Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) in NSW
If your building has a Fire Safety Schedule, you may need to issue an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) each year. This page explains the basics and points you to official templates and lodgement guidance.
Plain-English guide to the NSW Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS): who needs it, what it covers, and how to stay organised.
Quick answer
An AFSS is a yearly statement issued for a building with a fire safety schedule, covering essential fire safety measures. It must be prepared using the standard NSW template, and the owner must provide it to their local council and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) after it is issued.
Who needs an AFSS?
In NSW, the AFSS requirement typically applies where a building has a fire safety schedule. Owners (or their agent) manage the statement process, but inspections/assessments are performed by appropriately qualified people.
What the AFSS covers
The AFSS covers the essential fire safety measures that apply to the building. Some buildings also have critical measures that require more frequent supplementary statements.
How to stay organised
- Keep a single source of truth for measures (register)
- Track due dates and evidence
- Use the standard templates every time
- Keep lodgement receipts and copies sent to council/FRNSW
Get the NSW checklist
We’ll email the checklist + occasional updates as tools go live.
- AFSS lodgement checklist (NSW)
- Links to official templates
- Common mistakes that cause delays
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FAQs
Who needs an Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) in NSW?
If your building has a fire safety schedule, an AFSS is typically required each year. Check the NSW Planning Portal guidance and your building’s schedule for specifics.
Where do I lodge / submit an AFSS?
After issuing the statement, the owner must provide it to their local council and to Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW). See the FRNSW lodgement guidance for the current process.
Do I have to use a specific AFSS template?
Yes. NSW fire safety statements must be issued using the standard NSW fire safety statement template.
What’s the difference between annual and supplementary fire safety statements?
Annual statements cover essential measures each year. Supplementary statements are issued at intervals specified for critical measures in the fire safety schedule.
Do I need an accredited practitioner for exit systems?
NSW Planning Portal guidance notes the AFSS verifies that an accredited practitioner has confirmed exit systems compliance. Confirm your obligations with official guidance and qualified practitioners.
Can a strata manager or agent do this for the owner?
Often an owner’s agent can coordinate the process. The owner remains responsible for compliance and correct submission.
Official references
These links help you verify details with primary sources. (We don’t control third‑party sites.)
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| NSW Planning Portal — Fire safety certification (AFSS & templates) | Open |
| Fire safety statement template (DOCX) — NSW Planning | Open |
| FRNSW — Lodge a fire safety statement | Open |
| FRNSW — Annual Fire Safety Statement online form | Open |