Frequently asked questions

Pre-Occupancy

Common frequently asked questions regarding business undertaken by the Fire Safety Pre-Occupancy Unit can be found here. Please also refer to other unit FAQ pages if relevant.

If your general question is not addressed here, you can ask us a question.

How long will it take to receive my fire safety system or final fire safety report?

FRNSW will furnish a fire safety system report or final fire safety report to the applicant within the legislated timeframe of 10 business days after receiving the request for the report.

Who should attend a pre-occupancy inspection?

FRNSW recommends the following are present at the inspection:

  • principal certifying authority,
  • builder,
  • fire engineer, and
  • installer/s of fire safety system/s, such as —
    • fire hydrant system installer,
    • fire sprinkler and/or drencher system installer, and/or
    • fire detection and alarm system installer
  • owner/owner's representative.
If a final fire safety report has been received within the legislated time frame indicating that the Fire Commissioner is not satisfied and that recommendations have been made, what actions are required to be taken?

If the Fire Commissioner’s recommendation is not adopted, the certifier is to give written notice to the Commissioner detailing the reasons for not adopting the recommendation.

Does FRNSW have to sign off that the works are completed before an occupation certificate can be issued?

No. FRNSW does not sign off on completion of remediation works prior to the issue of an occupation certificate—the responsibility of determining works for the occupation certificate rests with the certifier.

I have a question following inspection. How do I get in contact with the inspecting fire safety officer?

Please email fire.safety@fire.nsw.gov.au. An employee of the Fire Safety Pre-Occupancy Unit will then make contact.