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What is the Annual Fire Safety Statement?
An Annual Fire Safety Statement when issued certifies that:
- Each essential fire safety measure in the building has been assessed by a properly qualified person
- Each essential fire safety measure in the building was found to be capable of performing to a standard no less than that to which the measure was originally or subsequently designed and implemented.
- The CFSP has assessed all paths of travel to the exits including the exit doors, and advised of the status, in connection with the NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations (2000), at the time of the inspection.
Assessment services
Regular inspection and maintenance of fire protection systems is important as it is required by law in most circumstances, e.g. Section 166, NSW Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations (2000), not to mention other states have similar requirements.
You need to use a certified inspector to assess key fire safety measures within a building such as:
- Access panels, doors and hoppers to fire-resisting shafts
- Automatic fail-safe devices
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
- Automatic fire suppression systems
- Emergency lighting
- Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems (EWIS)
- Exit signs
- Fire control centres and rooms
- Fire doors
- Fire hydrant systems
- Fire seals protecting openings in fire resisting components of the building
- Fire shutters
- Fire windows
- Fire hose reel systems
- Lightweight construction
- Perimeter vehicle access for emergency vehicles
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Safety curtains in proscenium openings
- Smoke and heat vents
- Smoke detectors and heat detectors
- Solid core doors
- Standby power systems
- Wall-wetting sprinkler and drencher systems
- Warning and operational signs
- Paths of travel to exits
Each states has slightly different requirement as below.
ACT
Building Act: Emergencies Act 2004
Building Regulation: ACT Fire Brigade Policy FS-05 “Essential Safety Maintenance”
Defined Term: Active Fire Safety Systems and/or Essential Services
In the Australian Capital Territory, under the Australian Standards and work Health and Safety Regulations, it is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure the Active Fire Safety Systems are maintained as required.
NSW
Building Act: Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
Building Regulation: Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000
Annual Compliance Certificate: Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS)
Defined Term: Essential Fire Safety Measures
In New South Wales, it is a requirement for the AFSS to be submitted annually to the local Council and the NSW Fire Brigade as proof the Essential Fire Safety Measures within a building have been maintained to Australian Standards and Regulations over the past 12 months as installed.
NT
Building Act: Fire and Emergency Act
Building Regulation: Fire and Emergency Regulations
Defined Term: Building Fire Safety Measures
In the Northern Territory, it is a requirement for a Yearly Condition Report to be kept by the Owner. The Yearly Condition Report must be made available within 48 hours for inspection in accordance with AS 1851.
QLD
Building Act: Fire Services 1990
Building Regulation: Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008
Annual Compliance Certificate: Occupier’s Statement
Defined Term: Fire Safety Installations
In Queensland, it is a requirement for the Occupier’s Statement to be submitted annually to the Fire Services Commissioner as proof the Fire Safety Installations within a building have been maintained to Australian Standards and Regulations over the past 12 months.
SA
Building Act: Development Act 2004
Building Regulation: Development Regulations 1993 and Ministers Specifications South Australia 76
Annual Compliance Certificate: Schedule 16, Form 3
Defined Term: Fire Safety Provisions
In South Australia, it is a requirement for the Form 3 to be submitted annually to the local building authority as proof the Essential Safety Provisions within a building have been maintained to Australian Standards and Regulations over the past 12 months in accordance with the Schedule of Essential Safety Provisions Schedule 16 Form 1.
TAS
Building Act: Building Act 2000
Building Regulation: Building Regulation 2004 amended 2013
Annual Compliance Certificate: N/A
Defined Term: Essential Safety and Health Measures
In Tasmania, it is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure all Essential Safety and Health Features/Measures are maintained and serviced to the current regulations and to ensure that each Essential Safety and Health Features/Measures functions as designed. A Safety Measures Report can be issued on an annual basis to ensure the Essential Safety and Health Features/Measures are being maintained to Australian Standards and Regulations.
VIC
Building Act: Building Act 1993
Building Regulation: Building Regulations 2018, Regulations 223 and 224
Annual Compliance Certificate: Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR)
Defined Term: Essential Safety Measures
In Victoria, it is to Australian Standards and Regulations over the past 12 months and operate as designed.
WA
Building Act: Building Act 2011
Building Regulation: Building Regulation 2012, Building Amendment Regulations 2014
Annual Compliance Certificate: N/A
Defined Term: Safety Measures
In Western Australia, it is the responsibility of the Owner to ensure all Safety Measures are maintained and serviced to the current regulations and to ensure that each Safety Measure functions as designed. A Safety Measures Report can be issued on an annual basis to ensure the Safety Measures are being maintained to Australian Standards and Regulations.
