Fire Safety
Fire Safety Schedules
Fire safety schedules outline the required measures to be installed and the standards they must meet. These schedules can be issued by the local Council or an accredited certifier in relation to a construction or complying development certificate, or by the local Council through a fire safety order or development consent, particularly for changes of use in existing buildings. It’s important to note that fire safety schedules are applicable only if any of these actions occurred after 1988.
Fire Safety Certificates
In the case of new or altered buildings, the initial certificate, known as a fire safety certificate, must be provided for each new or altered essential fire safety measure. Subsequently, at least once every 12 months following the completion of the fire safety certificate, an annual fire safety statement must be submitted to the local Council. This statement certifies that a competent fire safety practitioner has inspected the building and confirmed that all required fire safety measures are compliant with relevant standards.
Annual Fire Safety Statement
For existing buildings, the owner must submit an annual fire safety statement to the Council every year within 12 months of the date of the previous statement. This statement attests that each of the measures listed in the most recent fire safety schedule installed on the premises remains capable of operating to the standards specified in the schedule. These requirements ensure ongoing compliance and the maintenance of fire safety standards within buildings, promoting the safety and well-being of occupants.
Fire Systems Maintenance/ Test and Tag
Testing & Maintenance
As per the Australian Standards essential fire safety equipment must be inspected and tested at certain intervals. By complying with the Australian Standards you will ensure that you have met your duty of care regarding fire protection towards your tenants and customers.
We are able to conduct inspections, equipment maintenance as well as end-to-end functional tests of fire protection and suppression systems. This ensures that these very essential services are ready and operational in case of a fire or emergency.
Click here to see the Maintenance and Inspection Frequency for various fire safety equipment.
Australian Standards
Listed below are a few of the existing Australian Standards that Fire Safe maintains and follows:
AS2444 – Portable Fire Extinguishers & Fire Blankets
AS2441 – Fire Hose Reels
AS1670.1 – Fire Alarm Panels
AS2118 – Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
AS2419.1 – Fire Hydrant Systems
AS1905.1 – Fire and Smoke Doors
AS3786 – 240v Smoke and Heat Alarms
AS2293.1 – Emergency Lighting and Exit Signage
AS1668.1 – Mechanical Air Handling Systems
AS1670.4 – Emergency Warning and Intercommunication Systems
AS2441 – Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
Fire Safety Maintenance in Sydney – We’re the Experts
ABFC is an expert and qualified provider of commercial, industrial and high-rise residential fire protection, inspection, installation, and maintenance and certification services. We offer an extensive range of scheduled testing as well as inspection services that are compliant with AS1851-2012 and the Building Code of Australia. We also provide fire equipment registers and reports that assist in the compilation of the Annual Fire Safety Statement specifically for building owners. These comprehensive documents form a crucial component of the compliance process for every property owner, with the BCA (Building Code of Australia), the OH&S Act, the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and your insurance broker.
Annual Fire Safety Statement
The Annual Fire Safety Statement certification (otherwise known as AFSS), is a statutory requirement required by councils, NSW Fire and Rescue (NSWFR) and insurance providers.
We are fully qualified and FPAS Accredited under the Fire Protection Accreditation Scheme (FPAS) with the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA). Our staff are qualified to assess all Fire Safety Measures, including Performance Solutions.
With comprehensive industry experience, technical backing and with a proven track record, we make sure we are always up to date and informed of legislative requirements.
We are the trusted choice of owners and occupiers, providing the full range of Fire Safety Certifications including one-off and annual inspections, along with specialised remote audits on large portfolios.
- Audit and assessment of existing buildings without Fire Safety Schedules or Schedules that contain incorrect essential fire safety measures or are missing essential fire safety measures and preparation of new Fire Safety Schedules for submission to council.
- Assist to identify baseline data for buildings existing fire service & systems.
- Independent audit and supervision of the AFSS process, including witness of the system interface testing, review of maintenance logbooks and service record documentation to ensure the annual testing is being carried out as per legislative requirements, lift testing with the lift contractors, assessment of the egress routes within the building and any other reviews or inspections as required.
- Provision of AFSS endorsement on behalf of the owners and authority notices to assist with annual certification of the building.
- Visual inspections of fire safety measures and endorsement of the measures on the AFSS.
- Comprehensive fire safety compliance audits and reporting.
- Undertaking the tender process to assist owners with AFSS fire services contractor and mechanical contractor selection.
Fire Safety Maintenance
Fire safety maintenance is a critical aspect of ensuring the ongoing protection of buildings and occupants against the risk of fire hazards. Regular maintenance of fire safety systems, equipment, and infrastructure is essential to ensure their proper functioning in the event of an emergency. This includes inspecting and testing fire detection and alarm systems, ensuring the functionality of fire suppression systems such as sprinklers and fire extinguishers, and maintaining clear access to fire exits and evacuation routes. By conducting routine maintenance and addressing any identified issues promptly, building owners and managers can mitigate the risk of fire-related incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within the premises. Additionally, compliance with relevant regulations and standards for fire safety maintenance is imperative to meet legal obligations and uphold the highest standards of safety and preparedness.
