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 where occupants and visitors can see them, at the locations your Emergency Planning Committee has set? (usually entrances, exits, stair and 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? (bottom edge at least 1,200mm above the floor, or top edge no more than 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 get your building ready for an 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.