Essential Fire Safety Upgrades for NSW Building

Stricter building codes and increased regulatory oversight have made fire safety building upgrades a top priority across NSW. For strata buildings, especially those built before 1997, one inspection or complaint can lead to a council Fire Order. This order requires urgent upgrades to protect residents and meet legal requirements.

Insurers, certifiers, and local councils are raising standards. Fire upgrades are now more than just following rules. They focus on protecting people, keeping assets safe, and lowering liability.

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What is a Council Fire Order?

A Council Fire Safety Order is a formal notice issued under the EP&A Regulation that instructs a building owner or strata to rectify non-compliant or unsafe fire safety conditions. Orders are typically issued after:

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- A failed fire safety inspection
- An outdated or missing Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS)
- A complaint from a tenant or member of the public
- Site inspection by Fire and Rescue NSW
- Insurance audits or risk assessments

There are three main levels of fire orders:

Order No. 6: For immediate life safety risks

Order No. 8: Requires upgrades to existing fire protection systems

‍ Order No. 10: Applies to general fire safety measures (e.g. signage, lighting, access)

Failure to comply can lead to legal penalties, insurance issues, and—in worst-case scenarios—forced evacuation.

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What Triggers a Fire Upgrade?

A fire safety upgrade may be required if:

- A building receives a Fire Safety Order from council
- A fire inspection or Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) fails to meet NCC standards
- Passive fire protection (walls, ceilings, penetrations) is compromised
- A renovation or remedial project impacts existing fire-rated elements
- A strata or building owner proactively seeks to improve safety

The Most Common Fire Safety Issues in Older Buildings

From the Inner West to the Central Coast, Dapcor frequently remediates buildings with:

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Non-compliant fire doors or exits
Unsealed penetrations in fire-rated zones
Missing or outdated passive fire barriers
Improperly spaced or aged hydrants/hose reels
Non-compliant signage or emergency lighting

Each of these poses a threat not only to life safety but also to insurance and regulatory standing.

Dapcor’s Process for Fire Safety Building Upgrades

Dapcor works closely with consultants, certifiers, and client-side project managers. They manage fire upgrades in a structured and low-disruption way.

Our delivery model includes:

1. Review of Fire Orders and inspection reports

2. Collaborative scope definition with fire engineers

3. Execution of upgrade works including passive fire systems, compliant doors, and penetration sealing

4. Site safety staging to protect residents during works

5. Final compliance checks and handover pack, including warranties, photos, and certificates

🔗 Explore our Fire Upgrade services to see how we deliver compliant, low-disruption outcomes.

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How NSW Is Responding to Non-Compliance

In recent years, Fire and Rescue NSW and local councils have taken a stronger enforcement approach. Since 2021, the number of Fire Safety Orders has gone up. Buildings without proper systems may face fines, lose insurance, or be forced to evacuate (NSW Fire Safety Stats).

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Why Building Owners Should Act Early

Upgrading fire safety before receiving a Fire Order means more control over timing, staging, and cost. It also strengthens:

> Insurance negotiations
> Asset value and buyer confidence
> Tenant wellbeing and trust

Understand what to expect during a remedial project — from scoping to certification.

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Ready to Respond to a Fire Order?

If you’ve received a Fire Safety Order, are due to submit an AFSS, or are planning remedial works, now is the time to act. Fire safety compliance is not only about avoiding enforcement — it’s about protecting the people who live and work in your building.

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Built to Comply. Backed by Experience.

Fire safety isn’t just another remedial task. It’s high-stakes, high-compliance, and highly visible.

Dapcor has over 50 years of construction experience. We provide fire upgrades that meet codes and pass inspections. Our work minimizes disruption. Our team knows NSW compliance very well.

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