Building fire safety

Please be advised that FRNSW have updated the position statement Fire doors with fire activated retaining devices (e.g. bolts). The term "fire activated bolts" has been changed to "fire activated retaining devices" and a new corresponding note has been added.

FRNSW have also updated technical information sheet FRNSW compatible Storz hose connections. This version (ver 10) clarifies that new Storz hose connections must comply with AS 2419.4:2021 and be demonstrated through product conformity. The 'FBT-Storz adaptor' and non-compliant "NEN 3374" Storz should not be fitted on new/upgraded fire hydrant systems. 

The following position statements are new or revised: 

• Automatic Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS)
• Emergency plan requirements at sites having lithium batteries
• Fire brigade booster operating pressure
• Fire hydrant system signage
• FRNSW hose connections
• FRNSW pump performance for high rise buildings
• Hydraulic fire safety system design
• Light wall steel pipe in fire hydrant systems
• Open yard storage of BESS
• Pilot operated pressure reduction valves
• Plastic pipe in combined fire hydrant and sprinkler systems
• Road tunnels

Please be advised that FRNSW have updated the performance-based design brief (PBDB) consutation form. The current version is Version 19, and supersedes the PBDB/FEBQ form.

FRNSW have also updated the initial fire safety report (IFSR) application form. The current version is Version 24.

FRNSW encourage applicants to start using the new forms straight away, however will permit a two week transition period until COB 16th December 2024, after which we will no longer be accepting the older application forms for new jobs.

The following position statements are new or revised: 

• Fire hydrant system - single vs multiple
• Self-storage facilities

The following position statements are new or revised: 

• Fire engineering for existing buildings
• Fire hydrant system in existing building or premises
• Fire safety in early childhood centres
• Fire sprinkler system in existing building or premises

The Technical Information Sheet Fire safety in early childhood centres has been rescinded as it is superseded by the corresponding new position statement above. 

The following position statements are new or revised: 

• Application of fire sprinkler concessions under Specification 18 of the NCC
• Consultation on the performance-based design brief (PBDB)
• Fire hydrant system in new building or premises
• Fire sprinklers in class 1 buildings (i.e. homes)
• Fire sprinklers in class 2 and 3 buildings
• Fixed suction connection for below-ground water supply
• Massive timber building systems
• Pressure reducing fire hydrant valve (PRFHV)
• Security/screen doors fitted to sole-occupancy units (SOUs)
• Small-bore suction connections

The following position statements are new or revised: 

• Extended fire hydrant coverage
• External combustible cladding
• Fire safety study process

The Dry fire hydrant system and Electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment position statements have been amended and published on the position statements web page. 

The position statements web page has been overhauled in a new look format that includes a searchable list of our current published positions. The list can be sorted by alphabetical titles (ascending order) or by date last updated (newest to oldest).

Ten new or revised position statements have been published as part of a review of all statements, and include: 

• Applicable Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• Accessibility of fire hydrants
• Automated vehicle parking system (AVPS)
• Automatic storage and retrieval systems (ASRS)
• Consultation on the performance-based design brief (PBDB)
• Consultation with the relevant fire brigade, fire service or fire authority
• Dry fire hydrant system
• Electric vehicles (EV) and EV charging equipment
• Exemption from fire safety standards
• Fire doors with fire activated bolts

A new LinkedIn profile has been created under FRNSW to better connect and disseminate information with our indiustry stakeholders. Professionals wishing to receive related notifications are encouraged to connect and follow us at www.linkedin.com/showcase/frnsw-firesafety.

A new position statement on Automatic storage and retrieval systems has been published. 

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has received a number of enquiries regarding the requirement for certifiers to request a Final Fire Safety Report from FRNSW for certain developments (in accordance with the requirements of section 50 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021) following the receipt of an application for an Occupation Certificate, and whether these requirements are applicable to an application for an Occupation Certificate that relates to a Complying Development Certificate.

FRNSW and the Department of Customer Service have discussed this matter and are of the view that s50 of the abovementioned Regulation was only ever intended to apply to Occupation Certificate applications that relate to a Construction Certificate. The wording contained in s50(1) of the Regulation may not be as clear as it could be, but it is FRNSW view that the policy intent is clearly reflected in the definition of a Final Fire Safety Report contained in s50(8) of the Regulation. As such, it is FRNSW interpretation that a certifier is not required to request a Final Fire Safety Report for developments that were the subject of a Complying Development Certificate.

FRNSW understands that these requirements may be clarified in future amendments to the Regulation.

Please note however that FRNSW should still be consulted as a relevant stakeholder in other applications related to Complying Development Certificates as required, such as performance-based design briefs as per NCC Clause A2G2(4)(a), etc.

Please be advised that FRNSW have updated the performance-based design brief / fire engineering brief questionnaire (FEBQ) form. The current version is Version 18. 

FRNSW encourage applicants to start using the new form straight away, however will permit a two week transition period until 18th August 2023, after which we will no longer be accepting the older application forms for new jobs.

From 1 August 2023, the Amending Regulation above will expand the types of building proposals that must be referred to FRNSW for comment and the stages for referral through amendment of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021. This also includes changes to legislated timeframes.

The main changes relate to the performance-based design brief, initial fire safety reports, final fire safety reports and fire safety system reports. FRNSW have made changes to relevant sections of the website, however some guidelines, technical information sheets and process documents are still in the process of being updated.

The Amending Regulation also makes changes to other items, such as a standardised mandatory template for fire safety schedules. Refer to https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/news-and-updates/notices/reforms-to-fire-safety-regulation#further-info for further information on the Amending Regulation.