SESSIONS

Why are Essential Safety Measures and Fire Engineering Important in Building Designs and for Practitioners

In contemporary architecture and construction, incorporating essential safety measures and fire engineering into building designs is crucial. This proactive approach does not only protect lives and property but can also aid firefighting operations. Fire safety engineering, with its holistic perspective, and design customises strategies to meet specific building needs and occupational use, by enhancing resilience against fire hazards and ensuring firefighters are well-prepared for emergencies. This integration not only improves safety but also equips firefighters with vital tools and knowledge of the building and its ESM. From fire prevention to emergency response, these measures are vital for safeguarding lives, property, and the efficient functioning and integration of the ESM’s as it relates to the building’s design and occupational use. Collaborative efforts among all stakeholders are essential for creating safer and more resilient built environment

PRESENTER(S)
Hank-van-Ravenstein-220x308

Hank Van Ravenstein

Principal, LCI Consultants

Hank is a Principal at LCI with over 35 years of experience in the building construction and regulatory compliance industry in Australia. Having been involved in a diverse range of projects, he has specialised in regulatory compliance, maintenance services contracts, and in undertaking audits of the building, works and contractors works to ensure compliance meets the contract conditions and, statutory requirements.

Hank was one of the first independent building experts to be appointed for both the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and the Victorian Government Authority to undertake investigations of buildings with respect to compliance with the Contract, Building Code of Australia, Australian Standards and building practitioners. He has also been a municipal and private building surveyor as legislated under the Building Act. He has vast experience in building investigation and in preparing reports on building defects and has appeared as an independent expert before the Magistrates, County and Supreme Courts.

Les Schwarz

Les Schwarz

Special Counsel - Head of Litigation, KPA Lawyers

Les is currently Special Counsel and head of litigation at KPA Lawyers, which is a boutique property and commercial law practice in Sandringham, Victoria. Les conducts construction, Owners Corporation and commercial, litigation. He has acted for builders, subcontractors, building professionals and owners. Les is also a member of the Building Appeals Board and Architects Tribunal.

Les has practised as a Barrister and Solicitor since 1985 (including 12 years as a Barrister) and now appears at Directions Hearings, Applications and Mediations and has acted in a number of leading cases and appeals. He has presented at seminars and authored articles in construction law.