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Why Fire Protection Month Matters: The Hidden Risks in Strata and Commercial Buildings

  • Azzo Project Services
  • Sep 10
  • 3 min read

Every September, Fire Protection Month serves as a reminder that safety in our built environment is not something to take for granted. For strata communities and commercial property owners, it is also a timely prompt to look beyond smoke alarms and sprinklers and consider the less visible — but equally critical — aspects of fire protection.

At Azzo Project Services, we specialise in passive fire protection: the barriers, walls, doors, and sealing systems that contain fire and smoke, buying precious time for occupants to escape and for firefighters to act. When these systems are overlooked or poorly maintained, the risks to people, property, and business continuity increase dramatically (Fire Protection Association Australia, 2020).


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The Hidden Safety Risks

Passive fire systems are designed to be “out of sight, out of mind,” yet their failure can have devastating consequences. A single non-compliant fire door or a small penetration left unsealed can allow smoke and flames to spread unchecked (Standards Australia, 2014). In multi-storey buildings or dense commercial environments, this can turn a manageable incident into a major catastrophe within minutes.


Legal Responsibilities You Can’t Ignore

Owners and managers of strata and commercial properties have a legal duty of care to ensure their buildings meet the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (Australian Building Codes Board, 2019) and relevant fire safety standards. This includes maintaining all passive fire measures in good working order.

Failure to comply doesn’t just endanger lives — it can also lead to:

  • Significant fines and penalties from regulatory authorities (Work Health and Safety Queensland, 2020).

  • Invalidated insurance claims in the event of a fire (Insurance Council of Australia, 2021).

  • Legal liability for building owners, managers, and committees if negligence can be proven (National Fire Industry Association, 2022).


The Financial Impact of Neglect

While fire protection is often seen as an expense, the reality is that neglect is far more costly. Non-compliance can result in:

  • Costly rectification orders following audits.

  • Increased insurance premiums or outright refusal of coverage (Insurance Council of Australia, 2021).

  • Business interruption and reputational damage after even a minor incident (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, 2021).

Proactive investment in fire protection is always cheaper than reactive repairs — or the consequences of a preventable disaster.

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How Fire Protection Month Helps

Fire Protection Month is not just about awareness; it’s an opportunity for building stakeholders to:

  • Review maintenance schedules and compliance documentation.

  • Carry out inspections of fire doors, walls, and penetrations.

  • Engage accredited fire protection specialists to address outstanding issues (NFIA, 2022).

  • Educate tenants and staff about fire safety responsibilities (Work Health and Safety Queensland, 2020).


A Safer Future Starts Now

At Azzo Project Services, we see first-hand the difference proper planning and maintenance can make. By prioritising fire protection this month — and every month — strata committees, facility managers, and business owners can safeguard lives, reduce liability, and protect their long-term financial interests.


Fire safety is not a one-off task. It’s an ongoing responsibility. Fire Protection Month is your chance to take stock, close the gaps, and build a safer tomorrow.


Learn More with Us at Smart Strata

If you’re seeking more information on passive fire maintenance and planning, come and see us at the Smart Strata Community Education Seminar, hosted by Archers the Strata Professionals, on 30 October 2025 in Cairns at 5:30pm.

Join us for an informative session dedicated to unpacking one of the most misunderstood and disputed areas in strata communities. This event will provide the practical knowledge you need to manage maintenance and improvements with confidence.

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References

Australian Building Codes Board. (2019). National Construction Code: Building Code of Australia. https://www.abcb.gov.au


Fire Protection Association Australia. (2020). Passive fire protection handbook (5th ed.). Fire Protection Association Australia.


Insurance Council of Australia. (2021). Building resilience: Managing fire risk in Australian buildings. Insurance Council of Australia. https://insurancecouncil.com.au


National Fire Industry Association. (2022). Fire protection maintenance and compliance requirements in Australia. NFIA. https://nfia.asn.au


Queensland Fire and Emergency Services. (2021). Fire safety management in buildings. Queensland Government. https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au


Standards Australia. (2014). AS 1530.4-2014: Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures – Fire-resistance tests for elements of construction. Standards Australia.


Work Health and Safety Queensland. (2020). Fire safety in the workplace. Queensland Government. https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

 
 
 

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