Fire danger ratings at your workplace and what they mean

Safe Work Australia has introduced a new information sheet to assist Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) in using the national fire danger rating and warning systems for identifying and assessing bushfire risks at work.We’ve highlighted some of the key information below. This initiative is crucial, especially during warmer weather and local bushfire seasons, when the risk of bushfires is heightened. 

 

Understanding the risks and implementing safety measures

Bushfires, unpredictable and potentially devastating, pose a significant threat to workplaces, especially those located in high-risk areas. PCBUs are obligated to eliminate, or if not possible, minimise these risks as much as reasonably practicable. 

 

Leveraging the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) and Australian Warning System (AWS)

The AFDRS and AWS are vital tools in this process. The AFDRS offers insights into the local bushfire risks, while the AWS provides warnings during emergencies. Utilising these systems can significantly enhance the effectiveness of risk assessments for bushfires.

 

 

Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If a fire starts near you, take action immediately to protect your life and your workers’ lives. Do not wait for a warning.

Fire Danger Rating Level What does this mean?  What should I do?
Moderate Plan and Prepare

Most fires can be controlled.

 Stay up to date and be ready to act if there is a fire.
High Be ready to act 

Fires can be dangerous.
  • Review any control measures that you have implemented in your workplace to manage the risk of bushfires.
  • If your workers work outside, remotely or are isolated, make sure they know how to monitor for fires and what to do in the case of one. 
  • Be alert for fires in your area. Monitor and assess the situation, especially if there is a fire nearby or if a fire starts.
Extreme Take action now to protect your life and property. Fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous.
  • Review any control measures that you have implemented in your workplace to manage the risk of bushfires. 
  • If your workers work outside, remotely or are isolated, make sure they know how to monitor for fires and what to do in the case of one. 
  • Reconsider any worker travel through bushfire risk areas or areas with this fire danger rating. 
  • Relocate your workers away from bushfire risk areas if they work outside, remotely or are isolated. • If a fire starts, take immediate action and evacuate the workplace to a safe location.
Catastrophic For your survival, leave bushfire areas. If a fire starts and takes hold, lives are likely to be lost. 
  • If your workplace is in a bushfire area with a catastrophic rating, you should postpone work or relocate your workers, if possible, to areas of lower bushfire risk. 
  • Follow any warnings issued by emergency services. 

 

Australian Warning System

 

 

 

Where do I find current warnings?

Warnings about emergencies, such as bushfires, will be issued by your state or territory’s emergency or local fire authority: 

 

 

This new initiative by Safe Work Australia is a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety against bushfires. By providing clear guidelines and leveraging national systems like the AFDRS and AWS, PCBUs can better prepare and protect their workers and businesses from the unpredictable nature of bushfires.

For more detailed guidance and information, please refer to the information sheet on Safe Work Australia’s website.

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