What are the fire risk assessment requirements in New South Wales?

In NSW, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires building owners and occupiers to maintain essential fire safety measures and submit annual fire safety statements to the local council and Fire and Rescue NSW. While the Regulation does not prescribe a specific fire risk assessment format, a documented assessment using a recognised methodology such as BS PAS 79 demonstrates that fire risks have been identified and managed. Fire and Rescue NSW has powers to inspect premises and issue fire safety orders if fire safety measures are inadequate.

How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?

A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to the premises, occupancy, layout, processes or fire protection systems. Annual fire safety statements in NSW require confirmation that essential fire safety measures have been assessed each year. High-risk premises such as manufacturing facilities, chemical stores and aged care facilities may require more frequent reviews. The assessment should also be reviewed following any fire incident or near miss.

Who can conduct a fire risk assessment?

A fire risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person with sufficient knowledge of fire safety principles, building construction, fire protection systems and the relevant regulatory requirements. For simple, low-risk premises, the building owner or a trained staff member may be competent. For complex, high-risk or multi-storey premises, a qualified fire safety practitioner, fire engineer or accredited practitioner should conduct the assessment. In NSW, annual fire safety statements must be prepared by a competent fire safety practitioner as defined in the legislation.

What is the difference between a fire risk assessment and a fire safety audit?

A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risk to people and property, assesses the adequacy of existing controls and recommends improvements. It is a proactive, risk-based process. A fire safety audit is a systematic check of compliance against a specific standard, regulation or fire safety management system. It verifies whether existing fire safety measures, procedures and records meet the required standard. In practice, organisations benefit from both: the fire risk assessment to identify and manage risks, and the fire safety audit to verify compliance with legislative and organisational requirements.

What is BS PAS 79 and does it apply in Australia?

BS PAS 79-1:2020 is a British standard that provides a framework and methodology for conducting and recording fire risk assessments. While it is not an Australian Standard, it is widely recognised and used in Australia by fire safety practitioners because it provides a structured, systematic approach that is accepted by fire authorities and insurers. The methodology is compatible with Australian fire safety requirements and provides a consistent format for documenting fire hazards, risk evaluations and action plans.

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Free fire risk assessment template (PDF-ready). Covers Fire and Rescue NSW, BS PAS 79 methodology, ignition sources and escape routes. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a fire risk assessment template?

A fire risk assessment template is a structured document used to identify fire hazards, evaluate the risk they present to people and property, and determine whether existing fire safety measures are adequate or require improvement. The assessment covers sources of ignition (electrical equipment, hot works, cooking, heating, smoking), sources of fuel (flammable liquids, combustible materials, waste accumulation, building materials), sources of oxygen, the people at risk (employees, visitors, contractors, vulnerable occupants), existing fire protection measures (detection, alarm, suppression, extinguishers, emergency lighting, signage), means of escape (escape routes, exit doors, travel distances, assembly points) and the adequacy of fire safety management (maintenance, training, drills, housekeeping). Each hazard is assessed for likelihood and consequence, and the assessment records recommended actions with priorities and responsible persons.

In New South Wales, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires building owners and occupiers to maintain fire safety measures and submit annual fire safety statements confirming that essential fire safety measures have been assessed by a competent fire safety practitioner. Fire and Rescue NSW has powers under the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 to inspect premises and enforce fire safety requirements. A documented fire risk assessment provides the foundation for compliance with these obligations and demonstrates that the building owner or occupier has identified and managed fire risks. The BS PAS 79-1:2020 methodology, widely recognised in Australia as well as the United Kingdom, provides a systematic framework for conducting and recording fire risk assessments that is accepted by fire authorities and insurers.

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Benefits of using this fire risk assessment template

Regulatory compliance: demonstrate compliance with NSW fire safety obligations, including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and Fire and Rescue NSW inspection requirements.
Life safety: identify hazards that could prevent safe evacuation, including blocked escape routes, missing fire doors, inadequate signage and insufficient emergency lighting, before they cause harm.
Fire prevention: systematically evaluate ignition sources, fuel accumulation and housekeeping practices to reduce the likelihood of fire starting.
Insurance support: a documented fire risk assessment demonstrates proactive risk management to insurers and can support premium negotiations and claims defence.
Maintenance planning: identify deficiencies in fire detection, alarm, suppression and extinguisher systems that require maintenance, repair or upgrade.
Due diligence: provide building owners, occupiers and PCBUs with documented evidence that fire risks have been assessed and managed, strengthening their legal position in any investigation.

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What to include in a fire risk assessment template

This fire risk assessment template covers 9 key areas:

Premises details: building name, address, occupancy type, number of floors, approximate floor area, number of occupants (day and night), building age and construction type.
Sources of ignition: electrical installations and equipment, heating systems, cooking equipment, hot work activities, smoking areas, lighting, arson risk and any other ignition sources.
Sources of fuel: flammable liquids and gases, combustible materials and packaging, waste accumulation, timber and fabric furnishings, building linings and insulation, external combustible storage.
People at risk: employees, visitors, contractors, members of the public, vulnerable persons (elderly, disabled, children, persons unfamiliar with the building), lone workers and night-shift occupants.
Fire detection and warning: type and coverage of fire detection system, alarm type and audibility, manual call point locations, monitoring arrangements, testing and maintenance records.
Means of escape: escape routes and exit doors, travel distances, exit signage and emergency lighting, door hardware and self-closing mechanisms, escape route widths, assembly point location and accessibility.
Fire-fighting equipment: type, number and location of fire extinguishers, hose reels, sprinkler systems and other suppression systems, maintenance records and servicing dates.
Fire safety management: fire warden appointments, staff training records, evacuation drill frequency and records, housekeeping standards, contractor hot work controls, fire safety policy.
Risk evaluation and action plan: for each identified hazard, the assessed likelihood, consequence, risk rating, existing controls, recommended actions, priority, responsible person and target completion date.

