In Queensland, most residential buildings lack a formal, comprehensive fire management plan (FMP). While commercial properties and high-risk facilities are required by law to have detailed fire safety strategies, the same is level of planning is not always mandated for residential buildings, even those housing multiple occupants. This gap in fire safety planning raises concerns about preparedness and resident safety.

Legislated fire safety requirements for residential buildings

Queensland’s fire safety regulations set certain standards for residential buildings, particularly larger ones such as apartment complexes or multi-storey dwellings. Under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, these buildings must adhere to fire safety requirements that include:

• Smoke alarms: Mandatory in all homes, including rental properties.

• Fire exits and evacuation plans: Required for high-rise buildings

• Fire-resistant materials and sprinkler systems: Mandated in some cases, depending on building type and size.

However, while these measures provide a baseline for safety, they represent the minimum standard, falling short of the detailed planning seen in commercial environments.

Legislated fire safety requirements for residential buildings

Queensland’s fire safety regulations set certain standards for residential buildings, particularly larger ones such as apartment complexes or multi-storey dwellings. Under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, these buildings must adhere to fire safety requirements that include:

• Smoke alarms: Mandatory in all homes, including rental properties.

• Fire exits and evacuation plans: Required for high-rise buildings

• Fire-resistant materials and sprinkler systems: Mandated in some cases, depending on building type and size.

However, while these measures provide a baseline for safety, they represent the minimum standard, falling short of the detailed planning seen in commercial environments.

Fire safety measures often adopted based on minimum requirements

In most residential buildings, fire safety measures are basic. For example:

• Smoke alarms: Mandatory in all homes but not always interconnected or regularly maintained.

• Fire extinguishers and fire doors: Common in shared spaces but not consistently present in all residential properties.
• Sprinkler systems: Rarely mandated, except in specific high-density or multi-storey buildings.
• Fire exits: While present and signposted as mandated, they may not be accompanied by detailed escape plans or response procedures.

These minimal measures leave significant gaps, particularly in terms of evacuation procedures and resident training. Evacuation exercises are a legislated requirement but unlike in commercial buildings there is no enforcement to ensure building residents are attending. The body corporate must, however, demonstrate that they have facilitated an annual evacuation exercise.

What body corporates in residential buildings should prioritise

An emergency plan is required for all class 2 buildings but they are seldom established or properly maintained. The following legislated areas are the most commonly overlooked or deemed unimportant by body corporates and residents in class 2 buildings:

Fire Safety Features:

• Smoke alarms: Interconnected alarms in all key areas, regularly tested and maintained.
• Fire extinguishers: At least one on each floor, particularly in shared or high-traffic spaces.
• Sprinklers: Strongly recommended for multi-storey or complex layouts.

• Fire doors and exit signage:Properly functioning doors and clear, illuminated signage to guide evacuations.

Evacuation Procedures:

• Clearly marked and unobstructed exit routes.
• Designated assembly points outside the building for residents to gather safely during an emergency.

Emergency Contact Information:

• Easily accessible details for emergency services
• Building-specific emergency instructions prominently displayed in shared spaces.

Fire Safety Education
While not mandated, body corporates could improve fire safety in their building by informing residents about basic fire safety practices, including:

• How to use a fire extinguisher.

• Avoiding elevators during a fire.

• Testing door heat before opening.

They could also encourage participation in annual evacuation drills.

Bridging the Fire Safety Gap

The absence of formal FMPs in many residential buildings represents a critical area for improvement. By prioritising fire safety education, maintaining essential equipment and implementing clear evacuation plans, body corporates can significantly enhance safety. For high-density or shared-living properties, these measures are not just best practices—they’re potentially lifesaving.

Proactive fire safety planning, even where not mandated, ensures residents are prepared to act swiftly and correctly in an emergency, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life. By addressing this gap, we can make Queensland’s residential buildings safer for everyone.