Fire & Emergency Inspection

Title Page

Site conducted
Property Name
Address
Date of Inspection
Prepared By

1.0 GENERAL BUILDING SUMMARY

Building Name
Address
Site Contact Name
Site Contact - Phone
Site Contact - Email
Reason for Report
Total number of workers in the building
Fire Safety Adviser
Building Class

2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Details This Annual Fire Audit Report has been compiled as a means of assisting the building occupier in managing their compliance with the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (BFSR). It is important to note that, although the inspecting person has taken all care there may be some areas that may require further attention by the occupier to ensure full compliance. It is the obligation of the Managing Entity (ME) to ensure that all Fire Safety Maintenance Contractors are appropriately qualified and maintain all fire safety installations in compliance with QDC, part MP6.1. Due to the non-invasive nature of the survey, this report does not include all fire rated structural features within the building. The areas of the BFSR that have been addressed by this report are listed in the Key Findings section below.

3.0 KEY FINDINGS

This section is a brief summary of the findings identified during the inspection and will report the overall condition and compliance of the Fire Safety Systems Inspected. A detailed report of all findings will be listed in the “Detailed Inspection Findings” section including photographs to aid in improvements.
Details

4.0 MEANS OF ESCAPE

1. Are evacuation routes clear of obstructions? • An evacuation route is the path a person would take to exit the building. It is usually marked with exit signage.
2. Are final exits clear of obstructions for two metres? • A final exit door is the last exit door from the building.
3. Are the final exits of any adjoining properties clear? • A final exit door is the last exit door from the neighbouring building or tenancy and leads to a place of safety without any further impediments such as locked gates.
Exit Doors
4. Is the door hardware the correct type? • Lever type handles or panic bars are the only acceptable door hardware for exit doors.
5. Are the doors along the evacuation route unlocked/unobstructed? • Doors on evacuation routes must be able to be opened by a single handed downward or pushing action on a single device.
Fire/Smoke Doors And Walls
6. Are the fire/smoke doors unobstructed and undamaged? • Fire or smoke doors are not to be ‘chocked’ or held open • Fire doors must automatically close and fully latch after each opening.
7. Can current maintenance records for fire doors be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record current inspections.
8. Are the fire/smoke walls free from unprotected penetration? • The owner/occupier must ensure that fire/smoke walls are free from unprotected penetration.
Evacuation Signs/Diagrams - General
9. Do the evacuation signs/diagrams contain the required information? • Evacuation diagrams must show the following details (fire safety reference points): - The place that corresponds to the place in the building where the diagram is displayed. YAH. - The route from (you are here) to the nearest exit. - Each exit of the building. - Any intercommunication devices in the common areas, e.g. Warden Intercommunication Points. - The location of manually operated fire alarms e.g. break glass alarms. - The location of any fire fighting equipment in the building e.g. fire extinguishers and hose reels. - The designated assembly area outside the building. - The route from each exit to the assembly area.
10. Are the evacuation signs/diagrams securely fastened and orientated for the building? • displayed in a conspicuous position, appropriately located on each evacuation route of the building. • orientated in line with the building layout.
11. Are all evacuation signs current and reviewed annually? • All evacuation signs must be reviewed annually.

5.0 OCCUPANCY LIMITS FOR BUILDINGS

Obligations For All Buildings
12. Have steps been taken to ensure the building is not overcrowded? • The occupier of a building must ensure that the number of persons in the building at any one time does not exceed the maximum number that may be accommodated under the Building Code of Australia, Clause D1.6 and Clause D1.13.