How to use this fire risk assessment template

Identify the scope of the assessment, including the premises, areas to be covered, occupancy details and the date of the assessment.: Record the building name, address, occupancy type, number of floors, construction type, approximate floor area and the number of occupants. Note whether the assessment covers the entire premises or a specific area. Identify the assessor name, qualifications and the date. For large or complex premises, consider dividing the assessment into zones or floors.
Conduct a systematic walkthrough to identify sources of ignition, sources of fuel and inadequate housekeeping that could contribute to fire starting or spreading.: Walk every area of the premises, including storerooms, plant rooms, kitchens, loading docks, waste areas and roof spaces. Note each ignition source (electrical switchboards, portable heaters, cooking equipment, hot work areas, smoking points) and each fuel source (flammable liquid stores, combustible waste accumulation, timber, paper, fabric, aerosol cans). Assess housekeeping standards and whether combustible materials are stored too close to ignition sources.
Evaluate the means of escape, including escape routes, exit doors, travel distances, signage, emergency lighting and assembly point accessibility.: Walk each escape route from the most remote point to the final exit. Check that routes are clear, unobstructed, adequately wide, and that exit doors open in the direction of travel. Verify that exit signs and emergency lighting are functional and visible. Measure or estimate travel distances and compare them to the relevant building code requirements. Confirm that assembly points are clearly marked and accessible for all occupants, including persons with disability.
Assess fire detection, alarm, suppression and fire-fighting equipment for type, coverage, condition and maintenance currency.: Check the type and coverage of the fire detection system against the building requirements. Test alarm audibility in occupied areas and verify manual call point locations. Inspect fire extinguishers for correct type, service tags and accessibility. Check hose reels for condition and water pressure. Review sprinkler system maintenance records. Confirm that all fire protection systems are serviced in accordance with AS 1851 schedules.
Evaluate the risk for each identified hazard, determine whether existing controls are adequate, and prepare an action plan with recommended improvements, priorities and responsible persons.: For each hazard, assess the likelihood of fire occurring and the potential consequence to people and property. Rate the risk as high, medium or low. Determine whether existing controls are adequate, need improvement or are absent. For each gap, recommend a specific action, assign a priority (immediate, short-term, medium-term), identify a responsible person and set a target completion date. Summarise the findings in the action plan section and issue the completed assessment to the premises owner or manager.

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How often should you complete this assessment?

A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually, or more frequently for high-risk occupancies such as manufacturing facilities, chemical stores, aged care facilities and premises with large public gatherings. The assessment must be reviewed and updated whenever there is a significant change to the premises, including changes to layout, occupancy type, building works, introduction of new processes or materials, changes to fire protection systems, or following a fire incident or near miss. In New South Wales, annual fire safety statements require the building owner to confirm that essential fire safety measures have been assessed by a competent fire safety practitioner each year. AS 1851 sets out the routine service frequencies for fire protection systems, ranging from daily and monthly checks to six-monthly and annual inspections.

Frequently asked questions

What are the fire risk assessment requirements in New South Wales?: In NSW, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 requires building owners and occupiers to maintain essential fire safety measures and submit annual fire safety statements to the local council and Fire and Rescue NSW. While the Regulation does not prescribe a specific fire risk assessment format, a documented assessment using a recognised methodology such as BS PAS 79 demonstrates that fire risks have been identified and managed. Fire and Rescue NSW has powers to inspect premises and issue fire safety orders if fire safety measures are inadequate.
How often should a fire risk assessment be reviewed?: A fire risk assessment should be reviewed at least annually and whenever there is a significant change to the premises, occupancy, layout, processes or fire protection systems. Annual fire safety statements in NSW require confirmation that essential fire safety measures have been assessed each year. High-risk premises such as manufacturing facilities, chemical stores and aged care facilities may require more frequent reviews. The assessment should also be reviewed following any fire incident or near miss.
Who can conduct a fire risk assessment?: A fire risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person with sufficient knowledge of fire safety principles, building construction, fire protection systems and the relevant regulatory requirements. For simple, low-risk premises, the building owner or a trained staff member may be competent. For complex, high-risk or multi-storey premises, a qualified fire safety practitioner, fire engineer or accredited practitioner should conduct the assessment. In NSW, annual fire safety statements must be prepared by a competent fire safety practitioner as defined in the legislation.
What is the difference between a fire risk assessment and a fire safety audit?: A fire risk assessment identifies fire hazards, evaluates the risk to people and property, assesses the adequacy of existing controls and recommends improvements. It is a proactive, risk-based process. A fire safety audit is a systematic check of compliance against a specific standard, regulation or fire safety management system. It verifies whether existing fire safety measures, procedures and records meet the required standard. In practice, organisations benefit from both: the fire risk assessment to identify and manage risks, and the fire safety audit to verify compliance with legislative and organisational requirements.
What is BS PAS 79 and does it apply in Australia?: BS PAS 79-1:2020 is a British standard that provides a framework and methodology for conducting and recording fire risk assessments. While it is not an Australian Standard, it is widely recognised and used in Australia by fire safety practitioners because it provides a structured, systematic approach that is accepted by fire authorities and insurers. The methodology is compatible with Australian fire safety requirements and provides a consistent format for documenting fire hazards, risk evaluations and action plans.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (Fire safety provisions)
Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW) (Annual fire safety statements)
Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 (Powers of inspection and enforcement)
BS PAS 79-1:2020 (Fire risk assessment methodology)
Australian Standard AS 1851 (Routine service of fire protection systems)

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