Fire safety in Budget Accommodation Buildings

Building fire safety laws were introduced in Queensland on 1 July 2002. The laws establish specific requirements for budget accommodation buildings, including mandatory compliance with the Fire Safety Standard for pre-1992 buildings. Compliance with the standard for budget accommodation was required by 1 July 2005.

All budget accommodation buildings should have a Fire Safety Management Plan in place. In older buildings, smoke alarms and emergency lighting should be installed.

Budget accommodation

Budget accommodation is defined as buildings that provide accommodation for six or more people and have a bathroom or sanitary facilities, other than a laundry, shared by all or any of the occupants of the building.

Budget accommodation includes:

• boarding houses
• backpacker hostels
• bed and breakfasts
• farmstays
• supported accommodation
• hotels providing sleeping accommodation either as a community service or at commercial rates.

Budget accommodation excludes:

• hotels without paying guests
• motels not operating backpacker style (in which individual beds cannot be let)
• buildings let only as a whole
• employer provided accommodation
• educational institutions
• womens' refuges or shelters
• lifesaver accommodation
• recreational camps for particular groups.

Compliance

The Queensland Government has prepared a range of information to assist with compliance. Owners and operators of existing budget accommodation buildings should:

• have a Fire Safety Management Plan
• have an early warning system (for example, smoke alarms) and emergency lighting installed for buildings constructed prior to 1992
• assess compliance with the Fire Safety Standard and implement any required changes.

Builders and developers of new accommodation buildings should:

• ensure compliance with the fire safety standards in the Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990 ( 874 KB) the Building Fire Safety Regulation 1991 ( 394 KB) and the Building Code of Australia parts 90 and 96
• implement a Fire Safety Management Plan.

Assistance and funding

Funding programs

Funding for fire safety improvements to supported accommodation for people with disabilities is available from Disability Services Queensland.

Fire Safety Management Plans

Guidelines and checklists for the creation of a Fire Safety Management Plan are available.

Compliance assessment and self-assessment

A guide to self-assessment for compliance is available. Your local council can also assist with compliance assessment, both for new and for existing buildings.

Dealing with fire safety contractors

Lists of approved contractors and assistance in resolving disputes between owners and contractors is available from the Building Services Authority.

Amendments

Minor amendments have been made to the Fire Safety Standard (MP 2.1 of the Queensland Development Code). These amendments will help owners, councils and fire industry professionals better implement the standard. The latest version of the standard came into force on 30 November 2007.

Contact Building Codes Queensland for further information about these changes.