The Annual Fire Safety Statement, or AFSS for short, is run by state fire departments for the benefit of people in the community. Although they can feel like a slight inconvenience at the time, their involvement is essential in upgrading safety standards. We will look at the 7 advantages of working through AFSS certification for those who are due to be involved.
1) Connection With Local Fire Brigade Officials
One of the first advantages that happens to be in play with AFSS certification is the ability for general community members to link up with local fire brigade officials in their area. These are the industry specialists who will be charged with informing and working with people on the ground as they ensure that they are up to speed. This affords individuals the chance to talk to them about their experiences, to provide feedback on their situation and to ask any questions that they have about the process or fire safety protocols in general.
2) Identifying Unique Environment Needs
The involvement of AFSS certification is not a generic one-size-fits-all exercise. In this environment, they will assess the needs of a strata premises, commercial building for high-rise or low-rise precincts, infrastructure with roadways and tunnels to industrial factories and worksites. They recognise that these spaces are not treated in a generalised manner and that they carry their own risks, opportunities and rules, so having a chance to work through the program is incredibly beneficial for those stakeholders.
3) Sourcing Updated Materials & Equipment
Constituents who work through these programs for the sake of fire safety protocols will be able to find out how their equipment stacks up to scrutiny and if they have the resources to be considered up to code.
This will involve:
- Fire safety signage
- Extinguishers
- Fire blankets
- Fire alarms
- Sprinkler systems
- Clear entry and exit points
- Ventilation
- Masks
- Axe
If there happens to be suitable resources on site and all parties are aware about where these items are placed and how they can be accessed, that will work in the favour of community members who would otherwise be placed at great risk.
4) Consistent Scheduling
AFSS certification is undertaken on an annual basis to ensure that protocols are updated and that there is consistency with how the program is applied. This is helpful for community members who don’t want to be caught off guard with unexpected responsibilities that are thrown in their direction. Once the date has been sent, then participants are given regular notifications for everyone’s benefit.
5) Extending Fire Safety Education Practices
While the role of AFSS certification will be targeted to landlords, homeowners and parties responsible for overseeing the integrity of the premises, this is the kind of program that should apply to everyone. Once they know the techniques and activities that constitute best practice in this environment, especially when it comes to avoiding key blaze hazards, that information can be passed onto other residents and constituents in the vicinity.
6) Legal Protection
When homeowners and landlords consider improving the safety fire precautions and the risks of overlooking AFSS certification, they will often be held liable for any fire damage that is incurred. To avoid hefty penalties and fines, or even criminal charges in extreme cases, it is imperative that action like this is engaged as swiftly as possible. The peace of mind that legal protection affords is important to recognise, particularly when contemplating the alternative.
7) Insurance Protection
Under most circumstances, the issue that matters with a lack of AFSS certification will come down to insurance and what a homeowner, landlord or business owner can claim. That type of certification firstly equips locations and people with resources and knowledge about how to protect their own health and safety. Yet the insurance issues that can follow cannot be overlooked as prior assessment provides assurances to local members.
