---
title: "What Happens During a Fire Safety Inspection in Australia?"
description: "What to expect during a fire safety inspection in an Australian commercial building. Covers what inspectors check, how evacuation diagrams are assessed, common deficiencies, and how to prepare."
canonical: https://evacpath.com/blog/what-happens-during-a-fire-safety-inspection
source: https://evacpath.com/blog/what-happens-during-a-fire-safety-inspection
---

# What Happens During a Fire Safety Inspection in Australia?

> What to expect during a fire safety inspection in an Australian commercial building. Covers what inspectors check, how evacuation diagrams are assessed, common deficiencies, and how to prepare.

_EvacPath Team · 2026-04-04 · 4 min read_

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](https://evacpath.com/blog/evacuation-diagram-requirements-australia)-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.