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Engineer Assessors for Quarantine Approved Premises
The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) is currently looking for engineers capable of assessing around 300 quarantine containment facilities Australia-wide against the design and construction aspects of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 (Laboratory Design and Construction) and AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 (Safety in Laboratories).
Background
AQIS approves commercial, private and government premises to hold material subject to quarantine. To gain this approval there are conditions that the premises must meet to assure AQIS that the risk of any quarantine breach is minimal. In the case of plant, animal, microbiological and invertebrate research facilities, AQIS requires that premises comply with the design and construction aspects of the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 (Laboratory Design and Construction) and AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 (Safety in Laboratories).
For assurance to AQIS that premises have met these Standards, we are asking that they employ a 3rd Party Assessor, with suitable qualifications to undertake an assessment of the premises. AQIS intends to provide a list of suitable individuals to the relevant premises, who will then contract an assessor directly.*
Currently there are around 300 premises Australia-wide that will require this assessment in the next 12 months.
To become a 3rd Party Assessor
AQIS has engaged a consultant for the assessment of applicants on the basis of their qualifications, experience and suitability for the assessor role. The consultant will provide a list to AQIS of those found to be suitably qualified and experienced.
To apply for listing as an assessor, provide AQIS with:
- Your name and contact details;
- Your professional qualifications;
- A brief statement of your professional experience in building and services design and assessment that has a bearing on your competence to assess quarantine premises;
- Details of your experience with physical containment or other facilities using similar technology
- Names and contact details of at least two referees who can confirm your capabilities;
- A proposal of how you would assess quarantine premises against the Australian/New Zealand Standards AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 (Laboratory Design and Construction) and AS/NZS 2243.3:2002 (Safety in Laboratories). You should briefly address the requirements of the relevant parts of the Standards in your proposal; and
- A declaration stating that you give AQIS permission to provide your name and contact details to relevant Quarantine Approved Premises and to publish them on their website.
The above information should be provided to Jeff Cates at:
Jeff Cates
Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Copies of all applications will be provided to the consultant. Listing of assessors will be at the discretion of AQIS.
Other Information
Other information in regards to Quarantine Approved Premises and applicable parts of the Standards can be obtained from Jeff Cates of AQIS on (02) 6272 3072 or via email.
* Please not that being placed on the list of suitably qualified practitioners does not guarantee work. Terms and conditions of any engagement are to be between the practitioner and premises holder.