Today, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves — documentation. Whether you're building a high-rise tower or assessing a fire risk, the way we record, store, and access information can have long-term consequences. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about good business, future-proofing and legal protection.

Joining me are two people with different, but complementary, perspectives.

Firstly we have Salim Dalla, founder of SMD Consulting, who brings a blend of engineering and technical know-how combined with cutting-edge digital tools to help businesses optimise their documentation and business processes.

And we also have the one and only Christina Knorr, founder of CJK Fire & Safety. She is a nationally accredited and chartered fire safety engineer and expert witness who has seen firsthand what happens when documentation is missing, outdated, or unreliable.

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, I interview Christina Knorr the wonder woman at the head of CJK Fire & Safety.  

We talk about how our lives are enhanced by engineering and about her journey to becoming a fire safety engineer and starting her own business. 

Christina also describes the many services offered by CJK including their online courses educational platform. 

View the courses on offer here: https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au/online-courses/ 

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

Our topic for today is compliance vs safety in regard to fire safety in construction in Australia. Christina Knorr, who has been working as a Fire Safety Engineer for the past 10 years, will talk to us about the role of a fire safety engineer, holistic fire safety, and building compliance.

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

In this episode we speak to  fire safety engineer, special expert witness and accredited mediator,  Christina Knorr, discuss a topic crucial to both the legal and construction world - 
Fire safety expert determination and mediation in construction disputes. 

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

Grenfell Testimony Week was held in January 2024, so in this latest CJK Fire & Safety Education podcast we discuss Grenfell Tower fire. 

This 25-story residential block located in London, became the site of one of the deadliest fires in modern British history, claiming the lives of 72 people and leaving physical and psychological scars on hundreds more. This incident prompted changes to fire safety practices around the world.

Listen and subscribe.

Related course: Building Codes and Classifications

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

Fire safety documents and the importance of good filing.

In this podcast we discuss the importance of filing documents accurately and promptly for legal proceedings and in the context of fire safety. Each state in Australia has its own building legislation and regulations regarding fire safety documents. To ensure compliance and safety, it is important to be organised. It's not only about meeting legal requirements; it's about ensuring the safety of everyone within a given space.

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

Buckle in in as we discuss all there is to know about the 2014 Melbourne Lacrosse Fire case, liability and appeal.

This case has highlighted the importance of contracts and liability. 

In Australia, there are still many buildings that were constructed with ACP cladding and so these cladding litigation cases will not be ending any time soon. 

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

It does not take a large event to spark a frenzy of legislative reform. However, a single unit fire in 2012 established amendments in over five New South Wales statutes and authorative bodies. However, reform is rendered almost useless if it is not abided by. 

In this episode we discuss a summary of the tragic Bankstown unit fire that occurred in 2012 and the legislative reform that followed. 

We will also discuss similar residential apartment building fires that led to an overhaul of legislation surrounding the events. 

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

In this podcast we discuss some very interesting aspects of one of the most recent significant construction litigations – Strata Plan 92450 v JKN Para 1 and Anor.

Read the case study here >> https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au/strata-plan-92450-v-jkn-para-1/

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.

When a new fire engineering Performance Solution is discussed, fire engineers are often asked questions such as “Do we need to refer the solution to the fire brigade?”, “What if the fire brigade does not accept this solution?” or “Will fire brigade sign-off on it?”

Enrol in the online course here >> https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au/courses/role-of-fire-brigades/

CJK Fire & Safety Engineering
https://cjkfireandsafety.com.au

Disclaimer

The material and information presented in these podcasts is for general information purposes only. By accessing each podcast, you acknowledge that the CJK Fire & Safety makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this podcast and it should not be used in any legal capacity. While we make every effort to ensure that the information we are sharing is accurate, we welcome any comments, suggestions, or correction of errors.