Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to replace my fire extinguisher and when?

Fire extinguishers have a shelf life of five years, after which they either get pressure tested or replaced.

We can assist in getting your extinguishers refilled, recharged and hydro-statically pressure tested.

Do I need to call Ausfire Protection when my next preventative maintenance service is due?

No, we will add you to our system and promptly send you a service reminder before your next service is due.

How often do I need to test my smoke alarm at home?

It is advisable that you test your smoke alarm on a monthly basis, and replace the back-up battery every 6 months.

Can I get an obligation free maintenance service estimate for my residential, industrial and commercial property?

Yes, we are happy to provide an obligation free estimate for your property.

What form of documentation do I receive as a proof of service?

We will provide you with detailed maintenance service report upon completion of work.

How often do fire extinguishers have to be checked?

Australian Standard AS1851-2005 and the new AS1851-2012, requires all extinguishers to be checked & tagged every six months.Depending on the type of extinguisher, they also need an overhaul (pressure test and recharge) every one to five years.

Are Smoke alarms required in all residential premises?

Yes. The Smoke Alarms Act requires all new, renovated & leased premises to have a working smoke alarm.

Who is responsible for the safety of the occupants/tenants in a residential building?

The Owners of the building are responsible for the occupants of the dwelling. They have a Duty of Care to ensure that the persons renting, residing or occupying the dwelling are adequately Warned and Protected from fire and they have a Safe Passage of Egress from the effects of the fire to open space.

What is an Annual Fire Safety Statement?

An Annual Fire Safety Statement is a statement issued on or behalf of a building owner to the effect that Essential Fire Safety Measures provided within a premises have been maintained and assessed by a properly qualified person and was found to be capable of performing to the standard required by the most recent Fire Safety Schedule.

The Annual Fire Safety Statement also confirms the building meets the requirements of Division 7 of EP&A Regulation 2000.

The statement must deal with the whole building and is required to be provided the Council and the New South Wales Fire Brigade every 12 months. A current copy must be displayed in a prominent position at the premises.

The annual fire safety statement must be in a prescribed format – as nominated by the relevant Council.
Please refer to www.legislation.nsw.gov.au for more information regarding this.

What are Essential Fire Safety Measures?

These are essential services that are required to be provided within a specific building – as nominated by Council. The schedule forms part of the Annual Fire Safety Statement.

Who Signs and Submits the Annual Fire Safety Statement?

The owner or the owner’s agent (not the fire contractor) is required to sign the Annual Fire Safety Statement.

It is very important to understand the implications surrounding the Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS), as summarized in brief below:

The AFSS is to be issued (signed) by, or on behalf of, the owner of the building confirming that the essential services listed in the schedule (and the building) has been assessed by a properly qualified person and was found (when it was assessed):

1. To comply with that standard (or better than that standard).
2. To meet the requirements of Divisions 5 and 7 of Part 9 of EP&A Regulation 2000 (and thereby avoid prosecution under that provision).