Understanding the Difference Matters
Fire safety is not optional. In Australia, compliance requires both proactive risk management and independent inspections. Yet many property managers confuse a fire risk assessment with a fire safety audit. The terms are related, but not interchangeable.
A risk assessment is about identifying hazards. An audit is about proving compliance. If you manage a building, you may need both — but for very different reasons.
What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
A fire risk assessment is an internal review of your property to identify hazards, evaluate how likely they are to cause harm, and determine whether existing controls are enough.
It typically includes:
- Identifying ignition sources, flammable materials, and vulnerable areas
- Assessing who might be at risk — staff, tenants, visitors, contractors
- Evaluating the adequacy of fire safety measures already in place
- Recording findings and corrective actions
- Reviewing and updating whenever conditions change
Example: If you add new machinery, reconfigure the layout, or hire staff who may require extra evacuation support, you should complete a fresh fire risk assessment.
Australian workplace health and safety laws require all businesses to manage fire hazards. Guidance from Safe Work Australia makes it clear: risk assessments are a legal responsibility for every employer and building operator.
What Is a Fire Safety Audit?
A fire safety audit is an official, structured inspection carried out by a licensed fire safety professional. Unlike an internal risk assessment, audits focus on confirming whether your property complies with the Building Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standards.
A fire safety audit includes reviewing:
- Evacuation diagrams and fire evacuation plans
- Special needs registers to confirm accuracy
- Maintenance and testing records for fire protection systems
- Occupier’s statements
- Training programs such as fire warden training and evacuation training
- Conducting evacuation drills
Audits are required annually and must also be scheduled after significant changes to building use, occupancy, or design.
When Should You Conduct Each?
Fire Risk Assessments
- After layout changes or renovations
- When new hazardous materials or equipment are introduced
- If staff or tenant numbers increase
- When vulnerable occupants are added to the building
Fire Safety Audits
- Annually, in line with compliance requirements
- After a fire incident or regulatory inspection
- When insurers request updated compliance records
- Prior to property sales, acquisitions, or refinancing
Why Audits Carry More Weight
Risk assessments are valuable for identifying and reducing hazards, but audits are the formal benchmark of compliance. Regulators and insurers will always ask for audit documentation — not just an internal risk review.
Failing to complete audits can lead to:
- Penalties from fire authorities
- Insurance claim denials
- Personal liability for property managers and owners
- Increased risk to life safety
How Fire Auditors Can Help
At Fire Auditors, our licensed professionals conduct comprehensive fire safety audits designed to keep properties compliant, safe, and insurable. We:
- Review your fire evacuation plans and diagrams
- Verify the special needs register is accurate
- Ensure documentation such as the occupier’s statement is created signed and sent in order
- Provide tailored recommendations to close any compliance gaps
- Conduct evacuation drills
We make audits clear, thorough, and actionable so you can focus on managing your property with confidence.
Fire risk assessments and fire safety audits are not the same — and confusing the two can leave your building exposed. Risk assessments highlight hazards. Audits confirm compliance. Both matter, but only audits deliver the certification regulators and insurers require.
Secure compliance and peace of mind today: Arrange your fire safety audit with Fire Auditors. Our team ensures your property is protected, compliant, and fully prepared.
