Compliance Schedules and BWOF

Specified systems include:

• automatic systems for fire suppression
• automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers
• cable cars
• emergency lighting systems
• laboratory fume cupboards
• smoke control systems
• other fire safety systems or features (systems for communicating information intended to facilitate evacuation, final exits, fire separations, signs)
• emergency power systems for, or signs relating to, a system or feature specified for any of the above
• mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems
• electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows
• escape route pressurisation systems
• riser mains for use by fire services
• automatic back-flow preventers connected to a potable water supply
• building maintenance units providing access to exterior and interior walls of buildings
• lifts, escalators, travelators, or other systems for moving people or goods within buildings
• audio loops or other assistive listening systems

A CS statement is issued by the building consent authority and is a temporary notification of CS requirements. It will list the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures needed to keep the specified systems in good working order. It is issued at the same time as the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC). It must be replaced in 12 months with a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF), which is issued by the building owner.

A CS must be applied for at the same time as a building consent and will be issued with a CCC by the BCA for:

• new buildings (if the building has one or more specified systems); or
• an upgrade to an existing building or systems, required as a result of a change of use or alterations, which may also require a building consent.

When applying for a CCC for a building that contains specified systems you should attach relevant certification for the specified systems to the application, as well as details of the specified systems and plans showing specified system locations and or layout.

Your architect/designer should provide you with information relating to the performance standards for each specified system contained within the building at the time the application for building consent is made. The performance standards will identify the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures required for each system.

You need a BWoF once a CS has been issued (usually at the same time as a CCC). After 12 months the CS statement expires and the owner must make annual returns which involves providing a BWoF and Form 12As certificates of compliance.

Every 12 months, prior to the anniversary of the day the CS was issued, the building owner must send us:

• a completed BWoF
• a statement (on a Form 12A) from an independent qualified person that the inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures for each specified system have been fully complied with
• any recommendations for amending the Compliance Schedule

The Form(s) 12A, along with any other associated BWoF documentation, must be retained for two years. These records must be kept within a BWoF folder onsite unless a different location if agreed on with Council.

A copy of the BWoF must also be displayed in a public area of the building.