What is a Building Warrant of Fitness (WOF)?
This is a legal document signed by the owner which confirms the building complies for the previous 12 month period with the original Compliance Schedule issued by council.

Does my building need a Warrant of Fitness?
All commercial buildings with one or more of the 13 specified systems will require a building Warrant of Fitness. 

What is a Form 12 Building Warrant of Fitness?
A building Warrant of Fitness is a document signed by the building owner that confirms all the systems within the Compliance Schedule have been fully maintained for the previous 12 month period.

What is a Compliance Schedule?
A Compliance Schedule is a document issued by council which outlines all specified systems that have to be maintained in accordance with the building act.

What is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP)?
An IQP is a person registered by council, qualified to undertake the inspection and maintenance of one or more of the specified systems within commercial buildings. Examples include lifts, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and access control systems.

What is a Form 12A Certificate of Compliance?
This certificate is signed by the IQP servicing the specific systems within the building and forms part of the building Warrant of Fitness documentation required by council.

Can owners undertake inspections on their buildings?
The building owner or owners agent can undertake some inspections for compliance with their Building Warrant of Fitness. However a number of specified systems can only be inspected and maintained by an IQP. All other systems inspected by the owner must be checked by an IQP at least annually prior to the issue of the warrant of fitness.

What are the 13 specified systems?

SS1. Automatic systems for fire suppression. (Sprinkler system) SS2. Automatic or manual emergency warning systems. (Fire alarms)
SS3. Electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows. SS4. Emergency lighting systems.
SS5. Escape route pressurisation systems SS6. Riser mains for use by fire services.
SS7. Automatic backflow preventers SS8. Lifts, escalators, travellators for people or goods.
SS9. Mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems. SS10. Building maintenance units.
SS11. Laboratory fume cupboards. SS12. Audio loops or other assistive listening systems
SS13. Smoke control systems. SS14. Emergency power systems
If one or more of the above systems are present the following systems or features need to be included.
14/2. Signage relating to systems 1 to 13. 15/1. Systems for communicating spoken information intended to facilitate evacuation
15/2. Final exits. 15/3. Fire separations.
15/4. Signage to facilitate evacuation. 15/5 smoke separations.
SS 16. Cable cars. This is required for any cable car that is attached to all services a building including residential buildings.


Do I need to maintain records of inspections and maintenance to the building systems?
Yes. Owners must maintain inspection and maintenance record for a minimum of two years and the building Warrant of Fitness must specify where these records are located for any possible audit by council. Please note we provide an inspection and maintenance register to our clients which is renewed annually.