Fire Safety
Fire Safety Responsibilities in Burwood LGA
Like other areas in NSW, building owners in the Burwood LGA are responsible for maintaining and certifying fire safety measures in their buildings. This includes obtaining Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS) and, for new or altered buildings, Fire Safety Certificates etc.
To ensure buildings within the Burwood local government area (LGA) meet fire safety standards, building owners are required to ensure, fire safety, development approval, property / building monitoring & maintenance obligations etc. are being undertaken and met.
Within the resources available, Council conducts a fire safety program, which aims to improve fire safety across the LGA with fire systems installed and operating in relevant premises to an appropriate level.
Key Responsibilities of Building Owners
Building owners must ensure that essential fire safety measures in their buildings are maintained to the required standards. This is not only a legal obligation but also a duty of care to protect occupants, assets, and business operations – Link
Why Fire Safety Maintenance is Essential
- Supports the safety of occupants by maintaining the function and performance of fire safety systems.
- Protects assets from potential fire damage.
- Minimises disruptions to residents and business operations in the event of a fire.
Fire safety measures must be maintained at regular intervals throughout the year, usually by a qualified contractor. Contractors should provide certification for the specific measures they have serviced. Building owners are responsible for collecting and keeping these records.
Building Owners Must:
- Maintain Fire Safety Measures – Ensure essential fire safety systems (e.g., sprinklers, fire doors, smoke alarms, and exit signs) are maintained in accordance with the fire safety schedule.
- Inspect and Certify – Engage a registered fire safety practitioner to inspect and certify these measures regularly.
- Submit Fire Safety Statements – Lodge an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) with the Council and Fire & Rescue NSW, confirming that fire safety measures meet the required standards.
- Display Fire Safety Statements – Place a copy of the AFSS in a visible location within the building.
- Maintain Clear Exits – Ensure all exits and paths of travel remain free from obstructions.
Submit Fire Safety Certificates – For new or altered buildings, provide a Fire Safety Certificate to the Council and Fire & Rescue NSW via their website.
Fire Safety Schedules (FSS)
- A Fire Safety Schedule (FSS) outlines the required fire safety measures for a building and the standards they must meet.
- FSSs must be issued using the standard template provided by the NSW Government.
Fire Safety Certificates
- A Fire Safety Certificate is required for new building work or alterations, confirming that essential fire safety measures have been installed and function correctly.
- A final Fire Safety Certificate must be obtained before a Final Occupation Certificate can be issued.
Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS)
- An AFSS must be submitted annually to the Council and Fire & Rescue NSW, verifying that essential fire safety measures are properly maintained.
- The AFSS must be submitted by the building owner or an authorised representative.
- A copy of the AFSS must be displayed prominently within the building.
When Do You Need to Submit Fire Safety Documents?
- Annually – Building owners must submit an AFSS to the Council and Fire & Rescue NSW every 12 months, confirming that fire safety measures remain compliant.
- For New or Altered Buildings – A Fire Safety Certificate must be submitted for each newly installed or altered fire safety measure before occupation.
- Ongoing Compliance – Every year, within 12 months of the previous AFSS, building owners must confirm that all listed fire safety measures remain compliant with the latest Fire Safety Schedule.
Accredited Fire Safety Practitioners
An accredited practitioner (fire safety) is a professional who carries out specialist fire safety assessments as required by NSW regulations. The Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) accreditation scheme, approved in July 2020, is the first industry-recognised accreditation scheme.
Only FPAA-accredited practitioners can perform specific fire safety functions covered by the scheme. Some registered certifiers may also endorse fire safety plans and specifications.
For fire safety functions not covered by the FPAA, the building owner or certifier must assess and determine a person’s qualifications, as was the previous practice.
More Information on Accredited Practitioners:
For details on approved schemes and who can perform fire safety functions, visit NSW Fair Trading’s Fire safety practitioner page.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to meet fire safety, development approval, property / building monitoring & maintenance obligations etc. can result in:
- Increased safety & fire risk – Non-compliance can endanger occupants (injury or death) in the event of a fire.
- Legal penalties – Enforcement actions or Court Prosecutions may be imposed with associated penalties.
- Criminal and / or Civil Legal Liabilities
- Insurance Coverage issues
By maintaining fire safety systems and complying with legal requirements, building owners help ensure the safety of their premises, occupants, and the broader community.
Please see other information on Councils website for more detail. Also: