OIA 2015.227 BE5 1A Building visits methods of verification.pdf

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Introduction

The purpose of this guide is to assist personnel to establish that Specified Systems within a
building will support an evacuation procedure or evacuation scheme.
The Methods of Verification guide has been designed to support and provide guidance in the
use of the National Building Survey Report.
Following this guide will ensure building surveys are carried out objectively and conducted in
a consistent, uniform manner across all regions.
Act
Building Elements
This guide identifies the building elements required to support safe evacuation processes,
and the methods of verification to ensure that they will adequately function in the event of a
fire.
Performance Outcome Statements
Each building element has a “Performance Outcome Statement" (POS). This identifies how
the element is required to perform in the event of a fire.
Information
Performance criteria statements have been provide to assist with determining Performance
Outcome Statements.
Technical Information
If you require technical information - identify the Information Reference Number (IR) located
Official
in the Code column (e.g. IR 30). The IR number corresponds with information provided in the
Information Reference Guide.
the
Notes
1. If you require further technical advice in regard to an individual building issue, refer to your
local Specialist Officer: Fire Risk Management for advice.
2. If the building has a number of complex issues that require a more suitable officer to
under
complete the building inspection process, follow your local procedure to change the
Responsible Officer for the building.

Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 2 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Code
Assessment Elements
Page

National Survey Report - Expanded Prompts Key - National

Survey Report

Means of Escape

ME01
Escape Route - number, length, height & width

ME02
Escape Route - door functionality

ME03
Escape Route - internal & external obstructions

Act
ME04
Escape Route - fire & smoke doors

ME05
Escape Route - emergency exit signs

ME06
Escape Route - artificial/natural & emergency lighting

ME07
Escape Route - floor areas, stairs, slip & trip hazards

ME08
Escape Route - flammable material & storage hazards

ME09
Escape Route - surface finishes & suspended flexible fabrics

ME10
Escape Route - fire rated separation systems

Information
ME11
Fire Alarm System

ME12
Sprinkler System

ME13
Building Warrant of Fitness

Fire Evacuation Information

FEI01
Fire Action Notices & locations

Official

Building Fire Safety

BFS01
Use of appliance - electrical

the
BFS02
Use of appliance - gas

BFS03
Use of appliance - flammable liquid fuel

BFS04
Control of open flames

BFS05
Packing and unpacking of goods

under
BFS06
External Fire Risk

BFS07
Storage of goods and material inside and outside

Fire fighting Equipment

FE01
Hose reels

FE02
Fire Extinguishers

Released

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 3 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

Key
POS
Performance Outcome
ME
Means of Escape
Statement
FE
Fire fighting Equipment
IR
Information Reference (number)
IRG
Information Reference Guide
MoV
Methods of Verification
FEI
Fire Evacuation Information
BFS
Building Fire Safety
Act

Information
Official
the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 4 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Expanded Prompts

MoV
MEANS OF ESCAPE
ME01
Escape routes & doors are adequate for building occupant load
ME02
Internal/external escape doors are not locked, barred or blocked
ME03
Escape routes are unobstructed
ME08
Escape routes & stairwells (safe path) are not used for storage
ME04
Smoke/Fire doors operate correctly
Act
ME05
Exit signs and directional arrows are adequate
ME06
Artificial/natural & emergency lighting (if installed) are adequate
ME10
Smoke/Fire separation is adequate
ME08
Flammable liquids or like material are stored safe or not present
ME11
Fire warning system is adequate for occupancy group
ME12
Sprinkler system has no obvious faults (if installed)

FIRE EVACUATION INFORMATION
Information
FEI01
Fire action notices are displayed - appropriate places/information

USE OF APPLIANCES
BFS01
Electrical - no obvious faults
BFS02
Gas - no obvious faults
Official
BFS03
Flammable Liquid - no obvious faults

CONTROL OF OPEN FLAMES
the
BFS04
Safe working distance from likely combustibles
BFS04
No obvious potential fire risk present

PACKING/UNPACKING OF GOODS AREAS
under
BFS05
Precautions in place to prevent public entry
BFS05
Areas are fire/smoke separated from stairs and other shafts
BFS05
Heating/lighting devices do not present a fire ignition risk

EXTERNAL FIRE RISK
BFS06
No fire exposure risk from external stored material (if ignited

Released

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 5 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Expanded Prompts Continued

