In a move to enhance building safety and address recommended reforms, Building and Energy, the regulatory body in Western Australia, is undertaking a comprehensive review of the regulations surrounding fire systems installation work in the state.

The review will focus on the installation and testing of critical fire safety systems, including hose reels, hydrants, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, alarms, exit lighting, and passive fire-rated construction elements required by building codes.

The scope encompasses apartment, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Building Commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan emphasised the importance of the review, stating: “We will examine evidence of any non-compliance with the current installation and testing requirements for these critical building fire systems.

“Regulation of fire systems can be complex because it involves elements of the regulatory frameworks for plumbing, electrical, building surveying and building, so stakeholder feedback will be crucial to this review.”

To gather input from industry stakeholders, Building and Energy will host two forums this winter, seeking the views of industry professionals, unions, and other relevant parties.

The review will be conducted in several phases, aligning with the state government’s commitment to good regulatory design practices.

The project is part of the state government’s broader response to the recommendations outlined in the Building Confidence Report, which proposed improvements to building regulation across Australia.

Western Australia’s response has already included the implementation of a code of conduct for building surveyors, a registration scheme for building engineers — including fire safety engineers — and the Building Better decision paper, which outlines substantial reforms to the state’s building regulatory framework.

Building and Energy’s review of fire systems installation regulation aims to enhance safety standards and ensure compliance with installation and testing requirements for critical fire safety systems in Western Australian buildings.

Stakeholder engagement and adherence to good regulatory design principles will be crucial in shaping the outcomes of this review.

News from Build Australia.