Annual Fire Safety Statements

Annual Fire Safety Statement in the Northern Rivers

Meet NSW Building Regulations

An Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) is a document that outlines the fire safety measures and fire compliance of a building. In New South Wales, it is a legal requirement for commercial buildings to have an Annual Fire Safety Statement issued each year.

At FIRE STOP, our accredited fire safety practitioners can assess your property and advise on the best course of action to ensure compliance. We also provide a range of services to help you maintain compliance, including on-site inspections and reporting, as well as upgrades, installation and testing of fire safety equipment.

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FIRE STOP will assess the fire safety measures in your building and provide a comprehensive report that outlines the fire safety measures installed in your building and their compliance with the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards. This will prepare you for your next Fire Safety Audit.

We can also provide a list of required or recommended compliance repairs that can be made to further improve the fire safety of your building. Don't risk being fined or having your building shut down— Contact us today to find out how we can help you protect your property. We service the Northern Rivers region, including Lismore, Casino, Murwillumbah, Ballina, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and surrounds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Annual Fire Safety Statement?

An Annual Fire Safety Statement is a statement that is issued every 12 months by the owner of a building that certifies the essential fire safety measures installed at the premises have been inspected and assessed by a competent fire safety practitioner and that they are currently operational and have been maintained in accordance with the relevant requirements and standards. The completed Annual Fire Safety Statement must be forwarded to Council, the Fire & Rescue NSW and be prominently displayed in the building.

Many Councils send out reminder notices to owners requesting the submission of the Annual Fire Safety Statement. To assist building owners, the list of Essential Fire Safety Measures specific to that property is usually attached to the notice. Building owners are liable to incur penalties if they do not submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement.
Who is responsible for providing Annual Fire Safety Statements?

Under the requirements of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000, the owner of the building must ensure that each of the measures has been assessed by a competent fire safety practitioner and then forward a copy of the Annual Fire Safety Statement or Fire Safety Certificate to Council and the NSW Fire Brigades. A copy of the statement or certificate must also be prominently displayed in the building.

It is important that building owners are aware of these fire safety requirements. Failure to comply with these requirements is an offence and will render the owner liable to substantial penalties. A failure to meet these requirements can significantly affect the levels of fire safety afforded to the occupants of the building, which may threaten their life or safety, as well as have significant liability implications for the building owner.

Building owners need to be aware of the date on which the Fire Safety Statement must be submitted to Council to enable the necessary arrangements to be made for the fire safety measures to be inspected and certified prior to the due date. If an Annual Fire Safety Statement has not been submitted to Council within the past 12 months, it is now overdue and must be submitted to Council as soon as possible.
What happens if I do not provide an Annual Fire Safety Statement to council on time?

Fire safety within commercial, industrial, multi-unit residential and public buildings is a serious matter and this is reflected in the severity of the legislated penalties for non-compliance.

Failure to provide a statement within the prescribed period constitutes an offence whereby a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) can be issued by Council without any warning. Currently, the value of this PIN is $1,000. Additional PINs of up to $2000 per week may also be issued for continued failure to provide a statement.

Councils can also pursue a penalty through the Court system or issue an 'on-the-spot fine' if the essential fire safety measures are not fully maintained. Council may also serve a fire safety order requiring compliance with these fire safety requirements.