Regulation 11 (6) of the Fire and Emergency Regulations 1996 specifies that “Prescribed Buildings” as listed under Schedule 2 states the following:

The owner of a prescribed building must ensure:

• fire alarms and other warning apparatus, exit lights, emergency lighting and fire-fighting equipment are maintained in accordance with relevant standards; and
• there is no obstruction of designated fire exits or the path of travel to those exits; and
• flammable or combustible material is not stored in, or in the vicinity of, stairways or exits; and
• designated fire exits are:

fitted with locking devices that comply with the relevant Australian Standard and any legislative requirements; and

not fitted with any non-compliant locking devices; and

if any law provides for a maximum permissible number of persons that may be in the building at any time – the number of persons in the building does not exceed the maximum.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services have issued an Advisory Note whereby they have detailed a list of Building Fire Safety Measures in Table 1, Column 1 of that document as follows:

• Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Pumpsets
• Fire Hydrant Systems
• Water Storage Tanks for Fire Protection
• Systems Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
• Special Hazard Systems
• Delivery Layflat 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 Lighting
• Illuminated Exit Signs
• Photo luminescent Exit Signs
• Exits and Paths of Travel to Exits
• Solid Core Doors
• Fire Control Centres and Rooms
• Lifts providing a stretcher facility
• Fire service controls in lifts (buildings over 12m in effective height
• Emergency and standby power systems
• Vehicular access for fire appliances
• Items prescribed in an Alternative Solution

*Note – The Building Fire Safety Measures may incorporate multiple elements.

The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Services have issued an Advisory Note whereby they have detailed a list of the relevant maintenance standards for each fire safety measure in Table 1, Column 2 of that document.

Section 27A of the Fire and Emergency Act makes provision for prescribed buildings to be inspected regularly by the Director of the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service or an authorised person to ensure that:

• the requirements of any law in force in the Territory; and
• the standards imposed by any Australian Standard as in force from time to time in relation to fire safety are met and continue to be met.

Non-compliance may incur a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units and place occupants and other users of the building in risk of their life and safety. 

We assist building owners and agents in achieving compliance with the complex and ever-changing safety measures legislation in the Northern Territory by ensuring that each installed building fire safety measure is identified, and an appropriately qualified maintenance practitioner is engaged to carry out the required ongoing routine servicing under AS1851-2012.

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