NSW Annual Fire Certificate System to be reformed by NSW Government

[Bob Anderson IIA]

The NSW Government is concerned by instances where inspections during or after the
construction of buildings have failed to properly identify fire safety risks or do not result in their
rectification. Such failings are of particular concern where they occur in multi-storey residential
buildings where risks to life safety are highest
.
The NSW Government will take immediate action to strengthen fire safety
certification for new and existing buildings.

This will be achieved through working with industry and the community. DPE and DFSI will jointly
prepare draft amendments to the EP&A Regulation. This will be released for consultation by early
2017, so that industry and the public can provide input on the scope and design of the reforms.
The reforms that will be consulted on will cover the following:

Annual fire safety checks for existing buildings:
· The Government will develop and consult on a scheme that enhances the current system of
“annual fire safety statement” checks of some residential and commercial buildings. This will
include improving administrative guidance and standardising documentation.
· Community confidence in the competence of the people undertaking the checks will be
increased.

Options for achieving this include requiring the use of certain licensed or industry
accredited contractors for inspections, potentially including the Fire Protection Accreditation
Scheme or other industry operated schemes.

Source http://bpb.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/public/BP%20Act%20Review%20NSW%20Government%20Response.pdf