Fire Safety Solutions with ABFC Group
At ABFC Group, your safety, peace of mind, and legal compliance are our top priorities. We understand the importance of proactive risk management when it comes to fire safety. Our team is dedicated to partnering with you to identify and address any potential risks through our comprehensive AFSS Process.
Our AFSS Process
Desktop Audit
We begin by reviewing your contractor’s service records to ensure that maintenance activities align with the requirements outlined in the relevant Australian State and Territory legislation. Our process adheres to AS1851 2012 standards, with updates to match mandated regulations.
ESM Walkthrough
Our Accredited Practitioner – Fire Safety conducts a thorough inspection of passive and active fire safety measures within your building. This walkthrough establishes a baseline for essential fire safety measures.
System Performance Review
We meticulously review the performance of all native fire safety systems, including independent witness testing, certification, and system interface testing coordination.
Online Client Reporting
Following our assessment, our Accredited Practitioner – Fire Safety prepares a detailed report highlighting any identified defects and providing you with peace of mind regarding the status of your fire safety measures.
Assessment
Our team evaluates the fire safety system requirements based on state-based legislation, providing you with comprehensive details regarding performance and maintenance criteria.
Annual Fire Safety Statements
We assist you in meeting your statutory obligations by submitting Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) to the Council on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
Why Choose ABFC Group?
ABFC Group is your trusted partner in fire safety. Our industry-leading team is well-versed in Australian Standards, including AS1851, the National Construction Code and state-based Building Regulations. We work diligently to ensure that the fire safety measures installed in your building not only meet compliance standards but also provide optimal protection for occupants and assets.
Don’t leave fire safety to chance. Partner with ABFC Group for proactive, tailored solutions that prioritize safety and compliance. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your fire safety needs.
Ensuring Seamless Integration: Systems Interface Testing with ABFC
In accordance with AS1851 standards, Systems Interface Testing, formerly known as Full Function Fire Testing, stands as a critical annual assessment. This rigorous evaluation is indispensable for buildings where fire protection systems interface with other building systems. Such testing involves multiple stakeholders, including building management, maintenance contractors, tenants, insurance representatives, fire brigade, and local municipal authorities.
Systems Interface Testing verifies the seamless operation of various interconnected systems within a building. For instance, when a fire detection system triggers, it may activate smoke hazard management equipment, release fire doors, sound warning alarms, alert the fire brigade, shut down non-essential machinery, or control elevator overrides. Each parameter is meticulously checked during scheduled testing scenarios.
At ABFC, we’ve perfected a systematic approach to planning, executing, and managing Systems Interface Testing. Our methodical process ensures that testing events are meticulously organized, testing phases are controlled, and outcomes are effectively managed in collaboration with our clients. Any identified defects are promptly prioritised and clearly communicated to the responsible parties.
It’s essential to understand that Systems Interface Testing is not a commissioning test for individual systems. Instead, it serves to certify that existing systems are not only operational but also seamlessly interfacing with one another, thereby ensuring the overall effectiveness of the building’s fire safety infrastructure.
Partner with ABFC for Seamless Integration:
Chose ABFC as your partner in fire safety. With our support, you can rest assured that your building’s interconnected fire safety systems undergo thorough and professional evaluation. Our expertise, combined with a commitment to excellence, ensures that your building’s fire safety measures not only meet regulatory requirements but also provide optimal protection for occupants and assets.
For reliable Systems Interface Testing and comprehensive fire safety solutions, trust ABFC to deliver excellence every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in safeguarding your building and your people.
Our Accredited Practitioners – Fire Safety are accredited across all levels and measures including:
Access panels, doors and hoppers to fire-resisting shafts
Automatic fail-safe devices
Automatic fire detection and alarm systems (level 1)
Automatic fire detection and alarm systems (level 2)
Automatic fire suppression systems (level 1)
Automatic fire suppression systems (level 2)
Emergency Lifts
Emergency lighting
Emergency planning
Emergency warning and intercommunication systems
Exit Signs
Fire alarm monitoring
Fire control centres and rooms
Fire dampers
Fire doors
Fire hose reel systems
Fire Hydrant systems (level 1)
Fire Hydrant systems (level 2)
Fire seals protecting openings in fire-resisting components
Fire shutters
Fire windows
Lightweight construction
Mechanical air handling system (eg pressurisation systems)
Part 15 Fire Safety Offences
Perimeter vehicle access for emergency vehicles
Portable fire extinguishers
Safety curtains in proscenium openings
Smoke alarms and heat alarms
Smoke and heat vents
Smoke Dampers
Smoke detectors and heat detectors
Smoke doors
Solid core doors
Standby power systems
Wall-wetting sprinkler and drencher systems
Warning and operational signs