Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Prevention and Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for preventing workplace fires and responding quickly and safely if they occur. Designed for Australian businesses, it aligns with WHS obligations and fire safety requirements, helping you protect your people, property, and operations from avoidable fire-related loss.

Workplace fires in Australia can escalate in seconds, putting lives, assets and business continuity at serious risk. This Fire Prevention and Control Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step-by-step approach to identifying fire hazards, implementing robust controls, and ensuring your workforce knows exactly what to do before, during and after a fire-related event. It translates legislative and Australian Standard requirements into plain, actionable instructions that can be applied in offices, warehouses, workshops, retail spaces and light industrial environments.

The SOP covers the full lifecycle of fire risk management: from routine inspections, housekeeping and storage practices through to equipment maintenance, hot work controls, and emergency response actions. It clarifies responsibilities for PCBUs, officers, workers, fire wardens and contractors, reducing ambiguity and gaps in your emergency planning. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws, support insurance and regulatory requirements, and build a safer, more prepared workplace where staff are confident in both preventing fires and responding effectively if one occurs.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the likelihood of workplace fires through consistent, proactive hazard identification and control.
• Ensure clear, rehearsed response actions that minimise harm to people and damage to property when a fire occurs.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, fire safety regulations and relevant Australian Standards.
• Standardise fire prevention and control practices across multiple sites, shifts and contractor workgroups.
• Support effective training and onboarding by providing clear, role-specific fire safety responsibilities and procedures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facilities Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Operations Managers
• Fire Wardens and Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Members
• Business Owners and PCBU Representatives
• HR and Training Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Warehouse and Logistics Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of flammable or combustible materials due to poor storage or handling
• Electrical fires arising from overloaded circuits, damaged leads or poorly maintained equipment
• Fires caused by hot work activities such as welding, grinding or cutting
• Spread of fire due to blocked exits, compromised fire doors or excessive combustible waste
• Exposure to smoke, heat and toxic fumes during a fire incident
• Injury from inappropriate or incorrect use of fire extinguishers and fire equipment
• Delayed evacuation due to unclear alarms, procedures or assembly arrangements
• Trip and crush hazards during emergency evacuation and crowd movement

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Legal and Other Requirements (WHS and Fire Safety)
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authority
• 5.0 Fire Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• 6.0 Fire Prevention Controls and Housekeeping Requirements
• 7.0 Electrical Safety and Equipment Controls
• 8.0 Management of Flammable and Combustible Materials
• 9.0 Hot Work Controls and Permit Requirements
• 10.0 Fire Protection Systems, Equipment and Maintenance
• 11.0 Use of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets
• 12.0 Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedure
• 13.0 Communication, Training and Fire Warden Duties
• 14.0 Drills, Testing and Continuous Improvement
• 15.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions
• 16.0 Document Control and Recordkeeping

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Wiring Rules)
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Fire safety provisions (as applicable to building design and egress)