02.01.2009

The regulation commenced on 1 July 2008 and the 2009 reprint includes transitional provisions for certain new requirements.

The primary purpose of the regulation is to:

• ensure that persons can evacuate from buildings safely in the event of a fire
• ensure that fire safety features and equipment in buildings continue to perform to the same standard and to provide the same level of safety as originally intended
• prescribe fees to be paid for the assessment and inspection of special fire services and the assessment of fire engineering design briefs

Of note, Part 4 Evacuation planning, instruction and practice, Subdivision 2, stipulates the requirements for the appointment of Fire Safety Advisers for high occupancy buildings.

The Fire Safety Adviser has a responsibility to :

• be familiar with all aspects of building fire safety
• provide advice to the occupier to ensure that appropriate emergency planning has taken place
• provide advice to the occupier to ensure that appropriate instruction is carried out at the prescribed times and intervals.

The qualification is based on existing competencies in Workplace Emergency Response within the Australian Quality Training Framework.

Fire Safety Adviser accreditation is gained after successful completion of the training by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Refresher training is required every 3 years to maintain the Fire Safety Adviser accreditation.

Risk Response + Rescue can assist with compliance by providing the training and assessment services or partnering with organisations allowing them to provide the services autonomously.