Annual Fire Safety Statements

Many buildings have a requirement to undertake an Annual Fire Safety Inspection and submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS Certificate) to their local council each year. An Annual Fire Safety Statement is a statement issued by or on behalf of the owner of a building to the effect that each essential fire safety measure specified in the building has been assessed by a competent fire safety practitioner and was found, at the time of assessment, to be capable of performing:

• In the case of an essential fire safety measure applicable by virtue of a fire safety schedule, to a standard no less than that specified in the schedule, or;
• In the case of an essential fire safety measure applicable otherwise than by virtue of a fire safety schedule, to a standard no less than that to which the measure was originally designed and implemented.

In accordance with Clauses 177 and 180 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2000, the building owners must:

• Issue a copy of the Annual Fire Safety Statement and to their local Council and NSW Fire and Rescue; and;
• Prominently display a copy of the Annual Fire Safety Statement in the building.

Responsibility

It is the responsibility of building owners to be aware of the fire safety requirements for their building and ensure their equipment is inspected and maintained as required. Owners must be aware of the date they are required to submit their Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) to Council and ensure fire safety measures are inspected, repaired (if required) and certified before this due date.

The Environmental Planning Assessment Amendment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 requires that the inspection be carried out by a Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety).

Omega Fire Protection is proud to be considered an accredited fire safety practitioner by our industry body, the Fire Protection Association of Australia and are able to conduct a fully complaint fire safety inspection at your premises.