An Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) is a legal document submitted by the building owner, confirming that an accredited fire safety practitioner has assessed, inspected, and verified the performance of each Essential Fire Safety Measure (EFSM) applicable to the building. Owners must submit their AFSS annually to local councils and Fire & Rescue NSW by a specified due date. Click here for more information.

How much does an AFSS cost?

The cost of an AFSS varies depending on several factors, including the specific fire safety measures required for your property.

Fire safety measures contain equipment, construction methods, and strategies designed to ensure the safety of individuals in the event of a fire. This includes portable fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, fire sprinklers, and detection and alarm systems. These measures are categorized as “essential” or “critical,” as defined in regulatory guidelines.

Essential Fire Safety Measures (EFSMs) are specific fire safety measures identified in a building’s fire safety schedule or included in the essential services list attached to approvals under the Local Government Act 1919 or 1993.

• Essential fire safety measures (EFSM) are the fire safety measures that form part of an annual fire safety statement.
• Critical fire safety measures require periodic assessment and inspection at intervals of less than 12 months.

These measures are specifically identified on the fire safety schedule and form part of a supplementary fire safety statement.

A fire safety schedule specifies each of the fire safety measures that apply to a building. The measures listed can vary for each property and may include both essential and critical fire safety measures. The schedule also outlines the minimum standard of performance for each measure, reflecting how they must be designed, installed, and capable of operating effectively.

What Essential Fire Safety Measures are listed on your Fire Schedule?

Essential fire safety measures outlined in a fire schedule encompass the critical systems and equipment designed to prevent, detect, and mitigate fire risks, ensuring the safety and protection of building occupants. These measures may vary depending on the specific needs of the building and are detailed in the fire safety schedule tailored to your property.

What is an accredited fire safety practitioner?

An accredited fire safety practitioner is approved under a government-recognized scheme to assess fire safety measures and inspect fire exit systems. Building owners must choose a practitioner from a government register with the proper accreditation. If no accredited individual is available for a specific measure, the Commissioner for Fair Trading may allow the owner to select a competent person. For more details, visit the NSW Fair Trading website or refer to their guide for building owners. You can find out more on the Fire safety practitioners page of the NSW Fair Trading website.

Are there any specific qualifications or accreditations required for an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety)?

Accredited Practitioners must possess the necessary qualifications and accreditations as mandated by relevant authorities, which can be found on the FPAS Fire Safety Assessment Accredited Practitioner Register.

• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Pumpsets
• Fire Hydrant Systems
• Water Storage Tanks for Fire Protection
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
• Special Hazard Systems
• Delivery Lay Flat Fire Hose
• Fire Hose Reels
• Portable and Wheeled Fire Extinguishers
• Fire Blankets
• Passive Fire and Smoke Systems

Baseline data, as defined in AS1851-2012, comes from the approved design and commissioning of fire systems and is used to verify routine servicing results. If available, results must be compared against it. If unavailable, servicing proceeds, but the lack of data is recorded as a non-conformance.

Baseline data required by this Standard is limited to that—

• Limited to what’s necessary for verifying routine service results; and
• Prescribed by the relevant regulations, codes, or standards that applied to the system’s original design.

If baseline data is available, routine service results must be verified against it. If not, the service must still be carried out, with the absence of baseline data recorded and reported as a non-conformance.

A person qualified to perform the required task has gained the necessary knowledge and skills through training, qualifications, experience, or a combination of these. You can view our accreditation listing here.

Always ensure the company you choose is accredited for the work they are performing. If you’re unsure, feel free to email us or give us a call today!

A critical defect renders a system inoperative and poses significant risks to occupant safety.

• Non-conformance refers to missing information or incorrect features that do not affect system operation but are necessary for ongoing service validation.
• Non-critical defect is a system impairment or faulty component that does not significantly impact the overall operation of the system.

How can I find out about testing frequencies for my building’s fire safety measures?

Testing frequencies are determined by AS1851-2012 standards, specific to your buildings assets and Fire Schedule. You can use our Routine Frequency Checklist to get an idea.

For specific details regarding your property’s requirements and any additional questions or assistance, feel free to reach out via email at ask@firenation.com.au or call us at 0405 44 77 15 to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members.