What is the risk to the owner if the annual fire safety statement is wrong?

From July 1st 2020, you must use an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety); previously known as a CFSP. They must be accredited to endorse an Annual Fire Safety Statement for each type of essential fire safety measure on your premises (there are over 20 separate accreditation categories to maintain.) If they are an approved fire safety company, you reduce your risk regarding the accuracy and content of the statement. If your supplier is not accredited for all measures (assuming is not good enough), council will not accept the statement, you as the building owner take on the full risk of the annual statement incorrect issue and council may impose fines on the owners. This can have serious implications on your legal liability, insurance coverage, premiums, possible fire upgrade orders and the buildings' ability to remain occupied.

How often do my fire extinguishers have to be checked?

Australian Standard AS1851-2012, requires all extinguishers to be checked and tagged every six months. Depending on the type of extinguisher, they also need an overhaul every one to five years.

Do I need to issue an 'Annual Fire Safety Statement' to council?

Yes. Every building other than class 1 (house) is required to provide an annual statement to council. This is required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021.

How much does an annual fire safety statement cost?

Every building will be different, so a fixed price is impossible without an inspection. You can be sure that every piece of fire equipment and every part of the building will need to be inspected and tested, so if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is opening the building owner and occupants to unnecessary risk.

So less headaches is guaranteed? What happens if I think you've caused more headaches than the last company completed an equivalent task?

We fix it free and credit $200 off your next invoice. Please note that the $200 credit relates to subsequent work, after the job at hand.

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Rob Broadhead
December 20, 2023

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