Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Hazard Identification Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for systematically identifying, assessing, and controlling fire hazards across Australian workplaces. It helps organisations meet their WHS duties, reduce fire risk, and protect people, property, and business continuity through consistent, documented fire risk inspections.

Fire remains one of the most serious and costly risks for Australian workplaces, from offices and retail premises through to warehouses, workshops, and construction sites. This Fire Hazard Identification Safe Operating Procedure establishes a structured, repeatable method for recognising potential fire sources, fuels, and ignition points before they lead to an incident. It guides your team through planning and conducting fire hazard inspections, documenting findings, prioritising risks, and implementing suitable control measures in line with Australian WHS legislation and fire safety standards.

By implementing this SOP, organisations create a defensible, auditable process that demonstrates due diligence in managing fire risk. It supports compliance with workplace fire safety obligations, ensures that critical issues such as blocked exits, overloaded power boards, poor housekeeping, and inadequate separation of flammable materials are systematically identified and addressed, and integrates with your broader emergency planning and evacuation arrangements. This procedure is particularly valuable for businesses with multiple sites or rotating staff, providing consistency in how fire hazards are identified, reported, and controlled, and helping to embed a proactive fire safety culture across the organisation.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to fire hazard inspections across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the likelihood and potential impact of workplace fires through early identification and control of hazards.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation, Australian Standards, and insurer expectations regarding fire risk management.
• Streamline communication between supervisors, maintenance teams, and management through clear reporting and action-tracking requirements.
• Support effective emergency planning by aligning fire hazard findings with evacuation routes, fire equipment placement, and training needs.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facility Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Members
• Risk and Compliance Managers
• Property Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Small Business Owners

Hazards Addressed

• Accumulation of combustible waste and poor housekeeping in work areas and storage rooms
• Improper storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, gases, and materials
• Overloaded power boards, damaged electrical leads, and unsuitable use of electrical equipment
• Obstructed or locked emergency exits, egress routes, and fire stairs
• Inadequate separation between ignition sources (e.g. hot work, heaters, plant) and combustible materials
• Blocked or inaccessible fire extinguishers, hose reels, hydrants, and fire indicator panels
• Defective or missing fire detection and alarm systems (e.g. smoke detectors, manual call points)
• Uncontrolled hot work activities (welding, grinding, cutting) without appropriate permits or controls
• Improper storage of gas cylinders and aerosols near heat or impact risks
• Use of non-compliant temporary wiring, extension cords, and portable heaters

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Legal and Other Requirements
• 5.0 Fire Hazard Identification Methodology
• 6.0 Pre-Inspection Planning and Preparation
• 7.0 Fire Hazard Inspection Checklist – Work Areas and Offices
• 8.0 Fire Hazard Inspection Checklist – Warehouses, Workshops and Plant Areas
• 9.0 Fire Hazard Inspection Checklist – Storage of Flammable and Combustible Materials
• 10.0 Assessment of Existing Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
• 11.0 Risk Rating and Prioritisation of Identified Hazards
• 12.0 Corrective Actions, Escalation and Close-Out Process
• 13.0 Integration with Emergency Plans and Evacuation Procedures
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Audit Requirements
• 16.0 Continuous Improvement and Review of Fire Hazard Controls
• 17.0 Appendices – Sample Inspection Forms, Checklists and Risk Matrix

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory Acts)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state/territory equivalents) – provisions relating to emergency plans and risk management
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids