Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) are crucial documents that ensure the fire safety measures within a building is up to standard. It is a declaration from the building owner, confirming that all fire safety measures passed inspection and are functioning correctly. This statement goes to the local council and Fire and Rescue NSW. A copy must be on prominent display within the building.
What is a Fire Safety Measure?
Fire safety measures encompass a range of equipment and systems to protect a building and its occupants in the event of a fire. These include:
- fire extinguishers,
- smoke alarms,
- fire hydrants,
- sprinklers,
- fire detection and alarm systems,
- and fire seals.
These measures are often on a list in the building’s fire safety schedule. This outlines the required standards for each measure.
The Fire Safety Schedule
A fire safety schedule documents the fire safety measures for a building and the standards they must meet. This schedule comes from the local council or an accredited certifier in relation to a construction or complying development certificate. It can also originate with a fire safety order or development consent for changes in building use.
Annual Fire Safety Statements Submission Requirements
Not all buildings need to submit an AFSS. Generally, buildings that are Class 2-9 and constructed after July 1, 1988, must submit an AFSS. Buildings constructed before this date are exempt unless the owner applies for a development application or complying development certificate after July 1, 1988, or if it is subject to a fire order by the council or fire commissioner.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to submit an AFSS on time can result in significant penalties. The fines increase weekly, starting at $1,000 for the first week and escalating by an additional $1,000 each subsequent week. Continuous non-compliance can lead to substantial financial penalties.
Who Can Endorse Fire Safety Measures on an AFSS?
According to clause 175(b) of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation, fire safety measures must undergo inspection by an accredited practitioner (fire safety). These practitioners are on the register available on the Fire Protection Association (FPA) website. It is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure that the practitioner they engage has full accreditation.
Accredited practitioners possess the necessary knowledge and experience to determine if a fire safety measure can perform to the standard to which it was originally installed. These experts are crucial in ensuring that all fire safety measures are effective and compliant with regulations.
If a building owner chooses to engage a non-accredited practitioner for repairs, an accredited practitioner may need to re-inspect the work to endorse the measure on Annual Fire Safety Statements, potentially incurring additional costs. This ensures that all fire safety measures meet the required standards and have the proper documentation.
Ensuring fire safety is a critical responsibility for building owners. The AFSS serves as a vital tool in maintaining high standards of fire safety, protecting both property and lives. By adhering to the guidelines set forth by Australian authorities and regularly updating fire safety measures, building owners significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.
REDMEN: your AFSS solution provider
REDMEN Fire Protection Management is a NSW fire protection provider. We know the industry inside and out. With offices in Sydney, Newcastle and the NSW Central Coast, we have hundreds of years of combined experience in fire protection. We have tracked the evolution of fire standards and legislation, and even been instrumental in their development.
Our expert staff will provide a free walk-around to make sure that you are compliant with the legislation, and not at risk of legal jeopardy. There are severe financial penalties for non compliance. Just contact us today and we can set up an appointment today and we will be able to set your mind at ease.