STORAGE OF GOODS BUILDINGS

(Only for buildings that meet the requirements of Reg. 912)
BFS07
No fire exposure risk from inside storage to nearby buildings
BFS07
No fire exposure risk from outside storage to nearby buildings
BFS07
No fire exposure risk to adjacent roadways
BFS07
Surrounding scrub and other vegetation does not present a fire hazard
Act

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
FE01& 2
Appropriate for risk
FE01& 2
Coverage is appropriate for risk
FE01& 2
Signage adequate
FE01& 2
Operationally ready for use
FE01& 2
In service
Information

BUILDING WARRANT OF FITNESS
ME13
Publicly displayed & current
ME13
All fire specified systems are listed
ME13
Compliance Schedule up to date
ME13
Expiry Date:
Official

the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 6 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Key for National Survey Report

MoV – Methods of Verification: This column identifies a reference number to identify the
method of verification for individual building elements in the Methods of Verification Guide.
Performance Concerns – Enter a description of the fire hazard or non-complying condition
observed. Include the location of the condition and a brief explanation why it represents a
hazard or does not comply.
Action Required – This records the Fire Service action required to secure compliance.
Number values & corresponding actions:
1 = Verbal advice, no further action required
Act
2 = Written advice, no further action required
3 = Written referral to Specialist Officer: Fire Risk Management
4 = Written notice and referral to territorial authority (29.5 letter)
5 = Written referral to Area Manager
6 = Written referral to Fire Service legal adviser
Action Times - This records the maximum timeframe for the building owner to comply with
action required, before Fire Service enforcement actions are initiated.
Number values & corresponding timeframes:
Information
1 = Immediately (e.g. remove a wedge from a fire door)
2 = 24 hours
3 = 14 days
4 = Timeframe by agreement with Area Manager
5 = Timeframe by agreement with Fire Service legal advisor
Official

the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 7 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Definitions

All terms defined are from the Approved Documents for NZ Building Code.

Term
Definition
Concealed
Any part of the space within a building that cannot be seen from an
space
occupied space.
Escape route
A continuous unobstructed route from any occupied space in a building to a
Act
final exit to enable occupants to reach a safe place, and shall comprise one
or more of the following: open paths, protective paths and safe paths.
Exit way
All parts of an escape route protected by fire or smoke separations, or by
distance when exposed to open air, and terminating at a final exit.
Final exit
The point at which an escape route terminates by giving direct access to a
safe place.
Fire cell
Any space including a group of contiguous spaces on the same or different
levels within a building, which is enclosed by any combination of fire
separations, external walls, roofs, and floors.  Information
Fire safety
The combination of all methods used in a building to warn people of an
precautions
emergency, provide for the safe evacuation, and restrict the spread of fire,
and includes both active and passive protection.
Fire
Any building element, which separates fire cells or fire cells and safe paths,
separation
and provides a specific fire resistance rating.
Means of
A continuous unobstructed route of travel from any part of a floor area of a
Official
escape from
building to a place of safety; and includes all active and passive protection
fire
features required to assist in protecting people from the effects of fire in the
course of their escape.
the
Occupied
Any space within a building in which a person will be present from time to
space
time during the intended use of the building.
Open path
That part of an escape route (including dead ends) within a fire cell where
occupants may be exposed to fire or smoke while making their escape.
under
Penetration
A pipe, cable or duct passing through an opening in a fire separation.
Protective
That portion of an exit way within a fire cell, which is protected from the
path
effects of smoke, by smoke separations.
Purpose group   The classification in the approved documents of spaces within a building
according to the activity for which the spaces are used.
Safe place
A place of safety in the vicinity of a building, from which people may safely
disperse after the effects of a fire. It may be a place such as a street, open
space, public space or an adjacent building.
Released
Safe path
Part of an exit way which is protective from the effects of fire by fire
separations, external walls, or by distance when exposed to open air.

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 8 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Means of Escape

ME01
Escape Route – number, length, height & width
POS
Escape routes will facilitate a safe escape from the effects of a fire for the
maximum permitted occupant load.

Method of Verification
Process   All escape routes are to be physically viewed.
Act

Performance Criteria
ME01.1  Number of escape routes is adequate for the risk.
IR 30
ME01.2  Building escape routes will allow building occupants adequate time to reach a safe
IR 31
place without being overcome by the effects of a fire.
ME01.3  Escape routes height & width do not pose a risk to building occupants escaping
IR 32
the effects of a fire.
Information
ME01.4   Escape doors before or at the final exits will safely accommodate maximum
permitted occupant load demands and provide building occupants with escape to a
safe place.

