NSW fire safety regulations & compliance requirements

NSW’s “essential fire safety measures” are governed by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 & the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulations 2021. Building owners or agents are obliged to issue an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) every year to verify compliance with established performance standards.

Every building owner, manager or strata committee must take responsibility for meeting these requirements—whether it’s an apartment complex, council facility, office building or industrial warehouse. EBC Group works with clients across the state to ensure they meet their obligations under all relevant New South Wales fire safety regulations, with tailored advice, inspections and documentation to simplify the process. Our team helps you navigate the evolving landscape of fire legislation so you can focus on operating safely and compliantly. From system design and audits to annual fire statements, we deliver end-to-end solutions for fire safety compliance in NSW.

Navigating building safety regulations in New South Wales

All buildings in NSW must meet a baseline standard of fire performance. This includes structural protections, operational safety measures, and emergency procedures. These requirements are outlined in a combination of state regulations (primarily the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021) and national standards such as the Building Code of Australia.

Whether you’re managing a new build or maintaining an existing property, understanding how these building safety regulations in NSW apply to your facility is critical. EBC Group provides compliance support that covers everything from essential safety measures to the certification and renewal of fire safety documents. We work with you to identify your building’s specific obligations and ensure every item is documented, maintained and ready for audit.

Fire safety compliance for different property types

Residential properties

NSW regulations require that multi-residential buildings like apartments and townhouses maintain working smoke alarms, clear exits, and properly certified fire safety systems. Strata committees must ensure all essential safety measures are inspected regularly and listed in a valid Annual Fire Safety Statement. We help strata managers keep their documentation up to date, with support for evacuation diagrams, system records and ongoing inspections.

Commercial premises

Shops, office spaces, and public venues must install and maintain alarm systems, emergency lighting, and fire fighting equipment appropriate to their size and use. Requirements include proper signage, egress lighting, and routine testing, all of which must be certified by a qualified practitioner. We support commercial clients with system scheduling, equipment testing, and emergency planning to ensure continuous fire safety compliance in NSW.

Industrial facilities

Industrial buildings often face higher fire risks due to materials handling, mechanical equipment and large footprints. Sprinkler systems, gas detection, and specialised suppression systems are often required. Our team conducts inspections and audits tailored to each site, ensuring compliance while accounting for operational needs.

Fire safety audits and site inspections

A professional fire safety audit in NSW helps you identify potential risks and track whether systems meet current codes. EBC Group conducts detailed site reviews that include system condition checks, documentation audits, and performance testing.

We also help with audit preparation for regulatory authorities and insurers, ensuring you have the records and reporting needed to demonstrate compliance. Whether you manage one building or a multi-site portfolio, we deliver clear, practical reporting that keeps you informed and legally protected.

Certification and the role of accredited practitioners

Under NSW law, many fire safety documents must be prepared or verified by an Accredited Practitioner (Fire Safety). These professionals confirm that all safety measures, such as alarms, sprinklers, and passive systems, are functional and compliant.

EBC Group works with Accredited Practitioners to inspect your site and issue required documentation, including Annual Fire Safety Statements (AFSS), interim reports, and system-specific certifications. We manage the scheduling, reporting and lodgement process, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Ongoing fire safety management across NSW

Managing fire safety involves more than an annual check. Our fire safety management services in NSW help clients stay ahead of inspections and avoid costly non-compliance. Using our proprietary compliance software, we track testing schedules, system status, and certificate renewals, all accessible via your client portal.

We also assist with:

• Maintenance logs
• Contractor coordination
• Emergency planning and evacuation reviews
• Legislative updates and site re-assessments

It’s a complete solution that ensures your building is always audit-ready and compliant with NSW fire safety regulations.

Talk to our compliance team today

EBC Group is your dedicated partner for fire safety compliance in NSW. We deliver dependable advice, hands-on inspections, and full-service support to councils, developers, property managers and building owners across the state. Whether you need annual certification, a site-specific audit or help navigating a compliance issue, we’re ready to assist. We also offer tailored support for annual compliance certification, essential safety measures management, emergency evacuation diagrams, and block plans.

Contact our team to arrange a consultation.