6.0 MAINTENANCE OF FIRE SAFETY INSTALLATIONS

Exit Signs/Emergency Lighting
13. Are the exit signs/emergency lighting undamaged? • The owner/occupier must ensure that exit sign covers are in place and unbroken. • Globes for exit signs and emergency lighting must also be in place and undamaged.
14. Can current maintenance records for exit signs and emergency lighting be produced upon request? • A log book (can be electronic) is required to record six monthly inspections. • A licensed electrician or appropriately qualified person is required to conduct the maintenance inspections.
Fire Extinguishers
15. Are all fire extinguishers correctly maintained? • The occupier must ensure maintenance of prescribed fire extinguishers are carried out in accordance with MP 6.1 and by an appropriately qualified person. • Prescribed fire extinguishers are those required to be installed in the building.
16. Can current maintenance records for fire extinguishers be produced upon request? • The maintenance tag and either an invoice or summary report are acceptable as a record of maintenance. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct six monthly service inspections.
Fire Hose Reels
17. Are all fire hose reels correctly maintained? • The occupier must ensure maintenance of prescribed fire hose reels is carried out in accordance with MP 6.1 and by an appropriately qualified person. • Prescribed fire hose reels are those required to be installed in the building.
18. Can current maintenance records for fire hose reels be produced upon request? • The maintenance tag and either an invoice or summary report are acceptable as a record of maintenance. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct six monthly service inspections.
Fire Blankets
19. Are all fire blankets correctly maintained? • The occupier must ensure maintenance of fire blankets is carried out in accordance with MP 6.1 and by an appropriately qualified person.
20. Can current maintenance records for fire blankets be produced upon request? • The maintenance tag and either an invoice or summary report are acceptable as a record of maintenance. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct six monthly service inspections.
Fire Detection and Alarm System
21. Is the Fire Detection and Alarm System operating with no isolations or faults indicating? • The occupier must ensure no devices or zones are isolated or showing a fault unless work is being carried out in those areas and a plan to reinstate the device or zone is in place.
22. Can current maintenance records for Fire Detection and Alarm Systems be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record monthly inspections. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct the maintenance inspections.
23. If Fire Detection and Alarm System is not connected to QFRS are Manual Call Points signed ‘Ring 000’?
24. Is the number of unwanted alarm activations below the prescribed average? • Does not exceed four or the prescribed average (whichever is the greater)
Evacuation System (includes warning, control and intercommunication systems)
25. Is the Evacuation System in ‘auto’ mode with no zones isolated or in fault?
26. Can current maintenance records for evacuation system be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record monthly inspections.
Sprinkler System
27. Is the sprinkler booster installation undamaged? • the cabinet and internal components are undamaged and hand wheels are fitted to inlets and outlets.
28. Can current maintenance records for the sprinkler system be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record maintenance inspections. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct maintenance inspections.
On-site Hydrant System
29. Is the on-site fire hydrant booster installation undamaged? • The cabinet and internal components are undamaged and hand wheels are fitted to inlets and outlets.
30. Are the on-site fire hydrants undamaged? • On-site fire hydrants are undamaged i.e. not bent or creased and hand wheels are fitted.
31. Can current maintenance records for the on-site hydrant system be produced upon request? • A log book and tag is required to record current six monthly inspections. • All maintenance including the 5 yearly hydrostatic test is to be recorded on a ‘Form 72 - fire hydrant and sprinkler system periodic testing and maintenance’.
Hydrant/Sprinkler Pumpsets
32. Are the hydrant/sprinkler pumpsets correctly maintained? • Pumpsets are maintained by an appropriately qualified person.
33. Can current maintenance records for pumpsets be produced on request? • A log book is required to record monthly inspections.
Stairwell Pressurisation
34. Can current maintenance records for Stairwell Pressurisation be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record three monthly inspections. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct maintenance inspections.
Smoke and Heat Ventilation Systems
35. Can current maintenance records for Smoke and Heat Ventilation Systems be produced upon request? • A log book is required to record six monthly inspections. • An appropriately qualified person is required to conduct maintenance inspections.
Standby Power Supply
36. Can current maintenance records for standby power be produced upon request? • Where installed, maintenance must be carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
Emergency Lift – Fire Service Control
37. Can current maintenance records for Emergency Lifts be produced upon request? • Where installed, maintenance must be carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, but in no case at intervals of more than one year. • Has an operational test of the Fire Service Controls been conducted?
Critical Defects
38. If a Critical Defect Notice has been received, has action been taken to rectify within one month? • Appropriately qualified person is obligated to notify the occupier within 24 hours of the critical defect occurring by issuing a Critical Defect Notice which should detail the corrective action required. • The occupier should be able to show evidence of taking/initiating this corrective action.
39. If a Critical Defect Notice has been received, have interim measures been put in place?

7.0 MISCELLANEOUS

Housekeeping
40. Is housekeeping acceptable? • There are no excessive flammable materials under buildings or stairways. • It must be ensured that there are no tripping hazards such as lifting tiles and power cords in evacuation routes.•

