For Building Managers, Strata Managers and Property Professionals

In NSW, where fire protection requirements are some of the strictest in Australia, building managers have an increasing responsibility to keep people safe and meet AFSS obligations. This guide goes beyond basic advice and provides a practical, compliance focused and risk aware fire safety roadmap for workplaces, strata properties and commercial buildings.

Why Summer and Holiday Periods Increase Fire Risk

Summer amplifies existing risks and introduces new ones. This period often includes:

  • Higher ambient temperatures that strain electrical systems
  • Reduced on site staff which limits early detection of faults
  • Increased building usage in mixed use and strata complexes
  • Extended periods of vacancy during Christmas shutdowns

As a manager, you know that even small oversights can lead to compliance failures or dangerous incidents. Preparing now helps keep your building safe, operational and compliant with NSW fire safety requirements.

Service All Fire Equipment Before the Holiday Period

A well maintained fire protection system is your strongest defense. Summer is an ideal time for a full review.

Review:

  • Fire extinguishers that are current, correctly mounted and accessible
  • Sprinkler systems, hydrants and hose reels that meet inspection requirements
  • Emergency and exit lighting, especially battery condition
  • Fire alarms, detection systems and fire panels that are free of faults or isolates

Detailed records support your AFSS requirements and demonstrate that your fire equipment maintenance obligations have been met.

Review Your Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS)

Summer shutdown periods offer the breathing room to review compliance without interrupting operations. Many buildings fail AFSS audits due to issues that could have been addressed earlier.

Check that:

  • All Essential Fire Safety Measures are tested by accredited practitioners
  • Maintenance logs are complete and current
  • Fire doors, emergency lighting, sprinklers and smoke detection systems are fully operational

Proactive scheduling reduces the risk of defects and helps ensure your annual fire safety statement NSW submission runs smoothly.

Inspect Electrical Systems and High Load Areas

Electrical faults are one of the most common causes of fires in Australian workplaces. High temperatures increase the likelihood of overheating.

Focus on:

  • Air conditioning units operating at maximum demand
  • Server rooms and communication equipment
  • Refrigeration or industrial machinery
  • Plant rooms and mechanical spaces

Mitigation steps include engaging a licensed electrician to inspect circuits, clearing dust from electrical rooms, and shutting down non essential systems before holiday closures. This supports the reliability of your fire protection systems and reduces preventable risks.

Update Emergency and Evacuation Procedures

Fire safety also depends on people knowing what to do in an emergency.

Confirm that:

  • Evacuation diagrams are up to date and clearly displayed
  • Wardens or responsible persons are assigned for the holiday period
  • Tenants, staff and contractors understand emergency procedures
  • Visitors have access to clear exit information

Even with reduced staffing, roles must be allocated. Clear procedures save lives.

Ensure All Fire Exits and Paths Are Clear

This is one of the most common compliance failures in NSW, and one of the easiest to prevent.

Review:

  • Exit doors that must remain unobstructed and self-closing
  • Stairwells free from storage or loose items
  • Corridors that meet evacuation width requirements
  • Rubbish, packaging and combustible materials removed before shutdown

A simple walk through can eliminate hidden hazards that significantly increase fire load.

Secure the Building for the Holiday Break

When a building is unoccupied, risks do not disappear, they increase.

Before closing:

  • Turn off non-essential appliances and machinery
  • Ensure fire panels are active, locked and monitored
  • Confirm that alarms have active communication paths
  • Remove waste, cardboard and combustible materials

A final building wide check reduces avoidable holiday incidents.

Additional Checks for Strata and Commercial Buildings

Larger or shared buildings require additional attention.

Review:

  • Lift recall systems
  • Booster and hydrant access
  • Fire pump operation
  • Basement and car park ventilation
  • Clear access for emergency vehicles

Summer is also a practical time to complete work that requires lower occupancy.

When to Engage a Fire Protection Professional

Experienced managers still benefit from expert support. Contact a certified provider if you are:

  • Preparing for an upcoming AFSS
  • Identifying expired or defective equipment
  • Uncertain about compliance requirements
  • Managing a building with incomplete or outdated records

Professional support helps ensure your building remains safe, compliant and fully prepared for summer.

Summer fire safety is a critical responsibility for building and strata managers. Taking the right steps now strengthens compliance, improves safety and protects everyone who uses your building.

Contact Global Fire on 1300 88 70 18 or email inquiries@globalfire.com.au for AFSS support, equipment servicing and complete fire protection maintenance.