Several tragic fires around the world (for example the 2018 Grenfell Tower fire in London) have highlighted the fire safety risk caused by non-compliant cladding on apartment buildings. Two types of cladding are of concern:

• aluminum composite panels (ACP) with a polyethylene core (PE)
• rendered expanded polystyrene cladding (EPS). 

Buildings with this type of cladding must be registered in NSW. Local councils and Fire and Rescue NSW will review all registered buildings and determine required rectification works. 

In light of the fire risks associated with external cladding, and regardless of the building materials used, now is a good time to review fire safety of every building. 

More information and fact sheets are available from Fire and Rescue NSW fire.nsw.gov.au

‍

Checklist for strata managers (off-site)

• Check if any changes have been made to the exterior of the building or balconies (such as a facade upgrade) that may compromise fire safety.
• Ensure the yearly fire safety inspection is carried out.
• Ensure residents know the fire safety procedures for the building, escape routes, and the location of firefighting equipment. 

Advise residents to:

• remove waste and combustible materials from ground level and balconies
• remove any items from escape corridors and stairways
• remove any flammable liquids, temporary barriers, blinds, awnings, or other combustible items (for example, laundry airers) that are close to external cladding
• keep barbeques (if allowed) at least 50cm from walls and at least 100cm from all objects and turn them off when not in use.

‍

Checklist for building manager or strata committee (on-site)

• Check if any changes have been made to the exterior of the building or balconies (such as a facade upgrade) that may compromise fire safety.
• Ensure residents know the fire safety procedures for the building, escape routes and the location of firefighting equipment. 
• Check apartment fire doors and fire stair doors are certified fire resistant, self-closing, not damaged and not blocked.
• Check escape corridors and stairways are clear of any objects (for example, waste materials, bikes, residents’ items).
• Remove waste or combustible materials that are close to any cladding.
• Check fire facilities, such as external hydrants, are accessible to firefighters. 
• Ensure access areas (such as driveways) have clear access for the fire brigade in any emergency.

Advise residents to:

• remove waste and combustible materials from ground level and balconies
• remove any items from escape corridors and stairways
• remove any flammable liquids, temporary barriers, blinds, awnings, or other combustible items (e.g. laundry airers) that are close to external cladding
• keep barbeques (if allowed) at least 50cm from walls and at least 100cm from all objects and turn them off when not in use.

‍

Checklist for residents

• Ensure smoke alarms are correctly located, not obstructed and in working order.
• Ensure combustible waste or materials are not stored at ground level or on balconies.
• Remove flammable liquids, temporary barriers, blinds, awnings, or other combustible items (for example, laundry airers) that are close to any cladding.
• Remove any items from escape corridors and stairways (for example, waste materials, bikes, other stored items).
• Check apartment fire doors are not blocked and are self-closing.
• Know your building’s fire safety procedures, escape routes and the location of firefighting equipment. 
• Manage fire risks within your own apartment.

Fire safety on balconies 

• Keep all items (including laundry that is drying) at least 100cm clear of air conditioning units.
• Keep your barbeque (if allowed) at least 50cm from walls and at least 100cm from all objects and turn them off when not in use.
• Store gas bottles outside, upright and away from heat sources.
• Fully extinguish cigarettes in deep-sided heavy ashtrays.