brisbane office, Level 26, 123 Albert Street, and will combine networking with in‑depth technical presentations.

The evening will commence from 5:00 pm with drinks, food and informal networking, followed by the technical presentations.

Presentation Overview

The Shergold–Weir Building Confidence report highlighted widespread compliance failures in constructed buildings across Australia. It identified systemic underperformance by authorities, consultants, contractors and regulators, and raised particular concerns about the use and long‑term management of performance‑based design solutions, including fire safety systems.

Many buildings incorporate complex performance‑based fire and smoke hazard management strategies that rely on specific operational, maintenance and testing regimes. In practice, the intent and function of these systems is often poorly understood. Inadequate documentation, loss of design knowledge over time, and insufficient operation and maintenance practices have become significant and growing compliance risks.

This presentation will demonstrate that preventing or rectifying these issues does not need to be complex or onerous. It will explain:

• The nature and intent of Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DtS) and performance‑based smoke hazard management systems
• How these systems are intended to operate over the life of a building
• How to identify whether a system is not operating, being maintained, or being managed as intended

Practical strategies and testing methods will be presented to show a clear and achievable pathway to:

• Diagnose common system failures or gaps
• Address issues identified through full‑function testing
• Ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory maintenance and performance requirements

This session will be of particular interest to fire engineers, building services engineers, facilities managers, asset owners and regulators, but will be valuable to anyone involved in the design, certification, operation or management of complex buildings.

Learning Outcomes (CPD)

By attending this technical session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the key findings and implications of the Shergold–Weir Building Confidence report, particularly as they relate to performance‑based fire engineering solutions.
• Distinguish between DtS and performance‑based fire and smoke hazard management systems, including their differing compliance, documentation and maintenance requirements.
• Identify common reasons why performance‑based fire safety systems fail to perform as intended over the operational life of a building.
• Recognise indicators that a fire or smoke management system is not being operated, tested or maintained in compliance with its design assumptions or regulatory obligations.
• Apply practical full‑function testing strategies to confirm system intent, expose deficiencies and improve confidence in system performance.
• Develop a clearer understanding of how to address identified issues and implement realistic pathways to achieve and maintain ongoing compliance.

CIBSE Australia and New Zealand provides members and the greater building industry with progressive leadership and knowledge. The institution promotes competence that forges new standards of excellence in design, science and engineering of the built environment.

Our vision is to be the predominant Professional Association for building services engineers in the ANZ region.

www.cibse.org.au

CIBSE ANZ events are proudly supported by Seber Recruitment Group — Australia’s specialist recruitment partner to the design engineering sector.

Seber provides permanent and contract recruitment solutions across all Building Services and Civil & Structural disciplines, from Junior through to Director level.

Backed by over 12 years of industry experience, their specialist team is driven by one goal: connecting exceptional engineering talent with leading consultancies across Australia.

www.linkedin.com/company/seberrecruitment

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CIBSE wants all attendees to feel welcome and included at our events. We ask attendees to keep in mind that they are within a professional environment when at CIBSE events and they are expected to always demonstrate professional behaviour modelling high standards of ethical conduct, honesty and integrity to protect the reputation and standing of CIBSE. CIBSE will not tolerate or allow any discriminatory or disrespectful behaviours by any person during CIBSE events, including bullying, harassment or sexist, racist, or exclusionary comments or jokes at our events. Where alcohol is provided, attendees are expected to know their limits and drink responsibly. The provision of alcohol should not be taken as an endorsement by CIBSE for attendees to drink excessively nor for any resulting improper conduct or activity.

By registering for this event, you agree to abide by the CIBSE Event Behavioural Policy.

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