Requirements of an Appointed Fire Safety Advisor

Fire Safety Advisor (FSA) training is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill the role of a Fire Safety Advisor in accordance with Queensland Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008. FSA training typically covers areas such as fire prevention, emergency response planning, evacuation procedures, and compliance with relevant regulations within a variety of settings, such as workplaces, buildings, and facilities. Here’s an overview of what is typically required of a Fire Safety Advisor.

Fire Safety advisor (FSA) Overview

A Fire Safety Advisor holds an approved building fire safety qualification issued within the last three years. FSA training includes eight units of competency in Workplace Emergency Response within the Australian Quality Training Framework.

Key components of FSA training may include:

• PUAFER001 identify, prevent and report potential facility emergency situations.
• PUAFER002 ensure facility emergency prevention procedures, systems and processes are implemented.
• PUAFER003 manage and monitor facility emergency procedures, equipment and other resources.
• PUAFER004 respond to facility emergencies.
• PUAFER005 operate as part of an emergency control organisation.
• PUAFER006 lead an emergency control organisation.
• PUAFER007 manage an emergency control organisation.
• PUAFER008 confine small emergencies in a facility.

These subjects cover off the following:

• Legal Requirements: Understanding and staying up-to-date with fire safety regulations and legislation applicable in the relevant jurisdiction.
• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential fire hazards and assessing the associated risks within a given environment.
• Emergency Response Planning: Developing comprehensive plans for responding to fire incidents, including evacuation procedures and communication strategies.
• Fire Prevention Measures: Implementing measures to reduce the risk of fires, such as proper storage of flammable materials and regular equipment maintenance.
• Training and Communication: Educating staff and occupants on fire safety protocols, conducting regular drills, and ensuring effective communication during emergencies.
• Equipment Familiarity: Understanding the proper use of fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, alarms, and emergency exits.

It’s advisable to choose accredited training programs to ensure that participants receive recognised qualifications. Additionally, ongoing professional development is essential to stay informed about any updates or changes in fire safety regulations.

When does a fire safety advisor need to be appointed?

All Queensland buildings with over 30 employees in certain classifications (Class 2, 3, 5, 6, 7b, 8, 9a, or 9b) must appoint a Fire Safety Advisor. Classifications include residential, office, retail, storage, laboratory, health care, and assembly buildings. Height considerations and identification as an at-risk building may also trigger the need for a Fire Safety Advisor.

Duties & responsibilities of a fire safety advisor

A fire safety advisor works with your business to help you ensure the safety of your premises from fire by offering advice and educating employees to reduce risk. Key responsibilities include –

• Providing first response evacuation instruction and coordination.
• Liaising with occupiers for plan development and annual reviews.
• Monitoring prescribed fire safety installations and advising on maintenance.
• Coordinating Emergency Control Organisation and evacuation practices.
• Assisting during Queensland Fire Emergency Service inspections and providing comprehensive knowledge of the building.
• May perform the role of Evacuation Coordinator during business hours.

If you have an appointed fsa, do you need wardens?

Fire Safety Advisors offer broad, non-building-specific expertise. Building Fire Wardens are specific to a building and remain crucial even with a Fire Safety Advisor.

While having a Fire Safety Advisor is essential, each employee should also be familiar with basic workplace safety guidelines and contribute to eliminating fire hazards.

First 5 Minutes sister business Sharp5 Training offers accredited First Safety Advisor training designed specifically for your site. The training is fully compliant with the Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008 (BFSR) for QLD and Australian Standard AS 3745-2010: Planning for Emergencies in Facilities.

Discover more about our FSA training program