What is a Fire Safety Measure?
A fire safety measure is any system, feature or approach used in a building to protect people in the event of a fire. These measures help detect fires early, control or extinguish them, and support safe evacuation.
The specific measures required vary depending on the type and use of a building, but commonly include:
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
- Emergency lighting
- Exit signs and evacuation plans
- Fire hose reel systems
- Fire-rated windows
- Portable fire extinguishers
- Smoke and heat detectors
- Sprinkler, drencher and wall-wetting systems
Maintaining Fire Safety Measures
Building owners are responsible for maintaining all essential fire safety measures in their building under the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021. This applies at all times, whether the building is occupied or vacant.
While an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) must be submitted to Council each year, many fire safety systems require more frequent inspection, testing and servicing in line with relevant Australian Standards. Ongoing maintenance throughout the year helps ensure systems remain effective and can be properly certified.
All essential fire safety measures must be maintained in accordance with AS 1851–2012 – Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.
Fire Safety Certificates
A Fire Safety Certificate is a document that certifies that the fire safety measures in a building meet the required standards before the building is occupied.
A Fire Safety Certificate must be submitted by the building owner for:
- a new building, before it is used
- changed use of a building, before the building is used, or
- fire safety upgrade works required by Council.
Use the form below to submit a Fire Safety Certificate and return it to Council and NSW Fire and Rescue with a copy of the Fire Safety Schedule.
Fire Safety Certificate template
After the Fire Safety Certificate has been issued, you will need to submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement every 12 months.