Strata & Body Corporate
Strata Fire Safety Requirements
A comprehensive guide for strata managers and body corporate committees to understand fire safety obligations, maintenance requirements, and how to keep your building compliant in Western Australia. Available 24/7 for emergency response and support.
Fire Safety Obligations for Strata
Under Western Australian legislation, strata companies and body corporates have a legal duty of care to maintain all fire protection systems within common property. This obligation extends across the Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA), the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and Australian Standard AS 1851, which prescribes the routine service intervals for fire protection systems and equipment.
Failure to maintain fire safety systems can expose the body corporate to significant liability in the event of a fire, including potential prosecution under workplace health and safety laws. Insurance policies may also be voided if fire protection systems are found to be non-compliant at the time of a claim.
As a strata manager or committee member, it is your responsibility to ensure that a competent fire protection company is engaged to inspect, test, and maintain all fire safety systems at the prescribed intervals. This includes systems in common areas, plant rooms, car parks, and in some cases, individual lots.
Key Legislative References
- Strata Titles Act 1985 (WA) — Requires body corporates to maintain common property in good repair, including fire safety installations.
- Building Code of Australia (BCA) — Sets the minimum fire safety requirements for building classification, construction, and essential services.
- AS 1851 — Defines routine service frequencies for all fire protection systems, from monthly to 25-yearly intervals.
- AS3745-2010 — Planning for emergencies in facilities, including evacuation diagram and emergency plan requirements.
What Needs to Be Maintained
Strata properties typically contain a range of fire protection systems that must be inspected and tested at prescribed intervals under AS 1851.
Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
Smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire indicator panels, and alarm signalling equipment throughout common areas and individual lots.
Sprinkler Systems
Wet and dry sprinkler systems including valves, pipework, heads, and water supply connections require routine testing to AS 1851.
Fire Hydrants & Hose Reels
Hydrant boosters, hose reels, and associated pipework must be inspected and flow-tested at prescribed intervals.
Fire Extinguishers
Portable and wheeled extinguishers require six-monthly inspections and periodic pressure testing and refilling.
Emergency & Exit Lighting
Exit signs and emergency luminaires must be tested monthly and undergo a full 90-minute discharge test every six months.
Fire Doors
Fire-rated doors, frames, and hardware must be inspected for damage, correct operation, and compliant signage.
Evacuation Plans & Diagrams
Current evacuation diagrams compliant with AS3745 must be displayed on every level and updated when building layouts change.
Smoke Alarms (Individual Units)
Hardwired smoke alarms in each dwelling must be tested annually and replaced within their service life as required by WA legislation.
Common Issues We Find
After inspecting hundreds of strata properties across Perth, these are the most common fire safety defects we encounter. Addressing these issues early reduces risk and avoids costly rectification down the line.
Expired Fire Extinguishers
Extinguishers past their test date or service life are non-compliant and may fail in an emergency. We frequently find units that have not been serviced for years.
Blocked or Propped-Open Fire Doors
Residents and contractors wedging fire doors open compromises compartmentation and allows smoke and fire to spread between floors and units.
Faulty or Missing Smoke Alarms
Disconnected, painted-over, or expired smoke alarms in individual lots are one of the most common defects in strata buildings.
Outdated Evacuation Diagrams
Diagrams that do not reflect current building layouts, tenant changes, or updated assembly areas create confusion during emergencies.
Non-Compliant Emergency Lighting
Failed lamps, dead batteries, and missing exit signs leave occupants without guidance during power outages and evacuations.
Our Strata Services
Essential Fire Services is your all-in-one fire protection partner for strata properties. We handle every aspect of fire safety so you can focus on managing your building with confidence.
Inspection & Testing
Complete AS 1851-compliant inspections of all fire protection systems, from monthly checks through to 25-yearly testing. One provider, one schedule, one report.
Evacuation Diagrams
AS3745-compliant evacuation diagrams for every level and common area. We survey the building, produce the diagrams, and install them in approved locations.
Warden Training
Practical warden and first-attack firefighting training tailored for strata environments. We train building managers, caretakers, and volunteer wardens.
Compliance Reporting
Clear, consolidated compliance reports designed for body corporate meetings. Includes defect summaries, rectification timelines, and annual fire safety statements.
Why Strata Managers Choose EFS
Single Provider for All Fire Disciplines
Electrical, mechanical, passive fire, and inspection services all under one roof. No need to coordinate multiple contractors.
Simplified Compliance Reporting
Consolidated reports that are easy to present at AGMs and body corporate meetings, with clear defect classifications and recommended actions.
Digital Asset Tracking
Every fire asset receives a unique QR code. Strata managers can scan any asset to view its last test date, condition, and service history.
Experienced with Multi-Dwelling Complexes
From small villa complexes to high-rise apartments, we understand the access challenges, coordination requirements, and compliance obligations unique to strata properties.
Related Services
Inspection & Testing
Routine and scheduled testing of all fire protection systems to AS 1851.
Learn moreEvacuation Diagrams
AS3745-compliant evacuation diagrams designed, printed, and installed.
Learn moreEmergency Preparedness
Warden training, evacuation exercises, and emergency planning for your building.
Learn more
Protect Your Property Today
Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote. Our team is ready to help with all your fire safety needs.