What Happens During a Fire Safety Inspection in Australia?

Fire safety inspections can be triggered by a routine schedule, a complaint, or a fire authority audit program. If you own or manage a commercial building in Australia, understanding what inspectors look for can help you prepare and avoid costly deficiency notices.

This guide covers the typical fire safety inspection process, with a focus on evacuation diagram compliance.

Who Conducts Fire Safety Inspections?

Fire safety inspections in Australia can be conducted by:

• Fire and Rescue services (state fire brigades) during routine inspections or after complaints
• Local council building inspectors during occupancy checks or development approval compliance
• Accredited fire safety practitioners during Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) assessments
• WorkSafe inspectors as part of workplace safety audits
• Insurance assessors during policy renewal or claims investigation
• Accreditation bodies for specific sectors (aged care, childcare, healthcare)

What Inspectors Check

A typical fire safety inspection covers these areas:

• Fire detection and alarm systems (smoke detectors, heat detectors, alarm panel)
• Sprinkler systems and fire suppression
• Fire extinguishers and hose reels (location, service tags, access)
• Emergency lighting and exit signs
• Fire doors and smoke doors (self-closing, not propped open, seals intact)
• Exit routes (clear, unobstructed, correctly signed)
• Evacuation diagrams (current, correctly positioned, legible)
• Emergency plan documentation
• Warden training records and drill logs
• Fire stairs (clear, no storage, doors functional)
• Assembly area (accessible, clearly marked)

How Evacuation Diagrams Are Assessed

When an inspector checks your evacuation diagrams, they are looking for:

• Are diagrams displayed at all required locations? (entrances, exits, fire stairs, lift lobbies)
• Do diagrams match the current building layout? (any renovations since diagrams were created?)
• Is the "You Are Here" marker accurate for each diagram's location?
• Are exit routes shown correctly? (do they lead to actual exits?)
• Is fire equipment shown in the correct locations? (extinguishers, hose reels, manual call points)
• Is the assembly area shown and appropriate?
• Are emergency contact numbers correct?
• Is there a date on the diagram?
• Are diagrams mounted at the correct height? (1,200mm to 1,600mm)
• Are diagrams legible and undamaged?

Common Deficiencies Found

The most frequently cited evacuation diagram issues during inspections:

• Diagrams are outdated (building layout has changed since they were created)
• Missing diagrams in fire stairs, car parks, or amenities
• "You Are Here" marker is wrong (diagram was moved from its original location)
• Assembly area shown no longer exists or is inaccessible
• Contact numbers are disconnected or incorrect
• Diagrams are faded, damaged, or obscured by signage
• No date on the diagram (inspector cannot determine currency)
• Generic diagrams that do not show the specific floor or area

What Happens If Deficiencies Are Found

Depending on severity, inspectors may:

• Issue a verbal recommendation for minor issues ("update this diagram")
• Issue a formal improvement notice with a deadline for rectification
• Issue an infringement notice with a fine for serious non-compliance
• In extreme cases, issue a prohibition notice preventing use of the building until issues are resolved
• Note deficiencies on the Annual Fire Safety Statement (may prevent the AFSS from being signed off)

How to Prepare for an Inspection

Proactive steps to ensure your building passes inspection:

• Walk the building and check every diagram location. Are diagrams present, current, and undamaged?
• Verify "You Are Here" markers match actual positions
• Check that all exit routes shown on diagrams are actually clear and accessible
• Confirm fire equipment is in the locations shown on diagrams
• Ensure assembly area is accessible and clearly marked on the ground
• Have your emergency plan, warden lists, and drill records readily accessible
• Check fire doors are self-closing and not propped open
• Verify emergency lighting is functional (press the test button)

Get Inspection-Ready Diagrams

EvacPath creates AS 3745-compliant evacuation diagrams that meet fire authority inspection standards. Every diagram includes all mandatory elements, correct orientation, accurate "You Are Here" positioning, and a clear date of issue.

If your diagrams are outdated or your building has changed, contact us for a fast turnaround. Print-ready PDFs delivered in 3 to 5 business days. Pricing starts at A$70 per diagram.