Official
ME02
Escape Route – door functionality
POS
Doors on escape routes are not locked, barred or blocked (except as permitted by
the
the Building Code), open easily in the direction of escape to a safe place and will
facilitate the safe escape of the building occupants from the effects of a fire.

Method of Verification
Process   1. All escape doors are to be physically viewed.
under
2. For alternative locking methods for people under restraint - observe the practical
testing of the release methods.

Performance Criteria
ME02.1  Building occupants can easily open the doors in the direction of travel to a
IR 33
protected path, safe path, or a safe place (except as permitted by the Building
Code).
Released
ME02.2  When the building is occupied the locking devices on escape doors are clearly
IR 34
visible, located in a convenient position on the doors, operate easily without a key
and no other device on the doors prevents safe escape.
ME02.3  Where people are held under restraint, the alternative locking methods are safe
IR 34
and reliable.

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 9 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
ME03
Escape Route – internal & external obstructions
POS
Internal and external escape routes are not obstructed and will provide building
occupants with the opportunity to escape the effects of a fire and proceed to a safe
place.

Method of Verification
Process   All internal and external escape routes are to be physically viewed.

Performance Criteria
Act
ME03.1  No obstructions are present that would impede building occupants from escaping
IR 35
to a safe place.

ME04
Escape Route - fire & smoke doors
POS
Doors will mitigate fire and smoke exposure and will provide the building
occupants safe time to escape the effects of a fire to a safe place
Information

Method of Verification
Process   All fire & smoke doors are to be physically viewed and operated

Performance Criteria
Official
ME04.1  Fire and smoke doors operate correctly, have approved hold opens devices if
IR 36
required), have tags, signs, and the clearances are within safe performance
criteria.
the
ME04.2  Smoke doors will ensure that smoke separation will continue to perform as an
IR 37
effective barrier when exposed to fire or smoke for a short period during fire
development

under

Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 10 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

ME05
Escape Route - emergency exit signs
POS
Escape routes to a safe place are easily identified

Method of Verification
Process   All escape routes are to be physically viewed

ME05.1
A building occupant unfamiliar with the layout of the escape routes would have  Act
IR 38
no difficulty identifying which routes to follow to escape the effects of a fire and
to proceed to a safe place.
ME05.2
Signs are clearly visible and readily understandable under all conditions of
IR 39
foreseeable use.

ME06
Escape Route – Artificial/Natural & Emergency Lighting
POS
Escape routes are adequately illuminated in the event of a fire evacuation.
Information

Method of Verification
Process   1. All escape routes are to be physically viewed.
2. Review compliance schedule and/or view emergency lighting (if provided) in
operating mode. (Test by switching off the normal power or test switch)
Official

Performance Criteria
the
ME06.1   Compliance schedule is up to date with required testing requirements and/or, all
emergency lighting physically viewed in the operating mode.
ME06.2  Artificial/natural or Emergency lighting is appropriate for the building type and
IR 40
occupancy activity and will assist building occupants in a fire emergency

under

Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 11 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

ME07
Escape Route - floor areas, stairs, slip & trip hazards
POS
Escape route floors and stairs surfaces provide adequate slip and trip protection

Method of Verification
Process   All escape routes are to be physically viewed

Performance Criteria
Act
ME07.1   Escape route floors and stairs do not present a significant slip hazard in all
weather and working conditions.
ME07.2  Escape routes floors, stairs and ground areas around final exit doors do not
IR 41
present significant trip hazards

ME08
Escape Route – flammable material & storage hazards
Information
POS
Escape routes do not have flammable material stored within or near the escape
routes and safe paths are safe from potential fire hazards

Method of Verification
Process   All escape routes are to be physically viewed.
Official

Performance Criteria
the
ME08.1  Escape routes are safe from the potential hazard of flammable liquids or
IR 42
associated material. If stored, are stored in non-combustible containers with lids.
ME08.2  Safe paths (stairwells and passageways) are safe from potential fire hazards of
IR 42
stored combustible material

under

Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 12 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

ME09   Escape Route - surface finishes & suspended flexible fabrics
POS
Internal surface finishes and suspended flexible fabrics within the escape routes and
places of assembly do not pose a significant fire and smoke hazard.

Method of Verification
Process   1. All escape routes and areas where more than 100 occupants can gather or
assemble together are to be physically viewed.
2. For buildings that have a significant life risk potential such as places of
Act
assembly obtain a copy of the documentation that establishes compliance with the
Building Code (in respect to surface finishes & suspended flexible fabrics).

