2Code Fire & Build
How To Get Fire Safety Certification In Australia: Step-By-Step Guide
Securing fire safety certification is one of the most crucial steps in any construction or fit-out project - yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. At 2Code Fire & Build, we help builders, developers, and certifiers across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast ensure their buildings meet all fire safety standards.
Whether you’re nearing project completion or planning your next build, here’s a simple guide to help you understand the process, avoid costly delays, and get your certification right the first time.
What Is Fire Safety Certification And Why Does It Matter?
A fire safety certificate formally confirms that your building’s passive and active fire systems — such as fire-rated walls, doors, ceilings, emergency exits, and alarms — have been installed correctly and meet Australian Standards.
Without certification, your Certificate of Occupancy can’t be issued, putting handover timelines and insurance coverage at risk.
At 2Code Fire & Build, we specialise in ensuring your fire protection systems not only meet compliance requirements but are fully certifiable - so you can hand over with confidence.
For more technical information, see our fire safety certification service page or review the Queensland Development Code: Part 2.0 Fire Safety for state-specific requirements.
How To Get Fire Safety Certification: Step-By-Step
Every project is unique, but most certifications follow a similar process:
Step 1: Initial Inspection Or Audit
A licensed certifier inspects your site to ensure fire systems align with approved designs. This includes checking materials, seals, and structural protections.
Step 2: System Review
Your fire doors, smoke barriers, and penetration seals are reviewed against the Building Code of Australia and any relevant performance solutions.
Step 3: Defect Reporting
If non-compliances are identified, they’ll be documented with practical recommendations. 2Code Fire & Build’s experience as both builders and certifiers means we offer real-world solutions - not just red tape.
Step 4: Final Certification
Once all requirements are met, formal documentation is issued along with supporting photo evidence and reports. Most certifications can be completed within a few business days.
Queensland’s unique environment brings specific fire risks. The region’s high humidity can compromise unprotected building materials, while bushfire seasons pose a significant threat to residential, commercial, and industrial properties alike. Ensuring your building is equipped with robust compartmentation systems, structural steel fire protection, and smoke wall rectification reduces vulnerabilities that extreme climate conditions can expose.
Engaging a certifier early in the construction process can prevent expensive rework and project delays. Common mistakes we see include:
- Using materials that don’t meet required Fire Resistance Levels (FRLs)
- Missing documentation or drawings
- Late engagement of a fire safety certifier
At 2Code Fire & Build, we recommend contacting our team as soon as your fire systems are installed to ensure everything is compliant before final inspection.
We have a team with over 50 years of experience in the construction and fire industries, and our founder Andrew Schiffke is a QBCC-registered builder and accredited fire safety certifier. That unique combination means we understand the building process end-to-end - from structural installation to final handover.
We’ve certified projects across hospitals, aged care, universities, and large-scale residential developments throughout Brisbane, Bundaberg, and the Sunshine Coast.
Get in touch with our team today to take the first steps towards your fire safety certification!
