Thorough, impartial and honest
FIRE SAFETY RISK AUDITS
What Is a Fire Safety Audit?
A fire safety audit is a systematic, independent assessment of a building’s fire protection measures, emergency systems, and overall compliance with Australian fire safety standards. Conducted by a qualified auditor, it identifies existing hazards, gaps in fire protection, and any failure to meet regulatory requirements — before a fire event occurs. Unlike a routine maintenance check, a fire safety audit provides a structured, documented review that evaluates both the physical condition of your fire systems and your organisation’s emergency preparedness. The outcome is a detailed report with clear recommendations to reduce risk, protect occupants, and maintain business continuity.
What FEMAR’s Fire Safety Audit Covers
FEMAR’s SAI Global-certified auditors conduct a thorough, risk-based inspection of your premises, assessing all critical fire safety elements, including:
- Fire detection and alarm systems — functionality, coverage, and compliance with Australian Standards
- Fire suppression systems — sprinklers, hose reels, hydrants, and extinguishers (type, placement, and service records)
- Emergency and exit lighting — adequacy, condition, and testing documentation
- Fire doors and passive fire protection — door integrity, seals, and self-closing mechanisms
- Evacuation routes and exit signage — accessibility, signage visibility, and compliance with building layout
- Emergency Management Manual (EMM) — currency and adequacy of your evacuation plans and warden structure
- Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR) — review of existing compliance documentation and identification of reporting gaps
On completion, you receive a comprehensive written report with photographic evidence, identified deficiencies, and prioritised mitigation recommendations.
Melbourne Fire Safety Compliance Requirements
Buildings in Melbourne and across Victoria are subject to a range of mandatory fire safety obligations. Key standards and regulations include:
- AS 4655 — the Australian Standard governing the conduct of fire safety audits across all workplace building types
- AS 1851 — specifying routine service and maintenance frequencies for all fire protection systems
- Building Code of Australia (BCA) / National Construction Code (NCC) — setting minimum fire safety performance requirements for all building classes
- Victorian Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018 — requiring building owners to maintain Essential Safety Measures (ESM) and produce an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR)
Non-compliance can result in significant penalties, failed occupancy permits, and increased liability in the event of a fire incident.
Who Needs a Fire Safety Audit?
Under Victorian law, fire safety obligations apply to a wide range of building types. A professional fire safety audit is recommended — and often legally required — for owners and managers of:
- Commercial offices and multi-tenancy buildings
- Warehouses, factories, and industrial facilities
- Retail centres and hospitality venues (restaurants, hotels, motels)
- Schools, childcare centres, and educational institutions
- Hospitals, aged care facilities, and healthcare buildings
- Strata and residential apartment complexes
- Government and public buildings
Whether you are a building owner, property manager, body corporate, or facility manager, a fire safety audit ensures you are meeting your duty of care and legal obligations under Victorian fire safety legislation.
Our staff have undergone rigorous auditor training with SAI Global. Using extensive knowledge of fire causation and issues of fire safety, our trained and experienced staff can conduct a risk based audit of your business to identify and provide mitigation advice that will hopefully reduce the risk of fire disrupting your business continuity.
By taking on the advice provided, our aim is to ensure your business is not disrupted by a fire event.
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