I already have exit diagrams so why should I get new ones?
As of July 1st 2009, Qld Legislation mandates that evacuation diagrams must be displayed in all buildings under new, stricter regulation requirements. These new regulations may mean many existing emergency evacuation diagrams, also know as fire exit maps, will be required to be replaced with updated version to achieve compliance. The Regulation dictates what is needed on an emergency exit diagram for it to be deemed compliant. These MUST be on display as required to avoid infringement fines for non compliance.
Who does this affect, me or my landlord?
There are mandatory responsibilities to both tenants / occupiers and building owners / managers which are new to the regulation. Equally, infringements may be served on more than one party for more than one infringement for the same situation. This includes, but is not limited to, lessees in a multi story high rise building, individual shops in a shopping center, a dormitory on a University Campus, Body Corporates, Building owners, Building managers, tenants and occupiers.
What's this Fire Safety Adviser Role and do I have to have one?
Fire Safety Adviser Training is mandatory if your business / building is profiled to require one. The Regulation defines this by categorizing buildings into two classes - High and Low Occupancy. As this scope covers a vast array of different situations, it can be confusing to understand who is responsible for appointing a Fire Safety Advisor. We will be covering this further in our Blog. Queensland Fire and Rescure (QFRS) have prepared a guide with model examples of building layouts, alongside an explanation of requirements. You can find this by visiting our Regulations Page.
Important Note: The appointment of a Fire Safety Adviser does not negate the existing structure of Wardens and Emergency Coordination Officers, rather, the new regulations enhance this structure whilst encouraging all occupiers of buildings to work together to ensure fire prevention is at its peak.
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