Evacuations Scheme

It is the responsibility of the Building Owner to provide and maintain an Evacuation Scheme.
Fire and Emergency NZ Act (section 76)
The owner, in relation to a building, means
(a) the person for the time being entitled to receive the rack rent for the building; or
(b) the person who would be entitled to receive the rack rent for the building if the building were let at a rack rent

Buildings that require ‘Schemes’ are legally required to:

• be approved by the NZ Fire and Emergency NZ and;
• must conduct 6 monthly Trial Evacuations (Drills) or Training to maintain approval.

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Buildings that only require a ‘Procedure’ are not – all the other requirements are all very similar.

Any Building which has the facilities for:

• 10 or more persons working (unless the building has a compliant sprinkler system)

5 or more persons sleeping (other than a household unit) in 3 or more units (unless the building has a compliant sprinkler system).

• 100+ persons to gather in one area for any purpose.
• Early Childhood Education
• Storage or processing of Hazardous or Dangerous Goods.
• Nursing or Geriatric Care
• Specialised Care for Disabilities
• Lawful Detention Facilities

Nearly all other buildings require a procedure – (Crown Buildings are exempt)

• Documentation that must be approved by the NZ Fire Service.
• Training for Wardens and tenants in the building on what is required of them as a part of the Evacuation Scheme (Wardens Training & Trial Evacuations).
• Fire Action Notices must be displayed by all Fire Alarm Call Points and in Common Areas.
• Wardens I.D & Tally Board (where applicable)
• 6 monthly Trial Evacuations / Training Programmes conducted to maintain compliance.
• Reports filled with the NZ Fire Service to confirm continued compliance.
• Accommodation Buildings – Tenants Instructions for each apartment.

• Documentation that must be approved by the NZ Fire Service.
• Fire Action Notices must be displayed by all Fire Alarm Call Points and in Common Areas.
• Reports filled with the NZ Fire Service.
• Accommodation Buildings – Tenants Instructions for each apartment.

In some cases yes. Although the Fire Service Legislation is quite specific in which buildings are required to do what, other agencies may have their own policies for compliance. In the case of ACC, quite substantial discounts can be gained by ensuring compliance.