What is a Passive Register and is it mandatory?

A passive register is a set of baseline data containing information for a building against which fire services contractors can assess the status and performance of a particular asset or fire safety measure. Currently passive registers are not mandatory however, if the measure for fire seals is listed on your AFSS, the requirement is that all services that pass through a fire compartmentation within buildings are to be on a register.

As a part of improvements to the Building Fire Safety Regulation undertaken in 2022/23 by the NSW Government, they have nominated that AS1851 will be mandated from 1st February 2025. For passive fire this means that all buildings that have firestopping as a listed measure on the AFSS will require a register (baseline data) against which the asset is inspected and signed off annually.

What is needed to create a passive register?

First, we will need to understand the compartmentalisation of your building to determine which areas need to be separated from the rest of the building (fire stairs/egress paths etc). Once this is determined we can document all the penetrations or defects between these areas. To do this, we request copies of any compartmentation drawings and baseline data (previous inspection reports/certifications) for review to determine the extent of the inspection that will be required.

Please noteThis is not a destructive inspection that ceilings/walls/floors are damaged unless prior request to CFP is given by the building owners.

No baseline data:

If you are unable to provide any compartmentation drawings and baseline data (previous inspection reports/certifications) information CFP fully trained and experienced Passive Auditors will need to have extensive access to the whole building to complete a full onsite inspection to create a register. This will include but not limited access to all SOUs (soul occupancy units) common accessible areas including ceiling voids, lobby cupboards and carpark areas. Our inspections will be on an as per building basis based on the footprint/duty of the building, BCA/NCC, age of building.

What will we identify in a passive register?

Every visible/accessible penetration can be individually documented with a recommendation on how to rectify the identified defect. We log all penetrations into a register that forms part of your ongoing building management suite alongside any other Safety and Compliance documentation. Please note – This is not a destructive inspection that ceilings/walls/floors are damaged unless prior request is given by the building owners.

What about Compliant and Non Service Penetrations:

CFP will provide a photographic report that will identify services that are compliant and non-compliant. Once the report has been completed the Auditor assigned to the inspection, they will communicate any issues noted during the inspection and will provide technical advice moving forward with a cost effective solution for any noted non-compliant issues.

This means both COMPLIANT and NON-COMPLIANT fire stopping will be identified during the inspection.

Why choose Control Fire Protection (CFP) to complete your passive register?

CFP are a long standing fire protection business that has a dedicated and specialised passive auditing department that have over 15yrs local experience in completing service penetration inspections. We use the latest software available on the market that has been customised for our need to generate a full photographic report that meets todays compliance standards. CFP have a full-time employed team of experienced, industry trained Auditors that are committed to providing a professional inspection that will future proof your building.