The regulation of fire systems installation work in Western Australia is currently under review by the state’s safety regulator, Building and Energy.

This review is part of the WA government’s response to broader recommended building reforms laid out in the federal government’s Building Confidence report which considers improvements to building regulation across Australia.

The review will focus on regulation of fire systems work in apartment, commercial and industrial buildings. It will consider installation and testing of hose reels, hydrants, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, alarms, exit lighting and passive fire-rated construction elements required by building codes.

“We will examine evidence of any non-compliance with the current installation and testing requirements for these critical building fire systems,” Building and Energy building commissioner Saj Abdoolakhan says.

“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.”

The review will consist of several phases with Building and Energy to begin by holding two winter forums inviting the views of industry, unions and other stakeholders.

More information is available in the paper Review of Regulation of Fire Systems Installers in Western Australia.