Fire Safety Standard

Application

This standard applies to all University members and all buildings, facilities, and premises under the ownership, management, or control of the University.  

Purpose

This standard sets out the requirements University fire safety measures to minimise the risk of incidence of fire and minimise the impact of fire on life, safety, delivery of service, the environment and property, so far as is reasonably practicable.

This standard should be read in conjunction with the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy and fire safety guidance. 

Standard

  1. All new buildings and refurbishment works must be designed and built in compliance with relevant fire safety legislation.
  2. Where required*, all relevant buildings must have an evacuation scheme which has been approved by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ). Campus Environment will maintain evacuation schemes and provide copies to Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW).
  3. All buildings where evacuation schemes are required*, must be equipped with:
    • Active fire protection systems installed and maintained in compliance with relevant fire safety legislation 
    • Passive fire protection systems installed and maintained in compliance with relevant fire safety legislation, where reasonably practicable
  4. For premises where the University is a tenant, the University will obtain a copy of the approved evacuation scheme from the premises owner. A copy of the approved scheme must be provided to HSW.
  5. HSW will maintain the approved evacuation schemes by undertaking trial evacuations and submitting the results to FENZ, as required by the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018. For University owned and occupied premises, HSW will arrange the trial evacuations. Where the University is a tenant in the premises, the landlord is responsible for trial evacuations (unless stated in the tenancy agreement) and will be required to supply a copy of the drill report to HSW.
  6. Health, Safety and Wellbeing (HSW) must be consulted at the concept / feasibility stage of any new builds and significant renovations to confirm HSW requirements and then at the detailed design stage and at appropriate periods thereafter.
  7. FENZ must be consulted in the early design stages of any new builds and significant renovations. This can be achieved via a Fire Engineer to agree the fire engineering brief with FENZ, and then at the detailed design stage and at appropriate periods thereafter.

    *As per Schedule 2 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fire Safety, Evacuation Procedures, and Evacuation Schemes) Regulations 2018

