The City of Sydney does not take Fire Safety lightly. Its local government has worked out a number of programs to help prevent building fires and reduce their impact. One of Sydney's requirements for buildings is an annual fire safety statement.
An annual fire safety statement is a document submitted by the building owner to their Local Council. This statement may also be required for insurance purposes and/or OH&S.
assessment and inspection
Since October 2017, assessment and inspection for fire safety statements are required to be performed by a competent fire safety practitioner. After completing the annual statement, it is sent to the City through email, post, or in person at a customer service center.
When submitting yearly or supplementary fire safety statements, make sure to partner with a qualified fire safety practitioner or fire protection service company.
fire safety statement
The fire safety statements must be displayed within the building where it is noticeable
Building owners must submit to the City and Fire Rescue NSW a statement certifying that all fire safety measures function properly. The fire safety statements must be displayed within the building where it is noticeable; failing to do so is considered an offense.
A supplementary fire safety statement applies to fire control measures. This statement must be certified more frequently. The frequency is indicated on the building's fire safety schedule.
fire safety measure
Essential fire safety measure involves installations, equipment, or forms of construction that will protect building occupants in the event of a fire and other emergencies.
They include installation of the following equipment and solutions:
- Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
- Automatic fire suppression systems (e.g. sprinkler systems)
- Emergency lighting and exit signs
- Fire hose reels, fire hydrants, and portable fire extinguishers
- Fire doors and mechanical air-handling systems
- Lightweight fire-resistant construction materials
fire safety schedule
The fire safety schedule enlists the required measures that should be installed and the standards that need to be achieved.
They can be issued by any of the following sectors:
- By the City or an accredited certifier about a construction pr complying development certificate
- By the City with a fire safety order
- By the City in some cases with development consent, such as for a change of use in an existing building
This is only applied if any of the circumstances occurred after 1988. A copy of the latest fire safety schedule can be obtained from the City.
certification requirements
Failure to provide an annual statement is considered an offense and may result in legal implications
One of the certification requirements for new or altered buildings is a fire safety certificate. It is the first certificate that must be furnished for every new building or building that's changed.
Failure to provide an annual statement is considered an offense and may result in legal implications. Substantial and continuing weekly penalty notices apply.
It could also lead to legal proceedings in the Land and Environment Court, where a maximum penalty could reach up to $110,000. The City sends out a courtesy reminder letter to the owner of the building for the rates and notices, although this is not required by the law.
Consult a qualified fire safety service company
To ensure that users pass the annual fire safety statement, it is best to consult a trusted and qualified fire safety service company such as FCF. Its skilled team and trustworthy customer service will be happy to assist users in fulfilling the fire safety requirements and protecting the building.
FCF provides assessments and certifications for the building's annual fire safety statement. It also offers a wide range of fire protection solutions including supply, installation, maintenance, and inspection.
