Fire stairwells and emergency exits in NSW strata buildings carry a legal obligation that routine cleaning schedules do not always address directly: required paths of travel must remain clear of obstructions that could hinder passage during an emergency. A cleaning trolley left against a stairwell wall, a stack of supplies stored on a landing, or rubbish accumulating in a corner can obstruct the required path of travel and create a fire safety concern, even when the item appears minor. Fire and Rescue NSW advises that blocked exits are a hazard and that fire stairs should not be used for storage.
Owners corporations have responsibilities for maintaining common property and ensuring applicable safety requirements are followed. Building owners also have specific responsibilities for maintaining essential fire safety measures under NSW requirements. This makes fire stairwell hygiene an operational and housekeeping concern, not simply a presentation issue.
A strata cleaning services contractor that understands this distinction treats fire stairwells as a dedicated cleaning and inspection task, rather than simply an extension of general common-area cleaning. This article explains why fire stairwells require this approach, what the cleaning scope should include, what NSW requirements mean for exit paths, and what a facility or strata manager should look for when selecting a contractor to manage this work.
Why do fire stairwells need regular cleaning?
Fire stairwells need regular cleaning because they function as the primary evacuation route during an emergency, and any accumulation of debris, dust, or stored items directly affects how safely that route can be used. The purpose of cleaning therefore goes beyond appearance. It supports the hygiene and housekeeping condition of an important evacuation route.
Fire stairwells in strata buildings often receive less foot traffic than lifts, lobbies, or corridors, which allows dust, cobwebs, debris, and forgotten items to accumulate unnoticed. This can make stairwells seem less important in a routine cleaning schedule, even though they remain an important part of the building’s emergency egress arrangements. A dedicated cleaning schedule helps prevent these areas from being overlooked and gives the cleaning contractor a defined process for maintaining stairs, landings, handrails, door areas, and other accessible surfaces.
What does fire stairwell hygiene compliance mean in NSW buildings?
In practical terms, fire stairwell hygiene involves maintaining the stairwell in a clean, orderly condition while ensuring the required path of travel to a fire exit remains free from obstruction. NSW Regulation 109 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 specifically requires fire exit areas to be kept clear of anything that may obstruct the free passage of people. The regulation also places this responsibility on the building owner.
This requirement goes beyond whether a stairwell has been swept or mopped. Cleaning equipment, stored supplies, rubbish, or other items can obstruct the passage through a fire exit area even when the surrounding surfaces are clean. A stairwell can therefore receive regular cleaning and still have a housekeeping issue that needs to be addressed. For a strata cleaning contractor, this means cleaning equipment and supplies should not be left in exit paths, and any observed obstruction should be reported to building management according to the site’s procedure.
This distinction means fire stairwell cleaning involves two different operational considerations: maintaining the cleanliness and housekeeping condition of common property, and ensuring the designated fire exit area remains clear of obstructions. A cleaning contractor supports the first responsibility through its cleaning program and supports the second by avoiding obstructions during cleaning and reporting issues that fall outside its cleaning scope. The building owner or owners corporation remains responsible for the applicable building and fire safety obligations.
What Should Be Included in Fire Stairwell Cleaning?
Fire stairwell cleaning should cover five key areas: stair treads and landings, handrails and high-touch surfaces, fire stairwell doors, corners and edges, and emergency exit landing areas. Each area requires a slightly different cleaning approach, from removing loose debris on stair surfaces to keeping exit areas free from housekeeping obstructions.
Stair Treads and Landings
Stair treads and landings need regular sweeping and mopping to remove dust, grit, dirt and debris that accumulate through foot traffic and general building activity. Spills and loose material should also be addressed promptly to help maintain a clean and usable walking surface.
A dedicated cleaning schedule helps prevent debris from building up on stair treads, corners and landings, particularly in stairwells that receive less routine attention than lobbies, corridors and lift areas.
Handrails and High-Touch Surfaces
Handrails are high-touch surfaces and should be wiped regularly as part of the fire stairwell cleaning routine. Cleaning removes accumulated dust, grime and other surface contaminants while maintaining the general hygiene and presentation of the stairwell.
Other accessible high-touch surfaces, such as door handles and push plates, should also be included in the cleaning scope where appropriate.
Fire Stairwell Doors
Fire stairwell doors should be cleaned without interfering with their intended operation. Cleaning staff should not prop fire doors open unnecessarily, wedge them in position or place equipment where it could interfere with the door or the surrounding exit path.
