Frequently asked questions
How often is an annual fire safety statement required?
Every twelve months. The due date recurs on the anniversary of your previous statement, and the assessment behind it must be carried out within the three months before the statement is issued.
Source: NSW Planning Portal, fire safety certification; Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021.
Who signs the annual fire safety statement?
The owner, or a person the owner nominates to act on their behalf, signs the statement. The accredited practitioner who assessed the measures cannot be the person who makes the owner's declaration on the same statement.
Source: Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021.
What is the difference between a fire safety certificate and an annual fire safety statement?
A fire safety certificate is a one-off issued when new building work is complete, and is needed before an occupation certificate. The annual fire safety statement is issued every year afterwards to certify the same measures still perform.
Source: NSW Planning Portal, fire safety certification.
Where do I lodge the statement?
The signed statement is given to your local council and to Fire and Rescue NSW, and a copy must be displayed prominently in the building. Many councils accept lodgement online.
Source: NSW Planning Portal; Fire and Rescue NSW.
What happens if the statement is late?
Councils issue penalty notices for late statements and the amounts escalate each week the statement stays outstanding. Councils can also issue fire safety orders and take court proceedings, so lodge on time.
Source: City of Sydney, register your annual fire safety statement (late-lodgement penalty schedule).
Who is allowed to do the assessment?
An accredited practitioner (fire safety). Where the work is covered by the scheme, only a practitioner accredited by the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) under the FPAS scheme can perform the assessment, and only for the specific measures they are accredited to assess.
Source: NSW Government, fire safety practitioner requirements and accreditation; FPAA FPAS register.
How does this directory work?
We list NSW fire safety compliance firms that publicly advertise accredited fire safety assessors, grouped by service region, showing name and region only. We do not publish provider phone numbers or websites. Send an enquiry and we will connect you with a practitioner who covers your area, and always confirm current accreditation on the FPAA register before you engage anyone.
Is it free to send an enquiry?
Yes. Sending an enquiry is free and there is no obligation. Your details are only used to connect you with an accredited fire safety practitioner serving your area.