8.0 EVACUATION PLANNING, INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE

Evacuation Plans
41. Is there a fire and evacuation plan in place? • Every building must have a written fire and evacuation plan in place (except Class 1a and Class 10 buildings). • This may be a hard copy or in electronic format.
42. Is there a managing entity and secondary occupiers’ fire and evacuation plan for multi-occupancy buildings? • The managing entity is responsible for evacuating people from the common areas to a designated assembly area on the fire and evacuation plan. • Secondary occupiers are responsible for evacuating people from their tenancy. • Both parties are responsible for ensuring their plans complement the other.
43. Are all the fire and evacuation plans kept in the specified written form? – must include; • The evacuation diagram/sign • Name and address of the building • Name, address, telephone number and electronic contact details of the owner and occupier • The evacuation coordination procedures • An Evacuation Coordinator is required for all buildings - (ECO – Chief & Floor Wardens) • Instructions for evacuating the building in line with the evacuation coordination procedures. • The method of operation of fire fighting equipment and manual fire alarms in the building • The procedures for giving fire and evacuation instructions to persons working in the building and ensuring the instructions are given • Name and contact details of the person in charge of evacuating the building (the Evacuation Coordinator). • The date the person became the Evacuation Coordinator. • The name and contact details of persons responsible for carrying out the evacuation procedures. • The date each person became responsible for carrying out the procedures. • The names and contact details for persons responsible for giving the fire and evacuation instructions. • Name of the person who developed, changed and reviewed the fire and evacuation plan. High Occupancy buildings Fire and Evacuation Plan must incorporate; • The name of the Fire Safety Adviser • Contact details for the Fire Safety Adviser e.g. Phone number and electronic contact details. • A description of the qualification/s held by the Fire Safety Adviser • The Registered Training Organisation that issued the qualification • The date the qualification was issued.
44. Do fire and evacuation plans reflect performance solutions for the building? • If there is a performance solution for the building, the performance solution is to be included in the fire and evacuation plan.
45. Is there a procedure in place to evacuate persons with special needs? • If persons with special needs are in the building the occupier is responsible for ensuring there is a procedure in place to evacuate them safely.
46. Are all fire and evacuation plans available upon request? • All fire and evacuation plans must be made available to interested persons for inspection, free of charge, upon request during normal business hours.
47. Are all fire and evacuation plans current and reviewed annually? • All fire and evacuation plans must be reviewed annually.
Fire and Evacuation Instruction
48. Have general evacuation instructions been given? • The occupier of the building must give general evacuation instructions to workers within two days of commencing work and then annually.
49. Are records for general evacuation instructions kept and available upon request? • Details on the instruction records must include: - The name of each person receiving the instruction. - The name of the person who gave the instruction. - The date instructions were given. - A description of the instructions. - These records must be retained
50. Have first response evacuation instructions been given? • instructions concerning the operation of manually operated fire alarms and fire fighting equipment in the building • within one month of commencing work and then every two years • For high occupancy buildings a Fire Safety Adviser or a Registered Training Organisation must give the training or instructions • other buildings there is no requirement for a person with qualifications to provide the instruction, but the instruction must still be given
51. Are records for first response evacuation instructions kept and available upon request? • Details on the instruction records must include: - The name of each person receiving the instruction. - The name of the person who gave the instruction. - The date instructions were given. - A description of the instructions
52. Have evacuation coordination instructions been given? • The occupier of a building must give evacuation coordination instructions to the person/s responsible for carrying • out the evacuation coordination procedures every year and within one month of any changes to the procedures or personnel.
53. Are records for evacuation coordination instructions kept and available on request? • Details on the instruction records must include: - The name of each person receiving the instruction. - The name of the person who gave the instruction. - The date instructions were given. - A description of the instructions
54. Has evacuation practice been conducted annually? • All occupiers are required to conduct an evacuation of a building annually. • The practice evacuation must be carried out by an appropriate number of people.
55. Are evacuation practice records kept and available on request? • Details required on the evacuation practice record include: • The date of the evacuation. - The date of the evacuation - The times the evacuation started and ended. - Any action taken or required as a result of the evacuation.
56. Has a Fire Safety Adviser been appointed? • The occupier of any building that is a workplace employing 30 or more people as defined under the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 must appoint a Fire Safety Adviser (FSA). • Accommodation buildings (Class 2 and 3) over 25 metres in effective height and some licensed building regardless of the number of workers must also appoint an FSA.
57. Is there a procedure in place to provide ‘adequate instruction’ to prescribed persons? • A person is a prescribed person if ,during the past three months, there have been at least two weeks in which the person worked, resided or visited the building for a total period in each week of at least 10 hours.

9.0 RECORD KEEPING

Approval Documents
58. Are approval documents obtained and displayed? Relevant approval documents consist of the following:- • For buildings built under the Deemed to Satisfy Provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) from 1 July 1997 onwards, the following:- - Certificate of Classification, and - A list of fire safety installations within the building. • For buildings built with Alternate Solutions from 1 July 1997 onwards, the following:- - Certificate of Classification, - A list of fire safety installations within the building, and - The Fire Safety Management Procedures (Management in Use Documentation) - Fire Engineering Report • For buildings built prior to 1 July 1997, the following:- - Certificate of Classification, Certificate of Approval or other approval documents (if either of these are - not available QFRS will accept written documentation showing requests for copies of relevant approval - documents from the relevant local government or building certifier), and - A list of fire safety installations within the building. • For Crown owned buildings the following:- - A list of fire safety installations within the building, and - The Fire Safety Management Procedures (Management in Use Documentation) if the building was built using an alternate building solution.
Occupier’s Statement (Annual)
59. Can an annual Occupier’s Statement be produced upon request? • An occupier statement for the maintenance of all fire safety installations must be kept and a copy sent each year to the Commissioner. • Critical Defect Notices received during the year must be attached to the Occupier’s Statement emailed to: occupier.statements@dcs.qld.gov.au
Record Security
60. Are records kept in a way that is reasonably safe from the effects of fire? • A metal filing cabinet will satisfy these requirements. • The occupier must keep fire safety records and prescribed documents for at least 2 years, • must be produced upon request of a Fire Officer.
61. Is a copy of all prescribed documents kept in another place? • A copy of all records must be kept in another place. • These copies may be electronic.