The cleaning contractor’s role is to clean the accessible door surfaces and surrounding areas. Testing or servicing self-closing devices, seals and other fire-door components should be handled by appropriately qualified fire-safety professionals where required. Any visible issue with a fire door should be reported to building management rather than adjusted by cleaning staff.
Corners, Edges and Cobwebs
Corners, edges and less accessible areas can accumulate cobwebs, dust and loose debris and are easy to overlook during routine cleaning. These areas should be included in the cleaning scope rather than treated as secondary surfaces.
Regular attention helps maintain the overall cleanliness and presentation of the stairwell and prevents dust and debris from accumulating over time.
Emergency Exit Landing Areas
Emergency exit landing areas and the surrounding access paths require particular attention during cleaning. These areas should be kept clean and free from cleaning equipment, rubbish, stored supplies and other items that could obstruct the required passage.
Cleaning staff should check the area before, during and after the task to ensure trolleys, buckets, vacuums and other equipment are not left where they could interfere with access. Any permanent storage, obstruction or building defect outside the cleaning contractor’s control should be reported to the relevant building or strata manager.
What Does Regulation 109 Require for Fire Exit Areas?
Regulation 109 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 sets requirements for keeping fire exit areas clear. A person must not place anything that may obstruct the free passage of people in a fire exit area. The regulation also requires the building owner to ensure each fire exit area is kept clear of anything that may obstruct passage.
For strata buildings, this distinction is important. The building owner or owners corporation has the applicable legal responsibility for the building, while a cleaning contractor supports the required housekeeping condition through its cleaning scope, equipment management and issue reporting.
The Obligation Not to Obstruct
A person must not place anything that may obstruct the free passage of people in a fire exit area. This can apply to items such as furniture, stored supplies, rubbish or cleaning equipment when their placement may obstruct the required passage.
For cleaning teams, this means trolleys, buckets, vacuums and other equipment should be positioned so they do not interfere with the required exit path. Equipment should also be removed when the cleaning task is complete rather than left in the fire exit area.
The Owner’s Ongoing Obligation
The building owner must ensure that each fire exit area is kept clear of anything that may obstruct the free passage of people. This is a separate obligation from the prohibition on an individual placing an obstruction.
In a strata building, the owners corporation has responsibilities for the building’s common property and applicable fire safety requirements. The cleaning contractor supports this through its contracted cleaning scope by maintaining housekeeping conditions, avoiding obstructions during cleaning and reporting issues that require action outside the cleaning team’s authority.
Interference With Fire Exit Doors
Regulation 109 also prohibits a person, without lawful excuse, from interfering with or obstructing a fire exit door or its operation. It also covers the operation of a fire door providing access to a building’s fire exit.
This is directly relevant to cleaning activities around fire stairwell doors. Cleaning staff should not prop or hold fire doors open unnecessarily, wedge them in position or place equipment where it could interfere with their operation. Any suspected fault with a fire door, self-closing mechanism or other fire-safety component should be reported to building management rather than adjusted by cleaning staff.
Who Is Responsible for Fire Stairwell Cleanliness in a Strata Building?
In a strata building, the owners corporation is responsible for maintaining and repairing common property. Where a fire stairwell forms part of the common property, its routine cleaning and housekeeping can be included within the owners corporation’s cleaning and maintenance arrangements.
Engaging a cleaning contractor does not transfer the owners corporation’s underlying responsibilities. The contractor performs the cleaning work covered by its agreed scope and remains responsible for its own actions while working in the building, including ensuring its equipment does not obstruct a fire exit area.
The Strata Committee’s Role
The strata committee may manage cleaning contracts, maintenance arrangements and building issues where those functions have been delegated to it or fall within its authority under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015.
For fire stairwell cleaning, this can include helping define the cleaning scope, reviewing contractor performance and escalating issues to the owners corporation or strata manager where required. The committee’s exact authority depends on the functions delegated to it and the nature of the decision.
The owners corporation remains responsible for the scheme’s applicable obligations, even where day-to-day cleaning or maintenance matters are managed by the strata committee or strata manager.
What Penalties Apply for Fire Exit Obstruction in NSW?
