Frequently asked questions

Please note:
Italics indicate words defined in and linked to the glossary.
The "Act" refers to the Fire Service Act 1975
The "Regulations" refers to the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 2006
The "Guide" refers to the NZFS guide to evacuation schemes

Do I need an approved evacuation scheme?

Applying for approval

Trial Evacuations

Sprinklers

General

/DO I NEED AN APPROVED EVACUATION SCHEME?Top

#
How do I know if my building has to have an evacuation scheme?
If you are the owner of a relevant building you must have an evacuation scheme approved by the Fire Service. Refer to our wizard for more information.
#
What happens if I don't apply for approval of an evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'
#
I have more than 10 staff, they only come into the building for a brief time to check in or have lunch etc. Do I need to have an evacuation scheme?
Yes, you must have an approved evacuation scheme. The only exception is if the building qualifies under section 21B(2) of the Act, and then a notification must be sent to the Fire Service. A form for this is available in the left hand column of this page.

Note: 'Place of work' includes any part of a building where any person can work or where a person reports to for instruction.
#
I have a Bed & Breakfast/ Home-stay, does 'accommodation for more than 5' include my family?
No, the 5 people limit does not include you family members living or staying with you.

You must apply for approval of an evacuation schemes if you provide facilities for more than 5 persons paying for overnight accommodation.
#
How much hazardous material am I allowed before I have to have an evacuation scheme approved?
Please refer to the Guide, Section 2 and Appendix B.
#
I have an approved evacuation scheme for the building from 2001. Do I have to have to apply for approval again?
If your building has an evacuation scheme in place that has been approved by the Fire Service prior to 1 October 2006 your scheme remains in force and you are not required to submit a new application.

You must to continue maintaining your scheme by ensuring you comply with the original conditions of approval.
#
Can I have an evacuation scheme approved by the Fire Service even it is not required?
Yes, refer to the Guide, 'Applying for approval'.
#
Can I amend my approved evacuation scheme to meet the Fire Safety and Evacuation of Buildings Regulations 2006?
To have amendments approved you must complete a full application as if it was a new scheme.

/APPLYING FOR APPROVALTop

#
How do I apply for approval of my evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'
#
Can I apply if I rent the building?
To make an application for approval of the evacuation scheme for a building you must:
- be the owner of the building, OR
- have authorisation in writing from the owner to act on the owner's behalf (i.e. you are an authorised applicant).
For further information, please refer to the Guide, Section 1.
#
What happens if I don't apply for approval of an evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'
#
When do I have to apply for approval of an evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'.
#
Where do I send my application form?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Completing an application form', or Appendix F.
#
How long does it take to have my evacuation scheme approved?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'.
#
Will the Fire Service visit my building before approving the evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'.
#
What happens if my evacuation scheme is not approved?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Applying for approval'.
#
May I have to modify my building to get the evacuation scheme approved?
The NZFS cannot require a modification or alteration to the building to enable approval of your application.

However you may decide that in order to provide for the safe and timely evacuation of the occupants, some building modifications such as the installation of an alarm system may be necessary..

A building consent could be required before you make any changes to the building, contact your District or City Council for more information.

/TRIAL EVACUATIONSTop

#
Do I have to do trial evacuations?
Please refer to the Guide, Section 4.
#
How often do I have to do trial evacuations?
Please refer to the Guide, Section 4.
#
I don't have an approved evacuation scheme, can I still do trial evacuations?
Any building owner or occupier may conduct a trial evacuation of their building.

To reduce the chance of unnecessary response to a non emergency we request that you advise our Communication Centre nearest to your building 10-15 minutes before conducting the trial.

The contact information is in the Guide, Part One, 'Maintaining an approved evacuation scheme'.
#
Can I ring 111 as part of my trial evacuation?
It is not necessary to make a 111 call to the Fire Service as a part of your trial evacuation.

However to reduce the chance of unnecessary response to a non emergency we request that you advise our Communication Centre nearest to your building 10-15 minutes before conducting the trial.

The contact information is in the Guide, Part One, 'Maintaining an approved evacuation scheme'.
#
Do I have to move the residents of my rest-home/hospital when I do a trial evacuation?
No person with a disability is required to take part in any trial evacuation to the extent that they must go outside the building.

/SPRINKLERSTop

#
If my building has a sprinkler system do I have to evacuate outside the building?
Please refer to the Guide, Section 3.
#
I don't know if the sprinkler system in my building complies with the requirements of an automatic sprinkler system. What should I do?
You may get the information from:
- building's compliance schedule
- building warrent of fitness
- fire report,
or from a:
- building designer
- fire alarm servicing company.
#
Is it possible to have a staged evacuation without a sprinkler system?
No, and the sprinkler system must meet the definition of automatic sprinkler system.

For further information, please refer to the Guide, Section 3.
#
My building has a sprinkler system, do I require an evacuation scheme?
If your building has an automatic sprinkler system that complies with Regulation 16 and is used for:
- employing more than 10 persons, OR
- providing accommodation for more than 5 persons
you may provide notification under section 21B(2) (form on the left), instead of applying for evacuation scheme approval.

For further information, please refer to the Guide, 'Applying for approval'.

/GENERALTop

#
Who is responsible for ensuring there are fire evacuation procedures in a building?
The owner of a building must ensure there are fire evacuation procedures in a building.
#
Does an evacuation procedure have to be approved by the Fire Service?
Only if the building is a relevant building as this means it requires an approved evacuation schemes.
#
Do I have to give my staff special training?
Please refer to the Guide, Section 4, 'Preparation for a fire emergency'.
#
How long is a reasonable time to evacuate?
There is no exact time for evacuation of a building as there are many factors that must be considered.
#
Do I have to have fire wardens?
Fire wardens are not required by the Regulations.

For further information, please refer to the Guide, Section 4.
#
Do I have to have an evacuation checklist or board?
Some buildings, because of their size, use, complexity or number of occupants may require a checklist or "evacuation tally board" to assist in ensuring that the safety of all occupants can be accounted for.
#
When can someone lawfully occupy a building?
A new building can be occupied at any time when the work is complete and the owner obtains possession unless the building to be open to, or used by the public.

If the building is to be open to, or used by, the public, a Code Compliance Certificate or a Certificate for Public Use must be issued before the building can be occupied (Building Act 2004).

Please refer to the Department of Building and Housing website for more information.
#
Where my building's nearest Communication Centre?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One, 'Maintaining an approved evacuation scheme'.
#
Can I object to any decisions made by the Fire Service when reviewing my application?
In the first instance please contact the approving officer and discuss your concerns.

If you are still unhappy please send a written complaint to the Fire Service National Headquarters. Please address your letter to:

Confidential - Evacuation scheme Complaint
New Zealand Fire Service NHQ
PO Box 2133
Wellington
#
Do I need a fire alarm as part of my evacuation scheme?
No, as long as you are able to safely and effectively warn the occupants of the need to evacuate.
#
How do I develop an evacuation scheme?
Please refer to the Guide, Part One.