Specified Systems Explained – Why They Matter for Your Building’s Safety and Compliance
Attention building owners: Are your specified systems up to date?
Every commercial building in New Zealand contains specified systems – critical safety components designed to protect occupants and ensure the building functions safely. While you may not always notice them, specified systems play an essential role in fire safety, accessibility, ventilation, and emergency preparedness.
What Are Specified Systems?
Specified systems refer to any mechanical, electrical, or digital systems that contribute to a building’s safety and functionality. These systems include, but are not limited to:
- Fire alarms and sprinkler systems
- Emergency lighting and exit signage
- Automatic doors and access control systems
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems
- Passenger and goods lifts (elevators)
- Smoke control and extraction systems
Because these systems involve moving parts – such as circuits, wires, gears, or pipes – they degrade over time with daily use, and require ongoing maintenance to remain fully operational. To make sure these systems are fully functional and safe, property owners must comply with New Zealand’s Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) requirements, which include regular inspections and maintenance as outlined in a compliance schedule – find out more about compliance schedules on the Building Performance NZ website here.
Why Are Specified Systems Important?
Commercial buildings are dynamic environments with hundreds or even thousands of occupants using the space daily. Whether you own an office, shopping centre, apartment complex, or industrial facility, the safety and compliance of your building is key – and that’s where specified systems come in.
Specified systems ensure that essential, life-saving mechanisms are in place and working effectively, which helps prevent accidents, injuries, and potential legal issues due to non-compliance.
Failing to maintain specified systems can lead to catastrophic consequences, including:
- Smoke or fire suppression systems failing during a fire emergency
- Emergency exits becoming inaccessible during power outages
- HVAC systems malfunctioning, leading to air quality issues
- Lifts breaking down and trapping occupants inside
To prevent these risks, property owners must adhere to strict compliance guidelines, so that all specified systems undergo regular testing, servicing, and certification.
How Can You Know Your Building’s Specified Systems Are Working?
Maintaining specified systems requires a proactive approach. Here’s how you can be sure your building remains safe and compliant:
- Regular Inspections & Maintenance
Schedule routine maintenance by a qualified professional. Fire protection systems, elevators, and ventilation units all require regular checks to prevent unexpected failures. - Hire an IQP (Independent Qualified Person)
An IQP is an authorised specialist who assesses and certifies that specified systems meet compliance requirements. Before your annual BWOF renewal, an IQP must inspect and sign off on each system using Form 12A as proof of compliance. Find more info about working with Fireco’s network of IQPs in Northland and Auckland here. - Follow the Compliance Schedule
Your building’s compliance schedule outlines the required maintenance, inspections, and reporting for each specified system, and make sure all servicing records are up to date and easily accessible. - Work with Compliance Experts
Fireco specialises in helping property owners navigate the complexities of compliance. Our network of IQPs are here to help ensure that your fire suppression systems are in good condition, reducing risks and simplifying the compliance process.
Stay Compliant with Fireco
Ignoring your specified systems isn’t an option. Compliance isn’t just another box to tick, it’s about ensuring the safety of your occupants and the long-term functionality of your building. Whether you need an initial assessment, ongoing maintenance of your fire emergency systems, or assistance with your BWOF with our IQPs, Fireco is here to help.
Contact us to schedule an inspection or consultation today. Let Fireco take the hassle out of compliance and keep your building safe year-round!
