Section 95(2)(b) of this document states that the building occupier commits an offence if they do not maintain the fire appliances in accordance with a proper maintenance standard. Section 96 sets out the rules relating to obstruction of passageways, doors etc and Section 97 sets out the rules relating to storage of flammable materials that can cause danger. 

The term occupier is defined as follows:

“occupier“, of land or premises, includes a person in charge of the land or premises.

Under the Act the term proper maintenance standard is defined as AS 1851 (Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment) as in force from time to time or AS/NZS 2293.2 (Emergency evacuation lighting for buildings Inspection and maintenance) as in force from time to time or a standard approved for the fire appliance as part of a building approval issued for the premises or a standard of maintenance prescribed by regulation.

Therefore, the adoption of AS 1851 and AS 2293.2 has provided clarification of the fire protection systems and equipment required to be maintained to those Standards, including;

• Automatic fire sprinkler systems
• Fire pumpsets o Fire hydrant systems
• Hydrant valves
• Water storage tanks for fire protection systems
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Special hazard systems
• Delivery lay flat fire hose
• Fire hose reels
• Portable and wheeled fire extinguishers
• Fire blankets
• Passive fire and smoke systems
• Fire and smoke control features of mechanical services
• Emergency planning in facilities
• Emergency escape lighting and exit signs

It is important that maintenance of building fire protection systems and equipment is carried out by competent persons. ACT Fire & Rescue recognises that holding relevant nationally recognized units of competency from the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) is an appropriate way to demonstrate competence regarding the maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment. Appropriate national accreditation schemes may also demonstrate the required level of competency. ACT Fire & Rescue have issued FSG-05 Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment to provide guidance to building owners and occupants.

Under Section 104 of the Act ACTF&R are entitled to at any time, enter premises to find out whether the premises comply with any relevant fire & safety requirements, maintenance or testing requirements in the building code or any standard applying to the premises under Territory law and non-compliance may result in a fines and imprisonment whereby the occupier has found to have placed users of the building in risk on their life and safety.

We assist building owners/occupiers and their agents in achieving compliance with the complex and ever-changing safety measures legislation in the Australian Capital Territory by ensuring that each installed fire appliances are identified, and an appropriately qualified maintenance practitioner is engaged to carry out the required ongoing routine servicing under AS1851-2012 & AS2293.2.

This will ensure the maintenance of all Fire Appliances are maintained by appropriately qualified personal ensure the risk, health and safety is minimised ensuring all stakeholders are protected.