Product Overview

Summary: This Fire Risk Management Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for identifying, controlling and responding to fire risks in Australian workplaces. It supports compliance with WHS legislation and fire safety requirements while protecting your people, property and business continuity.

Fire remains one of the most serious and costly risks for Australian workplaces, with potential consequences ranging from minor disruptions through to fatalities and total loss of business assets. This Fire Risk Management Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, repeatable approach to identifying fire hazards, assessing risk, implementing controls and maintaining readiness to respond. It is designed for use across a wide range of sectors, including offices, warehouses, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, education and retail, and can be adapted to single or multi-site operations.

The SOP translates legislative and technical requirements into clear, step-by-step workplace practices. It guides you through the full fire risk management cycle: from initial site inspection and hazard identification, through to control selection, equipment maintenance, emergency planning, training, drills and continuous improvement. By implementing this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS laws, align with relevant fire safety standards, and provide workers with confidence that fire risks are being actively managed. The document also supports integration with existing emergency plans, contractor management processes and insurance requirements, helping to reduce incident likelihood, severity and associated downtime.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, organisation-wide approach to identifying and controlling fire hazards in line with Australian WHS obligations.
• Reduce the likelihood and potential impact of workplace fires through structured risk assessment and targeted control measures.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, insurers and clients with a documented, auditable fire risk management process.
• Improve worker awareness and emergency readiness through clear procedures, defined roles and regular drills.
• Streamline coordination between building management, contractors and internal teams for inspection, maintenance and fire system testing.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Facility Managers
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Emergency Control Organisation (ECO) Members
• Chief and Deputy Fire Wardens
• Business Owners and Directors
• HR and Training Managers
• Risk and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Ignition of flammable and combustible materials (e.g. solvents, fuels, packaging, waste)
• Electrical faults and overloaded circuits leading to fire
• Hot work activities such as welding, cutting and grinding
• Cooking-related fires in staff kitchens and commercial kitchens
• Storage and handling of gas cylinders and aerosols
• Arson and unauthorised use of ignition sources
• Blocked, locked or poorly signed emergency exits and egress routes
• Inadequate fire detection, alarm and suppression systems
• Improper use or maintenance of portable heaters and appliances
• Accumulation of combustible waste and dust
• Failure of plant and equipment leading to overheating
• Inadequate separation of ignition sources from hazardous chemicals

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Legislative and Standards Framework
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authority (PCBU, Officers, Workers, ECO, Contractors)
• 5.0 Fire Hazard Identification and Site Inspection Procedure
• 6.0 Fire Risk Assessment Methodology (Likelihood, Consequence and Risk Rating)
• 7.0 Fire Risk Control Measures (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering, Administrative, PPE)
• 8.0 Management of Specific Fire Risks (Electrical, Hot Work, Kitchens, Hazardous Chemicals, Storage Areas)
• 9.0 Fire Protection Systems and Equipment Requirements
• 10.0 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems
• 11.0 Housekeeping, Waste Management and Ignition Source Control
• 12.0 Emergency Planning Interface and Evacuation Procedures
• 13.0 Fire Warden and ECO Structure, Duties and Training
• 14.0 Induction, Training and Competency Requirements for Workers and Contractors
• 15.0 Communication, Signage and Information for Occupants and Visitors
• 16.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Corrective Actions for Fire Events and Near Misses
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Audit Requirements
• 18.0 Continuous Improvement and Periodic Review of Fire Risk Management
• 19.0 Site-Specific Appendices (Floor Plans, Risk Registers, Equipment Lists, Contact Details)

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 regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice
• AS 3745: Planning for emergencies in facilities
• AS 1851: Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
• AS 1670 series: Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems
• AS 2444: Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets – Selection and location
• AS 1940: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
• National Construction Code (NCC) – Fire safety provisions