Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF)
What is a BWOF?
Just like your car needs a Warrant of Fitness, so too does your building. It’s called a: Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF).
A BWOF is a certificate that a building owner needs to renew every 12 months, and publicly display to prove that the building’s specified systems are safe; for example, automatic fire sprinklers, fire alarms, lifts, air conditioning systems etc within a building, and the performance standards for those systems. These will be on the compliance schedule, a document issued by Council. The BWOF certifies that these items have been maintained and inspected as required in the building’s compliance schedule.
Who checks up on the BWOF and why?
The Building Act 2004 (Sections 100-108) enables councils to audit a building’s BWOF. This ensures the health and safety of the people entering the building. It is a function that Territorial Authorities such as councils, are required to do by the Government for our communities.
We are required to carry out these audits once a year or as appropriate according to the complexity of the building’s use.
It involves an onsite inspection by a council officer and a review of the maintenance records for the specified systems on your compliance schedule, as required by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The inspector will be checking that:
- The BWOF is displayed in a public place on site.
- The owner’s inspection manual is present, has the compliance schedule attached, is up to date and the inspection records are complete.
- The records should show two years’ worth of ‘inter-year’ inspection from all of the Independent Qualified Person (IQP).
- This will mean a list of completed monthly/three-monthly/six-month inspection reports of the systems as listed on the compliance schedule.
The inspector will walk through the building to ensure the compliance schedule is accurate according to the systems in the building.
Unconsented systems that have not been installed with the appropriate approvals will be subject to a ‘Notice to Fix’ and/or a ‘Certificate of Acceptance’ process. However, the Council will discuss the compliance paths available and offer as much assistance as possible.
Building owners may wish to have their own IQP present during the audit, however this is not necessary to fulfil the Council inspection.
How much does a BWOF audit inspection cost?
Please refer to our Fees and Charges. They can be found at: Fees and Charges - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz).
Who will inform me when I need an inspection?
When you are due to be inspected, Council will call to advise you and to arrange a suitable time. Following this, we will confirm the inspection date in writing or email.
See what other councils are doing around the country:
Auckland Council Auditing Buildings - Argest NZ
