It’s an annual certificate issued by an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) that verifies that all the building’s safety systems meet the Building Act and Building Code requirements.
Building owners are responsible for ensuring their buildings comply with these regulations, with greater financial penalties for non-compliance:
If a building owner doesn’t comply with the above, they could be liable for fines up to $20,000 and an additional $2,000 for every day there’s no compliance schedule.
Suppose a provider cannot meet the required standards or complete the scheduled maintenance on time. In that case, they may be issued with a downgraded certificate, which can affect insurance cover and building safety.
One of the most significant penalties for non-compliance is failing to appoint an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) who is registered with the Council and can certify that a building is up to date with its annual BWoF certificate requirement. If a building owner fails to do this, they may be fined up to $50,000. Additionally, if a building is found unsafe or non-compliant, the building owner may be required to make repairs or upgrades at their own expense.
IQPs are required to maintain their certification and re-apply to ensure their status. This is important for them to stay updated on relevant regulations. Additionally, IQPs must submit their service certifications (e.g., for air conditioning) before the BWOF renewal date.
Building owners face a major challenge in staying updated with developing regulations, which can often seem confusing and overwhelming. White’s Project Manager, Mike Upton, is a registered IQP for air conditioning systems, and understands the pressure these changes can put on facility managers.
As compliance demands rise, Mike helps our clients navigate these changes efficiently and effectively. His proactive approach saves time, reduces stress, and prevents potential regulatory breaches. He helps clients avoid fines, insurance issues, and safety concerns by ensuring adherence to inspection deadlines and maintaining high standards. He strongly supports heightened accountability in the industry and adds value by assisting White's clients in meeting these expectations.
By going above and beyond regular maintenance briefings, he identifies potential compliance risks, even if they fall outside his immediate scope. For example, he once alerted a client to non-compliant areas in their tenants' space, even though it wasn't part of his inspection briefing. This proactive approach helped the client address these issues pre-emptively.
In an era of tightening regulations and increased accountability, partnering with experts like Mike is invaluable. Building owners can focus on their core business while confidently meeting required standards.
Don't let complex regulations overwhelm you. Contact White today to learn how Mike can help you meet and exceed regulatory standards.
