THE National Fire Authority (NFA) will come down hard on commercial, industrial and public premises that are yet to comply with fire safety requirements of the National Building Code of Fiji.
NFA will also crack down on premises that have not complied with the Health and Safety at Work General Workplace Condition Regulations.
NFA will begin inspections in cities and towns of all these buildings and premises next month in their bid to improve fire safety.
"The main purpose for conducting the fire safety inspections in all building premises is to ensure commercial, industrial and public premises in the cities/towns comply with the fire safety standards and to establish a reasonable level of fire safety and property protection from the hazards created by fire," NFA chief executive officer John O'Connor said.
"The scope of building inspections cover the construction, maintenance, general housekeeping, storage of combustibles and flammable materials, electrical safety and access and egress facilities."
He said this was a proactive approach to fire safety in an effort to minimise the impact of fires and enhance fire safety and preparedness in industrial, commercial and public premises.
Every year, the NFA's fire safety building inspections in municipalities starts in October and all businesses need to comply with the fire safety requirements of the National Building Code of Fiji and the Health and Safety at Work Act General Workplace Condition Regulations as a prerequisite for renewal of the annual business licenses.
The NFA Structural Fire Safety Department has developed a self-inspection checklist which business owners can use to ensure fire safety compliance before inspection by NFA officers.
This self-inspection checklist will allow business owners to identify and address any possible fire hazard and assist in the inspection process by NFA officers.