Fireco explains the key terms and requirements of Form 12A, IQPs, and the BWOF process
If your building contains specified systems, you’ll need a Form 12A Certificate of Compliance, issued by an Independent Qualified Person (IQP), to prove that those systems have been properly inspected and maintained.
Sound confusing? Don’t worry, Fireco is here to help!
Here’s a breakdown of exactly what that means, and a helpful explainer of some of the key terms and requirements of the NZ Building Warrant of Fitness process.
What’s a ‘Form 12A’?
The Form 12A is a certificate completed by an IQP (Independent Qualified Person). As Building Performance NZ explains, the requirements of the New Zealand Building Act 2004 include:
“A copy of each certificate (Form 12A) issued by the IQP for each of the specified systems, along with any recommendations for amending the compliance schedule, must be attached to the BWoF provided to the territorial authority.”
Each specified system requires a separate Form 12A from the relevant IQP.
How Does Form 12A Fit into the BWoF Process?
To legally operate a building with specified systems, you must renew your Building Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) every 12 months. To do that, you need:
- A completed Form 12 (a declaration from the building owner or agent)
- Supporting Form 12A certificates from IQPs for each specified system
Only once you’ve gathered these can you issue the BWoF and display it in the building.
What Are Specified Systems?
Specified systems are critical safety and essential services built into a building to protect people in an emergency. These systems are listed in a building’s compliance schedule and include things like:
- Fire alarms and sprinkler systems
- Emergency lighting
- Smoke control systems
- Lifts, escalators, and cable cars
- Automatic doors or fire/smoke separations
You can find more information around specified systems on the Building Performance website here.
What Is a Compliance Schedule?
If your building has one or more specified systems, your local council will issue a compliance schedule when the building is constructed or altered. This schedule outlines:
- What specified systems are in the building
- How often they must be inspected and maintained
- What procedures must be followed
- Who can carry out these inspections (IQPs)
What Is an IQP?
An IQP (Independent Qualified Person) is a professional or company registered with your local council to inspect, maintain, and certify specified systems.
They must be independent – meaning they’re not the building owner, occupier, or someone who works for them directly.
Fireco is a registered IQP provider, trusted by businesses across Northland and Auckland to take care of inspections, provide Form 12As, and manage the compliance process smoothly. Find more about how we can help with expert IQP services across Northland and Auckland here.
Let Fireco Help You Stay BWoF Compliant
Managing compliance schedules and forms can feel overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be.
At Fireco, we offer:
- Certified IQP inspections
- Issuing of Form 12A certificates
- BWOF management and support
- Local knowledge and council compliance expertise
Need a Form 12A or help with your BWOF? Contact Fireco today.
