A Fire Safety Study (FSS) provides a systematic and structured assessment of fire risks associated with renewable energy infrastructure, particularly high-voltage electrical systems, inverters, transformers, BESS installations, and hydrogen systems.

Our FSS process typically includes:

• Hazard identification workshops (HAZID/HAZOP where required)

• Review of design documentation and fire protection systems

• Assessment of credible fire scenarios (e.g. lithium-ion thermal runaway, transformer oil fires, cable trench fires)

• Evaluation of fire detection and suppression systems

• Review of separation distances and passive fire protection

• Emergency access and water supply adequacy

• Compliance assessment against relevant standards (e.g. NCC, AS 2419, AS 2118, AS 3959 where applicable)

• Alignment with insurer and authority requirements

For BESS and hybrid projects, we address emerging risks such as cascading battery failure, toxic gas generation, explosion overpressure, and firefighter safety considerations.

The outcome is a defensible, risk-based fire safety strategy integrated into project design.

A Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) is undertaken early in the project lifecycle to identify and assess major hazards that may impact people, property, the environment, and surrounding communities.

For renewable projects, PHAs commonly address:

• Battery energy storage hazards (thermal runaway, fire spread, explosion)

• Hydrogen production and storage risks (where applicable)

• High-voltage electrical risks

• Bushfire exposure and asset ignition potential

• Hazardous materials storage (diesel, oils, coolants)

• Construction and commissioning risks

The PHA:

• Identifies credible major incident scenarios

• Screens potential off-site impacts

• Determines whether further detailed studies (e.g. QRA) are required

• Supports planning and development applications

• Assists in demonstrating compliance with State Significant Development (SSD) and EPBC referral requirements (where relevant)

Early hazard identification allows risk mitigation measures to be incorporated into layout and engineering design before procurement and construction.

Where required by regulators or for higher-risk projects (such as large-scale BESS or hydrogen facilities), Risc Consult undertakes Quantitative Risk Analysis (QRA).

A QRA provides numerical assessment of risk levels using consequence modelling and frequency analysis to evaluate:

• Individual risk contours

• Societal risk (FN curves)

• Thermal radiation impacts

• Explosion overpressure impacts

• Toxic gas dispersion (where applicable)

• Escalation between adjacent assets

For renewable energy developments, QRAs are often required to:

• Demonstrate compliance with land-use safety criteria

• Support State Significant Project approvals

• Address planning authority and fire authority concerns

• Meet Major Hazard Facility screening thresholds

• Satisfy insurer due diligence requirements

Our QRAs are prepared in accordance with recognised methodologies and relevant state risk criteria (e.g. NSW, VIC, QLD, WA frameworks).

A Fire Management & Emergency Response Procedure (FMERP) establishes the operational framework for responding to fire and emergency events during both construction and operational phases.

For renewable projects, FMERPs address:

• Site-specific fire risks (grass fires, bushfire impact, BESS incidents)

• Detection and alarm protocols

• Site isolation procedures

• Battery or transformer fire response protocols

• Evacuation and muster arrangements

• Communication protocols with emergency services

• Incident command structure

• Firefighting equipment and water supply

• Post-incident recovery and reporting

For remote solar and wind projects, we develop practical response procedures reflecting limited on-site personnel and extended emergency service response times.

FMERPs are typically aligned with:

• State WHS legislation

• AS 3745 – Planning for Emergencies in Facilities

• State Rural Fire Service / CFA / DFES guidelines

An Emergency Services Information Pack (ESIP) provides critical information to local fire and emergency authorities to support safe and effective incident response.

Given the unique risks of renewable energy infrastructure — particularly BESS and high-voltage systems — a well-prepared ESIP is essential.

An ESIP typically includes:

• Site layout plans and access routes

• Asset location mapping (BESS containers, transformers, substations)

• Hazard registers and dangerous goods inventories

• Isolation points and shutdown procedures

• Fire water supply locations and capacities

• Emergency contact details (24/7 operations)

• Site-specific hazards (e.g. DC systems, arc flash risk, hydrogen systems)

• Recommended tactical considerations for first responders

We liaise directly with local fire authorities where required to ensure documentation meets operational expectations and reduces uncertainty during emergency response.