The NSW Government has introduced reforms to fire safety to improve the quality of checks made throughout the design, approval, construction and maintenance phases of a building.
Certain functions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation must be undertaken by an ’accredited practitioner (fire safety)’ or a registered certifier.
These include:
There is no requirement to be accredited to install or do routine maintenance, testing and servicing of essential fire safety measures.
On 1 July 2020, legislative changes updated the requirements for accredited practitioners (fire safety) (previously known as ‘competent fire safety practitioners’).
The only people who can do the work of an accredited practitioner (fire safety) are set out below.
Who can assess fire safety measures for an annual fire safety statement or supplementary fire safety statement?
Who can endorse plans and specifications, prepare performance solution reports or endorse proposed non-compliances for fire safety measures?
How to appoint an accredited practitioner (fire safety)
Guidance on appointing an accredited practitioner can be found on the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment website.
AFSS standard templates
Standard templates for an annual fire safety statement and supplementary fire safety statement are available from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
What if no accredited practitioner (fire safety) is available?
If no one is reasonably available to do the work, the building owner or certifier may seek authorisation from Fair Trading to appoint a person the owner or certifier deems competent to do the work.
Authorisation is needed before any appointment is made.
The Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) accreditation scheme was approved on 1 July 2020.
The scheme covers:
Visit the FPAA for a register of accredited practitioners.
The FPAA scheme includes a transitional period for those who have not yet obtained a recognised qualification.
For more information, contact the FPAA.
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