Protect your team with these handy fire safety tips

At Lendlease, your safety is our priority. Each year, we submit a statement to confirm that fire safety measures within your building are up to date and fully operational. In New South Wales, this certification is called the Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS), and it’s a legal requirement. Similar certifications exist across Australia, including:

• Victoria: Annual Essential Safety Measures Report (AESMR)
• Queensland: Annual Occupiers Statement (AOS)
• South Australia: Annual Compliance Statement
• Western Australia: Annual Fire Safety Statement

During the annual inspections for these certifications, technicians will visit your tenancy to sight and test fire extinguishers, exit and emergency lighting, fire hose reels, fire hydrants, smoke detectors, and fire doors. They’ll also be on the lookout for fire hazards, and inspect how goods have been stored.

Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. We’ve put together a handy list of tips to help keep your workplace safe and reduce fire risk:

• Ready to report: All refurbishment works must receive JLL and Lendlease approval prior to commencement. You’ll also need to notify your tenant representative of the introduction of any flammable goods and changes to storage.
• Up to date: Ensure that your fire extinguishers are maintained and let us know immediately if any of your fire safety equipment has malfunctioned.
• Keep things clear: Ensure that combustible materials (like pallets and combustible liquids) are stored far away from buildings and canopies. A 10-metre clearance is required between combustible materials and any wall that isn’t 2-hour fire-rated.
• Wide open spaces: Never block fire doors. These should be easily accessible at all times. Ensure all pathways and emergency exits are free from obstruction. We recommend regular inspections to check for blockages.
• Store it safe: Please make sure that no equipment or stock is stored around fire hose reels, hydrants, and extinguishers. Never store goods in your server rooms. Flammable goods must be stored appropriately within approved storage cupboards and areas.
• Check your surrounds: Hydrant booster cupboards outside of your workplace need to be checked regularly, ensuring they are always accessible.
• Have a plan: Have a current evacuation plan and practice it regularly with your team.
• Shout it out: Schedule an education session with your team to talk about fire safety procedures.
• Know your stuff: Familiarise yourself with local fire safety regulations and ensure compliance.

If you’re unsure about any fire safety procedures or who maintains your fire equipment, reach out to your tenant partner representative. Let’s work together to keep everyone safe!