Fireco breaks down the essential terms you need to understand to make your Building Warrant of Fitness process in Northland seamless and straightforward.
Are you a building owner or manager in Northland feeling uncertain about the Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) process? Terms like BWOF, Specified Systems, Compliance Schedules, IQP, and Forms 12 and 12A can seem complex, but we’re here to simplify them for you. At Fireco, our network of IQP experts is ready to guide you through each step of the BWOF process. Here’s what you need to know to secure your BWOF in Northland.
What is a Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)?
A Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) certifies that a building’s specified systems have been inspected, maintained, and are fully operational. These systems include fire alarms, fire suppression sprinklers, emergency lighting, and access-controlled windows and doors—16 specified systems in total as defined by the Building Act. All these systems must comply with New Zealand Standards and require annual BWOF renewal, prominently displayed within the building.
To secure a BWOF in Northland, building owners must enlist an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) to inspect these systems, ensuring full compliance with Section 108 of the Building Act 2004.
What is a Compliance Schedule?
A compliance schedule is a document that lists all the specified systems in your building and outlines the procedures required to keep them in good working order. This schedule ensures that the building is safe and healthy for occupants.
How to Obtain a Compliance Schedule:
- New Buildings: When applying for building consent for new buildings with specified systems, include an application for a compliance schedule. The building consent authority will issue the compliance schedule along with the code compliance certificate.
- Existing Buildings: If your building already has specified systems but no compliance schedule, apply to the appropriate territorial authority to obtain one.
The compliance schedule will include:
- A detailed description of all specified systems in the building.
- Maintenance procedures and performance standards to follow during routine inspections.
What is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP)?
IQPs are professionals certified by local councils to inspect, maintain, and report on a building’s specified systems. They must be registered with the council, and a building may require multiple IQPs to cover all specified systems. Fireco has a team of qualified IQP experts to efficiently handle your systems’ inspections and maintenance needs.
What is Form 12?
Form 12, the BWOF, is a yearly document issued by the local
council. It must be displayed publicly within the building, confirming that all
specified systems have been maintained and inspected as outlined in the
compliance schedule.
What is Form 12A?
Form 12A is a document that records the inspection, testing, and maintenance of each specified system by an IQP. Before issuing a BWOF, Form 12A must be completed and signed by the respective IQPs, verifying that the systems are up to standard.
Find Form 12A, along with all other forms associated with the Northland BWOF process, on the NZ Government’s Building Performance website here.
Steps to Obtain Your BWOF in Whangarei, Northland, and the Far North
- Hire an IQP: Contact Fireco for an IQP: they’ll inspect and maintain your building’s specified systems.
- Complete Form 12A: Ensure all systems have been inspected and Form 12A is completed.
- Submit Documentation: Submit the BWOF Form 12 to the local council for assessment.
Managing a BWOF can feel challenging, especially if you’re new to the process—it requires substantial coordination, time, and effort. However, with Fireco, you don’t have to tackle it alone. We specialize in streamlining the BWOF process and maintaining your building’s fire safety systems. With our extensive network of IQPs across Northland, we take care of all inspections and maintenance, ensuring you meet every requirement effortlessly.
Reach out to Fireco today to simplify your BWOF process in Northland!
