There's no better time than spring to get your house in order, so we're calling on building owners to submit overdue Annual Fire Safety Statements to ensure the safety of customers, staff and residents.
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A recent audit revealed a large number of commercial premises and apartment buildings in the Newcastle local government area had not submitted their AFSS as required under NSW law.
The statement certifies that relevant commercial premises, multi-unit residential buildings or industrial buildings meet standards for fire safety measures, including: smoke detection and alarm systems, sprinkler systems, fire doors, fire hose reels, fire hydrants and portable fire extinguishers, emergency lighting and evacuation plans.
Building owners who haven't lodged an AFSS with Newcastle City Council and Fire and Rescue NSW face on-the-spot fines up to $4000. However, we're offering a grace period until October 1 for this year's overdue AFSS.
Under NSW law, relevant building owners must organise a qualified inspector each year to check fire safety measures listed in their fire safety schedule. The resulting AFSS is lodged with council and Fire and Rescue NSW, and displayed in the building to which it pertains. Any building owner unsure of whether they need to submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement should contact council on 4974 2000.
