As a building owner, maintaining the safety and compliance of your property is a top priority. This is where a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) plays a crucial role. Fire Security Services offers Building Warrant of Fitness checks throughout Auckland, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, and across the North and South Islands of New Zealand. We help ensure that your building's specified systems are maintained, inspected, and reported on, giving occupants, customers, and visitors peace of mind about the building's safety.
Here are some useful tips to help you understand and manage your Building Warrant of Fitness effectively:
Tip 1: Understanding a Building Warrant of Fitness
A Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) is a legally required document for buildings that contain specified systems. Not all buildings require a BWOF, but for those that do, it shows that the building's safety systems are being properly maintained and are up to code. These systems may include fire alarms, sprinklers, or emergency lighting. Your BWOF, also known as Form 12, should be publicly displayed in a visible location, such as the lobby or reception area, to assure visitors and occupants of the building's safety compliance.
Tip 2: Compliance Schedules
A compliance schedule is issued by the council when a building is constructed or renovated. It is essentially a checklist of all the specified systems in the building that require regular inspection and maintenance. This includes systems like lifts, automatic doors, fire alarms, and sprinklers. A compliance schedule makes it clear what systems need ongoing attention to ensure the building remains safe. During the first 12 months, a compliance schedule statement acts as a temporary BWOF.
Tip 3: The Role of Independently Qualified Persons (IQPs)
An essential part of maintaining a BWOF is the involvement of Independently Qualified Persons (IQPs). These professionals are experts in specific trades and systems, registered with local councils to ensure they have the qualifications and expertise to test and verify specified systems. IQPs are responsible for inspecting and maintaining systems like fire alarms or air conditioning units, ensuring they are functioning as required. It's crucial to hire registered IQPs to avoid non-compliance.
Tip 4: Specified Systems Explained
Specified systems are the safety features of a building that require regular inspection and testing. These systems are critical for the safety of the occupants and include things like smoke alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting. If your building has specified systems (categorized from SS1 to SS15/5), they must be maintained and tested according to the compliance schedule. If you're planning to alter or remove any of these systems, a building consent may be necessary.
Tip 5: Form 12A – Certification for Safety
Form 12A is a vital document that proves a contractor or IQP has inspected and maintained a specified system over the past 12 months. This document certifies that the system is functioning properly and is free from defects. The annual BWOF report is a more detailed summary of these inspections. It's important to note that only an IQP can sign off on Form 12A, so choosing qualified professionals is essential for compliance.
Tip 6: The Importance of Documentation
Proper documentation is key to ensuring that your BWOF is up to date and that your building remains safe. A BWOF logbook must be kept on-site, containing records of inspections, tests, and maintenance of specified systems. This logbook should also include the compliance schedule and relevant reports, and all documents must be kept for a minimum of two years. Regularly updating this logbook is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring easy access to important information.
Tip 7: Adapting to Changes of Use
The specified systems required in a building depend on how the building is being used. For example, a childcare centre will have different safety requirements than a restaurant or office building. If you are leasing your building to new tenants, it's important to understand how they will use the space and whether additional specified systems are needed. Similarly, when tenants vacate the building, it’s essential to inspect the systems to ensure nothing has been altered or damaged.
Tip 8: Final Thoughts on BWOF Compliance
Ultimately, the responsibility for maintaining a Building Warrant of Fitness lies with the building owner. If your building has specified systems, these must be maintained and inspected regularly to ensure safety and compliance with council requirements. Surrounding yourself with experienced professionals—such as IQPs and compliance experts—can make this process much easier and ensure that your building remains a safe place for everyone.
At Fire Security Services, we offer comprehensive BWOF services to help you navigate this process smoothly. Whether you need assistance with inspections, documentation, or advice, we’re here to ensure your building meets all compliance requirements. Let us take care of your Building Warrant of Fitness so you can focus on running your business confidently.