Performance Criteria
ME09.1  There are no highly combustible interior finish surfaces or decorations that would
IR 43
pose a hazard to occupants from escaping the effects of a developing fire and
proceeding to a safe place.

Information

ME10
Escape Route - fire rated separation systems
POS
Fire rated separation systems (where required) will provide building occupants with
adequate time to escape the effects of a fire.

Official
Method of Verification
Process   1. All escape routes are to be physically viewed.
the
2. All buildings - physically check all accessible areas for adequate fire separations
between fire cells. e.g. between floors, protected or safe paths, inside accessible
ducts, where there are penetrations of services between fire cells and in ceiling
spaces if applicable.
Note: Some ducts may have fire separation at each floor or may be a fire cell of
their own right and travel the full height or width of the building.
under
Performance Criteria
ME10.1  Occupants in other fire cells not affected by direct fire will be safeguarded from the
IR 44
effects of a fire and smoke while proceeding to a safe place

Performance Criteria
ME10.1  Occupants in other fire cells not affected by direct fire will be safeguarded from the
Released
IR 44
effects of a fire and smoke while proceeding to a safe place

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 13 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

Method of Verification
Process   1. Physically establish that the fire alarm sounds throughout the building and/or
confirm with the wardens (At trial evacuations only).
2. For buildings that have a significant life risk potential such as places of
assembly, obtain a copy of the code compliance certificate that establishes
compliance with the Building Code (in respect to the fire alarm systems).

Performance Criteria
ME11.1  Occupants are provided with a warning system that will adequately warn of the  Act
IR 45
existence of a fire and allow sufficient time for occupants to escape the effects of a
fire/smoke and proceed to a safe place.

ME12   Sprinkler System
POS
Sprinkler system (where required) will provide the building occupants with adequate
and reliable protection to facilitate internal evacuation or provide longer evacuation
times that allow occupants to proceed to a safe place.  Information

Method of Verification
Process   1. During physical assessment of the building - note any areas that appear not to
have sufficient sprinkler head coverage, sprinkler heads covered/obstructed or
high stacking. 2. Buildings that have a significant life risk potential, acquire a copy
Official
of the certificate of compliance that establishes current compliance with NZS 4541
or NZ4515 or other recognised standard. e.g. halls, nightclubs, places of
assembly, rest homes etc.  the

Performance Criteria
ME12.1  Sprinkler heads are not covered or obstructed, and all areas have sprinkler
IR 46
coverage or appropriate fire separation of non-sprinkler areas.
under
ME12.2  High stacking areas have adequate clearance below sprinkler heads.
IR 47

Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 14 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

ME13
Building Warrant of Fitness
POS
Building (where required) has a compliance schedule in place, and it appears that
all the means of escape provisions have been carried out, including publicly
displaying the current copy of the BWOF.

Method of Verification
Process   1. Physical view current publicly displayed BWOF.
2. Based on the inspection outcome - if a number of non-complying issues are  Act
identified, view the compliance schedule records for compliance.
3. Buildings that have a significant life risk potential, view the compliance schedule
records for compliance. e.g. halls, nightclubs, places of assembly, rest homes

Performance Criteria
ME13.1  Publicly displayed BWOF (or statement of fitness) has not expired.
IR 48
ME13.2   Means of escape elements met POS requirements - no review of the compliance
schedule records was required.
Information
ME13.3   Compliance schedule records indicate that the provisions of the compliance
schedule have been carried out.

Official
the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 15 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Fire Evacuation Information

FEI01
Fire Action Notices & Locations
POS
Evacuation procedure information (fire action notice) and locations within the
building, provides building occupants with sufficient information to understand
and facilitate the safe, prompt and efficient evacuation of the building in the event
of a fire.

Method of Verification
Act
Process   Physically establish that information has been provided and is “readily available”
to all building occupants.

Performance Criteria
FEI01.1
Information (notices) and locations within the building are consistent with the
IR 49
proposed or approved evacuation scheme (where required) or meets the
requirements of regulation 5 of the regulations.
FEI01.2
Considering the nature and type of the occupancy activity, the location and
Information
information provided to the building occupants is appropriate.

Official
the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 16 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Building Fire Safety

BFS01
Use of Appliances - electrical
POS
Electrical equipment and appliances are being managed with reasonable fire
prevention precautions in place and the general working condition appears to be
in safe working order.

