Essential Fire Safety Measures & fire safety systems are required in commercial, industrial & public buildings to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire or emergency. The Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulations 2000 mandates that Essential Fire Safety Measures must be maintained and that on the anniversary of the date of the Final Fire Safety Certificate, an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) must to be prepared by the owner or agent and displayed on the premises.

In many cases, the relevant Council will send a reminder to the owner that the Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) is due and attach a list of those Fire Safety Measures that must be certified. Some Councils also charge a fee with each submission of the AFSS. The building owner cannot rely on the Council sending a reminder as not all Councils do this. It is up to the building owner to ensure that an AFSS is prepared and submitted each year to the Council and that a further copy is sent to the Fire Commissioner.