A Guide On The Annual Fire Statement
Posted on: 18 July 2022
The annual fire statement is a document that documents the condition of a building's essential safety features. This is a statutory requirement for all commercial buildings in Australia. Below is an article detailing the process of acquiring the annual fire statement and the benefits of the document.
The building code compels you to install essential safety measures when building a commercial building. Typically, these are fire response and prevention equipment and design features aimed at protecting the lives of occupants once a fire breaks out. Once you meet this requirement, you receive an occupation permit that shows the building is safe for occupation.
On an annual basis, the building owner or manager must apply for a yearly fire statement. To acquire this statement, you must request an inspection by a competent individual. In this case, a competent individual is a fire inspector certified by the local government and fire response agencies. You will find many companies and individuals advertising their services. Besides certification, you should assess the services on offer before settling on a company. For instance, you might want some of the occupants to take a crash course on fire response to ensure they understand how to use the various fire response equipment.
So, what happens during a fire inspection?
- The inspector examines whether the building has appropriate fire extinguishers. Moreover, they check whether the extinguishers have defects such as leakages, clogged nozzles, or damaged pressure gauges.
- The professional tests the fire alarm, smoke and heat detectors, and the overhead sprinkler system. If one of these systems malfunctions, the entire system becomes defective.
- An inspection of the mechanical or smoke ventilation system. For instance, are the fans functional? Does the system have mould, dirt or pests that could prevent the release of smoke and heat during a fire?
- The inspector checks the functionality of the emergency lighting system. Remember, the system will direct occupants to the emergency exits.
- The fire inspector evaluates the emergency exits. For instance, are the doors at the entry and exit points easy to open? Are the exits large enough for mass evacuation? Are the exits safe? For instance, steep stairs and missing guard rails are considered a hazard.
After the assessment, the inspector then prepares the annual fire statement. If the building meets the required standards, the owner receives the annual fire certificate that should be displayed at the entry points of the building. If the building does not meet the prescribed standard, the inspector makes recommendations and makes a subsequent inspection before handing you the annual fire statement.
To learn more about getting an annual fire safety statement, contact a local program.
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