Method of Verification
Process   Physically examine (within the limitations of the IRG) equipment and appliances.
Act

Performance Criteria
BFS01.1  Electrical equipment and appliances do not have any obvious faults that would
IR 50
cause a fire.
BFS01.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk.
IR 51

Information
BFS02
Use of Appliances - gas
POS
Gas equipment and appliances are being managed with reasonable fire
prevention precautions and the general working condition appears to be in safe
working order.

Official
Method of Verification
Process   Physically examine (within the limitations of the IRG) equipment and
appliances.
the

Performance Criteria
BFS02.1  Gas equipment and appliances do not have any obvious faults that would cause
IR 52
a fire.
under
BFS02.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk.
IR 53

Released

BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 17 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
BFS03
Use of Appliances - flammable liquid fuel
POS
Flammable liquid equipment and appliances are being managed with reasonable
fire prevention precautions and the general working condition appears to be in
safe working order.

Method of Verification
Process   Physically examine (within the limitations of the IRG) equipment and appliances.

Performance Criteria
Act
BFS03.1  Flammable liquid fuel equipment and appliances do not have any obvious faults
IR 54
that would cause a fire.
BFS03.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk
IR 55

Information
Official
the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 18 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
BFS04
Control of Open Flame
POS
Appliances are being managed with reasonable fire prevention precautions in
place and the general working condition appears to be in safe working order.

Method of Verification
Process   Physically examine (within the limitations of the IRG) equipment and appliances.

BFS04.1  Open flame appliances do not have any obvious faults that would cause a fire.
IR 56
Act
BFS04.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk.
IR 57

BFS05
Packing and Unpacking of Goods
POS
Packing and unpacking of goods are managed with appropriate fire prevention
precautions in place and the building occupants are protected from the
associated risk of ignition that could arise from the packing and unpacking
process.
Information

Method of Verification
Process   Physically check areas where operations (does not apply to small-scale
operations) involving the packing and unpacking of goods packed in straw, paper
wood-wool, or other flammable material (polystyrene beads).
Official

Performance Criteria
the
BFS05.1  Areas for packing or unpacking do not have any obvious risks that would cause a
IR 58
fire or fire spread endangering occupants.
BFS05.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk.
IR 59

under
BFS06
External Fire Risk
POS
Storage of combustible material on external walls of the building is located or
protected in such a position that a fire could not spread internally

Method of Verification
Process   Physically view external walls.
Released

Performance Criteria
BFS06.1   External storage of combustible material does not present an opportunity for
unlawful ignition that would pose a property risk.
BFS06.2   Incinerators or similar apparatus do not pose a potential fire risk under all
conditions of foreseeable use (i.e. wind).
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 19 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management

BFS07
Storage of Goods - material inside and outside
POS
Storage of goods and material inside and outside building(s) is located or
protected in such a position or in such a way that any fire could not spread to any
nearby building or to road or other public place.

Method of Verification
Process   Physically view storage areas that have material that is likely to burn if lit.

Act
Performance Criteria
BFS07.1  Material is located or protected in such a position or in such a way that any fire in
IR 60
the stored material cannot spread to any nearby building or to any road or other
public place.
BFS07.2  Safe working practices appear to be in-place with no obvious potential fire risk to
IR 61
nearby buildings, road or public place.

Information
Official
the
under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 20 of 21

MANUAL - Fire Risk Management
Fire fighting Equipment

FE01
Hose reels (buildings that have hose reels)
POS
Adequate hose reels in place that are operationally ready and in service.

Method of Verification
Process   Physically check (within the limitations of the technical notes) all hose reels

Act
Performance Criteria
FE01.1
An occupant on discovery of a small fire would be able to locate, in an
IR 62
appropriate time frame, and operate a hose reel without foreseeable difficulties.

FE02
Fire Extinguishers
POS
Adequate and appropriate fire extinguishers in place that are operationally ready
Information
and have met servicing requirements

Method of Verification
Process   Physically check (within the limitations of the Information Reference Guide) all
fire extinguishers.
Official

Performance Criteria
the
FE02.1
An occupant on discovery of a small fire would be able to locate and operate a
IR 63
fire extinguisher without foreseeable difficulties.
FE02.2
Fire extinguishers are adequately located throughout the building in terms of
IR 63
associated risk requirements.

under
Released
BE5-1A Building Visits-Methods of Verification October 2010 MBB

Page 21 of 21