Fire safety compliance is not optional — it’s a legal requirement and a life-saving necessity. Outdated, damaged, or non-compliant fire systems can expose building owners and managers to prosecution, invalid insurance claims, and catastrophic loss of life and property in the event of a fire.
Our Fire Compliance Upgrades service delivers end-to-end solutions to bring existing buildings in line with modern fire codes and performance standards. Whether rectifying identified defects from a fire safety audit or undertaking a proactive upgrade, we provide a precise, standards-led approach that covers both active and passive fire protection systems.
1. Comprehensive Fire Safety Audit
We start with a detailed inspection against:
- National Construction Code (NCC) Volumes 1 & 2.
- AS 1851: Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems.
- Fire & Rescue NSW guidelines.
- Manufacturer installation requirements.
This identifies all non-compliance areas, including deteriorated fire-rated assemblies, missing fire stopping, or outdated detection systems.
2. Passive Fire Protection Upgrades
Passive fire protection is about containing fire and smoke long enough for occupants to evacuate and for fire services to respond. Our works include:
- Installing and certifying fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Fire door installation, maintenance, and certification.
- Penetration sealing using tested and approved fire stopping systems.
- Replacement or repair of fire-rated glazing and frames.
- Rectifying gaps in building junctions to maintain compartmentation.
3. Active Fire Protection Coordination
While we specialise in passive measures, we coordinate seamlessly with licensed active fire system contractors to ensure integrated compliance. This includes:
- Smoke and heat detection systems.
- Sprinkler and hydrant installation or upgrades.
- Emergency lighting and exit signage.
By combining both systems, we ensure full building safety — not just partial compliance.
4. Detailed Upgrade Program
For occupied buildings, fire compliance upgrades require careful sequencing to:
- Minimise disruption to occupants.
- Maintain safe egress routes at all times.
- Coordinate with other ongoing works.
We prepare a staged works plan with clear communication to all stakeholders, ensuring zero compromise on safety during upgrades.
5. Certification & Handover
Upon completion, we provide:
- Certificates of compliance for each element of fire protection.
- As-built drawings showing fire-rated assemblies and penetration seals.
- Updated Fire Safety Schedules (FSS) for council lodgement.
- Maintenance recommendations to sustain compliance.
Outcome:
With Atomic Projects, fire compliance upgrades go beyond ticking boxes. We ensure your building is genuinely safer, fully certified, and positioned to pass future inspections without costly last-minute works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers the need for a fire compliance upgrade?
Fire compliance upgrades are typically triggered by an annual fire safety inspection revealing non-compliant or failing essential fire safety measures, a development consent condition, a Fire & Rescue NSW order, or a building change of use. Buildings in NSW are required to submit an Annual Fire Safety Statement to their local council confirming all measures are compliant.
What is an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS)?
An AFSS is a declaration submitted annually to council confirming that each Essential Fire Safety Measure (EFSM) in a building has been assessed by a suitably qualified person and found to perform to its required standard. If measures are found deficient, rectification works must be completed before the AFSS can be submitted. Atomic Projects carries out the rectification works — your fire safety certifier handles the inspection and statement.
Do you handle both passive and active fire compliance works?
Yes. Active systems include fire sprinklers, hydrants, hose reels, and detection systems — typically managed by licensed fire protection contractors. Passive fire compliance includes fire-rated penetration sealing, fire doors, wall and ceiling linings, and compartmentalisation works, which Atomic Projects specialises in. We coordinate both disciplines under a single programme.
How long do fire compliance upgrade works take?
Passive fire compliance works are typically completed within 1–4 weeks depending on scope. Fire door replacements, penetration sealing across multiple floors, and compartmentalisation upgrades require careful sequencing around building occupancy. We coordinate with building managers to minimise disruption and meet AFSS submission deadlines.
What documentation do you provide after completing fire compliance upgrades?
We issue a detailed works completion report including photographic evidence of all penetration seals, fire door hardware, and compliance measures installed. This documentation supports your fire safety certifier’s inspection for the Annual Fire Safety Statement and provides an audit trail for council, insurers, and future due diligence.
Related Services
Ready to address defects in your building? Atomic Projects is a Class 2 Registered Builder with over 10 years of specialist experience in remedial and defect rectification works across Sydney. Contact our team to discuss your project and arrange a site inspection.