  8. Provisions must be in place to assist anyone who may need assistance evacuating the building via its designated fire escape routes or to ensure they are notified when a fire alarm is activated. This may include developing Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and providing suitable evacuation equipment. Line Managers and Academic Supervisors are responsible for implementing these measures, with support and advice available from HSW and Student Disability Services.
  9. During all construction and refurbishment works, the University requires that the principal contractor ensures, for areas under their control, that documented procedures are in place to ensure that all reasonably practicable precautions are taken to prevent a fire from starting or spreading.
  10. Designated evacuation routes will be maintained and available for use at all times. However, if any part of an escape route needs to be temporarily closed, alternate routes must be established, agreed with Campus Environment and HSW, and communicated so that occupants are still able to leave the building safely.
  11. Corridors and stairways that form part of evacuation routes must be kept clear and free from hazards at all times. Items that may be a source of fuel or pose an ignition risk should not be located in any corridor or stairway that will be used as an escape route.
  12. The University, via Campus Environment, will ensure that appropriate fire signage is provided within all its buildings to direct occupants to escape routes. Signage must comply with current legislative requirements.
  13. The University, via Campus Environment, will ensure the routine inspection, testing, service and maintenance of active fire systems in all University owned premises, to minimise fire risk and maintain the building’s Building Warrant of Fitness.
  14. As part of induction/orientation, all staff, tenants, students, contractors and accommodation residents must be provided with information and instructions on fire procedures, evacuation routes and assembly points.
  15. When a fire alarm sounds, all occupants are required to evacuate their building in a safe and prompt manner. They must follow any directions or requirements provided by fire wardens, security staff or other responsible persons and report to the designated assembly point(s). They must remain at the assembly point until an authorised person confirms it is safe to re-enter the premises.
  16. Fire wardens: Faculties/service divisions/large-scale research institutes must put plans in place to ensure that building and/or area fire wardens are available at all times when a building is open. This provision supports safe evacuation procedures and ensures a designated person is present to meet and liaise with FENZ upon their arrival.
  17. Accommodation halls and accommodation premises must have fire detection and alarm systems installed. In addition, fire safety information must be supplied to occupants prior to, or upon arrival at their accommodation and each bedroom or entrance to apartments must have signage installed directing the person to the escape route(s) and advising them of the assembly point.
  18. Hazardous substances. To minimise the risk of fire, explosion or other incidents, hazardous substances, medical and industrial gas cylinders must be used, stored, transported and disposed of, as stated on their safety data sheet. Training must be given to any staff or student who will be using hazardous substances, medical and industrial gases to ensure they are fully aware of these requirements.
  19. Hot works (any activity or process that generates a source of ignition, this could be through a flame, heat or a spark) must not be undertaken without appropriate safety precautions and a hot work permit. The only exception is where hot works are undertaken as part of ‘business as usual’ by staff and students in designated technical labs/workshops where risk assessments have been undertaken and site-specific controls are in place.
    Hot works (and any works which affect the fabric of a building) must be carried out in accordance with the University’s Work on Buildings and Services Policy and approval must be obtained from the relevant facilities manager within the faculty/service division prior to work commencing.
  20. Electric scooters, bicycles, and similar personal transportation devices (including their batteries):
    1. Are not permitted to be taken inside any University building, including halls of residence and other accommodation premises. They must only be stored in designated University bike stores. Personal mobility aids used by people with disabilities, such as wheelchairs, remain permitted on campus.
    2. May only be charged in designated University bike stores where charging points are provided. The charging of their batteries inside any University building is strictly prohibited.
    3. To reduce fire risk, the storage of combustible materials is strictly prohibited inside bike stores and within a 3 metre radius of their perimeter. Furthermore, bike stores must not be positioned adjacent to any construction elements made of combustible materials.
  21. Lithium batteries
    1. Purchasing lithium batteries
      • Only purchase lithium batteries, products, or battery chargers from a reputable supplier
      • When purchasing a product, battery, or battery charger, ensure that:
        • The markings and information provided with the product, including the manufacturer’s instructions, are in English
        • An adaptor is not required for it to be used
        • Any plug that is fitted is a New Zealand type plug with insulated pins
        • Any battery charger is marked with a rated voltage of 230V or a voltage range including 230V
      • Before purchasing a lithium battery or battery charger, it is recommended to obtain a copy of Supplier Declaration of Conformity from the supplier. If this cannot be provided, do not purchase
    2. Use of batteries: Lithium batteries must:
      • Only be charged using chargers supplied with the device, or certified third-party charging equipment compatible with the battery specifications (same voltage and current)
      • Be charged following the manufacturer’s instructions on a hard, non-combustible, and stable surface
      • Not be left unattended while charging unless placed in an approved charging cabinet. Charging of batteries is prohibited outside the designated working hours for the area to prevent the risk of overcharging
    3. Lithium-based batteries used in research, workshops and/or construction sites (This does not apply to personal devices such as mobile phones, laptops etc…)
      • The use and storage of lithium-based batteries used for research, workshops and/or construction sites must be in accordance with a documented risk assessment undertaken by the responsible school or department. The risk assessment must consider:
        • Battery capacity and energy density
        • Potential for impact or physical damage during use or storage
        • Risks to life, property, and the environment associated with thermal runaway
    4. Storage of lithium batteries: Faculties/service divisions must ensure that the quantity of lithium batteries stored inside buildings is kept to the minimum necessary to support their operational needs. Any surplus supply of batteries must be stored in a suitable, non combustible storage facility located outside of the building. Storage arrangements must be included in the area’s documented risk assessment and comply with all relevant safety requirements.
    5. Where the risk assessment identifies a need for dedicated storage or charging facilities, or for lithium batteries with a capacity greater than 100Wh:
      • Appropriate non-combustible cabinets specifically designed for lithium battery storage and/or charging must be provided or a suitable external storage facility must be used where internal cabinet storage is not appropriate or where larger quantities are held
      • These cabinets or external storage facilities must be capable of limiting the effects of thermal runaway
      • Cabinets or external storage facilities must display clear signage indicating their purpose and associated hazards
  22. Responsibilities
    In addition to the Statements of Responsibility listed in the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy, the additional responsibilities also apply:
    1. Those hosting visitors 
      Persons hosting a visitor must ensure that they are made aware of the actions to take in the event of an emergency. In the event of an evacuation, the person hosting the visitor(s) is responsible for escorting the visitor(s) to the assembly point.
    2. Contractors, and those engaging contractors
      Contractors working on behalf of, or on property owned by the University (including contractors engaged by tenants) must be provided with adequate information by the engaging manager regarding fire safety, comply with the University’s fire standard and evacuation procedures and follow all instructions given to them regarding fire safety by authorised personnel
    3. Organisers of events
      Any person organising events at University owned or controlled areas, including residences, must:
      • Ensure fire routes and exits are free at all times and not obstructed
      • Dependent upon the size of the event, ensure a suitable number of fire and/or building wardens are available who are familiar with the layout of the building/area
      • Ensure there is adequate fire safety equipment available for use if required
      • Supervise any external vendors to ensure they comply with fire and general health and safety arrangements
      • For large events, if requested, prepare a fire and emergency plan, and ensure resources and responsibility are allocated appropriately
    4. Tenants and co-locators are required to comply with the requirements of this standard.

Definitions

Passive fire protection

Are built-in fire safety features that help contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke without requiring any action or activation. They are designed to maintain the structural integrity of a building and support safe evacuation during a fire. Examples include fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings, fire doors and smoke seals, fire-resistant glazing, fire-stopping and penetration seals, fire dampers in air ducts, intumescent coatings and materials

Active fire protection

Are measures that respond to fire by detecting, alerting, controlling, or suppressing it. These systems operate automatically or through manual activation, helping to limit fire spread, safeguard people, and minimise property damage. Examples include smoke and heat detection systems, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, gas suppression systems, fire sprinklers

Relevant buildings

Has the meaning of section 75 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017.

University

Means the Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland,  and includes all subsidiaries.

University member

Includes all members of Council, committee members, staff members, honorary and adjunct appointees, committee appointees, students, contractors, subcontractors, and the board and staff members of Auckland UniServices Limited.

Area Wardens

Are members of staff who have attended University provided training. The primary role of area wardens is to ensure the orderly evacuation of occupants from their floor/area and report to the building warden following this.

Building Wardens

Are members of staff who have attended University provided training and act a focal point during evacuations. Their roles include ensuring Fire & Emergency NZ (FENZ) have been called, co-ordinating reports from area wardens and liaising with FENZ upon their arrival.

Fire Safety Equipment

Includes hand operated fire-fighting equipment and evacuation aids such as chairs.

Key relevant documents

Document management and control

Owner: Director of Human Resources
Content Manager: Associate Director, Health Safety and Wellbeing
Approved by: University Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee
Date approved:  April 2026
Review date: April 2031

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