In the event that an installed fire or life safety system is planned to be impaired, the relevant authority and stakeholders should be notified as soon as practicable in advance of the system impairment (where possible). An example would be the isolation of a system to facilitate maintenance, or replacement works, or an unplanned event, such as a street water main rupture.

The impairment of a fire safety system may have implications for the safe occupation of a building and additional safety or mitigation measures may need to be implemented.

Notification of the impairment of an installed fire safety system needs to be provided to, and is granted by, those having responsibility over the property and the installed safety systems within it.  This would include the building owner, local council or private certifier (as appropriate), private alarm monitoring company (where engaged), property manager and/or other relevant parties.

Notification to the MFS should occur at least 14 days prior to the scheduled maintenance work or as soon as possible for emergency maintenance work or unexpected system failures.

To notify the MFS of an impairment to a fire safety system please submit the Notice of Impairment online form below.

Notice of Impairment

Notification to the MFS of the impairment of a fire safety system does not constitute MFS acceptance or approval. The MFS will not accept any liability for the impairment of a fire or life safety system by others. It is, however, important that the MFS be notified of the impairment of any fire or life safety system in order to best inform an emergency response to the site.