Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)

What is a BWOF?

The Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) is an annual certificate that proves that: specified systems in your building have been inspected and maintained.

 

Do all buildings need a BWOF?

 No. Only buildings that contain one or more specified systems require a BWOF. These types of systems are more common in commercial, industrial and communal (public use) buildings.

 

Specified Systems:

• Automatic systems for fire suppression (Example: sprinkler systems)

• Automatic or manual emergency warning systems for fire or other dangers.

• Electromagnetic or automatic doors or windows (for example, ones that close on fire alarm activation)

• Emergency lighting systems.

• Escape route pressurization systems.

• Riser mains for use by fire services.

• Automatic backflow preventers connected to a potable water supply.

• Lifts, escalators, travelators, or other systems for moving people or goods within building.

• Mechanical ventilation or air conditioning systems.

• (Example: ducted ventilation or air conditioning units, toilet extract system servicing multiple facilities, split air conditioning that presents fresh air into the building, air-handling system that sustains differential air pressure or function in smoke management, electric heating elements in air handling or ducts outside)

• Building maintenance units providing access to exterior and interior walls of buildings.

• Laboratory fume cupboards

• Audio loops or other assistive listening systems.

• Smoke control systems.

• Fire safety systems or features for communicating information intended to facilitate evacuation, final exits, fire separations, signs, smoke separation.

 

How to get a compliance schedule?

•  New Buildings: An application should be made as part of the Building Consent application. The local council will issue the compliance schedule to the building owner with the code compliance certificate.

• Existing Buildings: The building owner must apply to the local council. The building owner will be required to supply the same information about the specified system as if they were being installed under a building consent.

• Details required: Details of the system, design features, proposed procedures for inspection, maintenance and reporting.

Are there Exceptions?

Some older buildings that have not previously had specified systems installed may not require a building WOF.  If you renovate these buildings or tenancies within the building the building consent will likely trigger the need for a new compliance schedule which will also mean you will need a BWOF after the renovation has been completed. If you are not sure, it is always a good idea to check either with your local council or a building compliance company.

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Contact us for a free inspection to find out whether your building needs a BWOF!