The Accredited Fire Safety Practitioner (AFSP) — introduced under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 — is now the only person who can assess essential fire safety measures and certify the Annual Fire Safety Statement for most buildings in NSW.
What is an Accredited Fire Safety Practitioner?
An AFSP is a person accredited by NSW Fair Trading under Part 8 of the EP&A Regulation 2021 to assess specified categories of essential fire safety measures and certify that they perform to the required standard. Accreditation requires demonstrating relevant qualifications, experience and competency.
Why Was the AFSP Scheme Introduced?
Prior to the AFSP scheme, fire safety certificates could be issued by persons without formal fire safety qualifications. Standards of assessment varied enormously. A series of reports and coronial inquest findings identified gaps in the certification system as a contributing factor to poor fire safety outcomes. The AFSP scheme was the government's response.
AFSP Accreditation Categories
| Category | Measures Covered |
|---|---|
| Category 1 | Mechanical air-handling systems used for smoke control |
| Category 2 | Automatic fire suppression systems (sprinklers, gaseous) |
| Category 3 | Fire detection, warning and intercommunication systems |
| Category 4 | Passive fire protection measures |
| Category 5 | Other fire safety measures (extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, emergency lighting, fire doors outside Cat 4) |
What Does an AFSP Actually Do?
- 1.Review the building's fire safety schedule
- 2.Review service records provided by the building owner or contractor
- 3.Physically inspect each essential fire safety measure
- 4.Identify any defects, omissions or non-compliances
- 5.Report findings to the building owner and allow for rectification
- 6.Re-assess rectified items if required
- 7.Certify the AFSS once satisfied all measures perform to the required standard
The AFSP's Liability
An AFSP who certifies an AFSS is making a professional declaration. Certifying a false or misleading AFSS is a serious offence under NSW law — AFSPs face disciplinary action, accreditation suspension and potential prosecution.
Finding a Registered AFSP
- Their accreditation is current and not suspended or cancelled
- They hold accreditation in the specific categories relevant to your building
- They have experience with buildings of your class and size
- Their fees and scope of work are clearly agreed in writing before engagement
AFSP vs Other Certifiers
- The fire service contractor — performs routine maintenance but does not certify the AFSS
- The building certifier (PCA) — certifies construction compliance, not operational fire safety
- The fire engineer — designs fire safety solutions but does not assess operational maintenance compliance
- The facilities manager — coordinates maintenance but is not accredited to certify
Put This Into Practice
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