In support of the Strata Schemes Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation 2020 and the Community Land Management Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation 2020, the NSW Government has released guidance on life under the coronavirus pandemic.
The guidance on the Fair Trading website outlines new arrangements for such management schemes and issues that owners corporations and community associations need to consider.
In the section titled Repairs maintenance, fire, and rental inspections, the Government states that owners corporations are still legally obligated to ensure that annual fire safety inspections are completed.
It advises that, where a resident has COVID-19, an expection must be deferred until medical clearance has been given.
The website recommends that inspections be planned ahead in case of delays.
This aligns with the position of FPA Australia and AFAC that fire safety is an essential service that should be maintained during the current crisis where safe to do so.
Properties and their occupants need to be kept safe from the risk of fire, and arrangements should be made in consultation with clients to ensure that this can be done with minimal risk to practitioners and occupants alike.
For NSW-related coronavirus advice, visit here.
For more information about the coronavirus pandemic and its implications for fire safety, visit our Coronavirus Information Hub.