New & existing buildings
The National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the minimum technical requirements for new buildings (and new building work in existing buildings) in Australia. In doing so, it groups buildings by their use. These groups are assigned a classification of a number and in some cases a number followed by a letter, e.g. Class 1a (a single dwelling being a detached house or one of a group of attached dwellings being a townhouse, row house or the like).
The system of classifying buildings is for the purpose of prescribing requirements relevant or necessary for their intended use. Usually, the intended use of a building, the type of occupancy and the risks will determine the type of fire safety systems that are installed in a building. Tasmania Fire Service do not determine these requirements.
When considering changes to an existing building, it is important to understand what its approved use is. A new building approval (notifiable or permit work) may need to be applied for, to change from one building class to another or to make changes to an existing building.
In all cases, you should engage the services of a licensed Building Surveyor who can provide you with advice and guidance on how you should proceed.
You can find a licensed Building Surveyor through the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website.
Schedule of Maintenance for Buildings
When the Building Surveyor issues an occupancy permit for a building, they will issue a ‘Form 46 Schedule of Maintenance – Prescribed Essential Building Services”. This form will list features of the building(s) that must have maintenance performed as prescribed. Many of the maintenance requirements will be consistent with relevant Australian Standards.
It is recommended that premise owners/occupiers discuss these requirements with their building surveyor who can provide clear advice and guidance on the requirements. Building owners/occupiers are required to keep records consistent with ‘Part 7 – Maintenance’ of the Building Regulations.
You can find out more information about maintaining essential building services through the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website.
Emergency Planning
An emergency plan can control and reduce the risks to health and safety and reduce damage to property in the event of an emergency. Emergency plans are required by the Work Health legislation for workplaces. Emergency plans help prepare workers and building occupants on how to respond to an emergency. These emergencies can be broad and may go beyond your premises such as considerations to neighbouring properties, they could include things like bushfires, chemical spills, bomb threats, vehicle collisions or medical emergencies.
Tasmania Fire Service has information on how to prepare a building fire evacuation plans and what is a ‘specified building.’
Key Access for Emergency Information
Information relating to buildings’ fire safety systems and access to Fire Detection Control and Indicating Equipment is secured by a lock which is accessible by using a key known as a 003 key. Fire protection contractors who install, service and maintain building fire safety systems have access to this information via the use of a 003 key.
003 locks are manufactured consistently to ensure the keys fit across different models of fire safety systems. 003 keys must not be copied, keys are available through your fire protection systems contractor.
Fire Protection System Installers
The installation, repair and routine servicing of fire protection systems and fire protection equipment is a regulated industry. Fire protection systems contractors are required to have a permit issued by the Chief Officer of Tasmania Fire Service and an occupational license issued by Consumer, Building & Occupational Services (CBOS). This licensing ensures you are engaging a qualified and experienced contractor.
If your premises have or require a fire safety system that is listed in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations, it must be installed, serviced, and maintained by a licensed and permitted fire protection contractor.
To find a licensed fire protection contractor go to the Consumer Building & Occupational Services website.
If you would like to apply for a fire protection system or fire protection equipment permit, please visit our Resources page.