Fire exit obstruction under Regulation 109 is a penalty notice offence under Schedule 1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021. Schedule 1 lists offences under section 109(1) to (3) as penalty notice offences, with a prescribed penalty of $1,500 for both individuals and corporations.
Regulation 109 also creates separate obligations for people who place obstructions and for building owners. A person must not place anything that may obstruct the free passage of people in a fire exit area, while the building owner must ensure each fire exit area is kept clear and that the operation of fire exit doors is not obstructed. These requirements apply independently of the building’s routine cleaning schedule.
For a facility or strata manager, this means a fire exit obstruction should not be treated as an issue that only needs attention during the Annual Fire Safety Statement process. If a cleaning trolley, stored supplies, rubbish or other item is found in a fire exit area, it should be removed or addressed promptly according to the building’s procedures. Where the issue is outside the cleaning contractor’s authority, it should be reported to building management for appropriate action.
What Are the NSW Fire Safety Requirements for Strata Buildings?
For strata buildings in NSW, three documents and standards are particularly relevant to fire safety management: the Fire Safety Schedule, the Annual Fire Safety Statement and AS 1851-2012. They serve different purposes. The Fire Safety Schedule identifies the essential fire safety measures applicable to the building, the Annual Fire Safety Statement records the required annual assessment of those measures, and AS 1851-2012 sets routine servicing procedures for applicable fire protection systems and equipment.
These requirements are separate from routine strata cleaning. However, they are important for facility and strata managers because cleaning contractors work within the same building environment and need to understand which activities fall within their cleaning scope and which require specialist fire-safety professionals.
Fire Safety Schedule
A Fire Safety Schedule (FSS) is a legal document that identifies the essential fire safety measures applicable to a building and the performance standard that applies to each measure.
The FSS is an important reference for building owners and managers because it shows which fire safety measures need to be maintained and assessed. The schedule can include measures such as fire detection, warning systems, fire doors and other essential fire safety provisions, depending on the building.
For strata managers, the FSS helps establish which fire safety measures apply to the building and which specialist inspection and maintenance activities need to be arranged.
Annual Fire Safety Statement
An Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) is required each year for most strata buildings that are subject to the relevant fire safety statement requirements. It confirms that the applicable fire safety measures have been assessed and are operating effectively.
The building owner is responsible for ensuring the statement is completed and submitted to the relevant authorities. Assessments covered by the accreditation requirements must be carried out by an appropriately accredited fire safety practitioner.
The AFSS is therefore part of the building’s formal fire safety management process. It should not be confused with routine cleaning or treated as a certification of general building cleanliness.
AS 1851-2012
AS 1851-2012 is the Australian Standard for routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment. From 13 February 2026, applicable Class 1b and Class 2 to Class 9 buildings in NSW must have relevant essential fire safety measures inspected and tested in accordance with AS 1851-2012, unless a performance solution applies.
The standard covers routine inspection, testing and servicing requirements for applicable fire protection systems and equipment. Service frequencies vary depending on the fire safety measure and the applicable requirements.
For strata managers, this means specialist fire-safety maintenance should be managed separately from routine cleaning. A strata cleaning contractor can maintain the cleanliness and housekeeping condition of accessible areas, while appropriately qualified fire-safety professionals handle the inspection, testing and servicing activities required under the building’s fire safety arrangements.
What Should a Facility Manager Look for in a Strata Cleaning Contractor’s Fire Stairwell Practice?
A facility manager should look for a strata cleaning contractor that treats fire stairwell cleaning as a distinct task within its cleaning programme, understands how to manage equipment around exit paths and fire doors, and can demonstrate awareness of the housekeeping requirements that apply to fire exit areas.
A contractor should be able to explain how its cleaning teams prevent trolleys, buckets, vacuums and supplies from obstructing required exit paths. It should also have a clear process for reporting obstructions or building issues that fall outside the cleaning team’s authority.
Documented Fire Stairwell Procedures
A contractor should have a specific procedure for fire stairwell cleaning that is separate from general common-area cleaning where the building’s requirements call for it. The procedure should cover equipment placement, working around fire doors, keeping exit paths clear, removing equipment after the task and reporting issues outside the cleaning scope.
A generic cleaning scope may not provide enough detail for these requirements. Facility managers should look for a documented scope that clearly explains how fire stairwells, landings and exit areas are to be cleaned and managed.
Staff Awareness of Regulation 109
Cleaning staff working in fire stairwells should understand that equipment and other items must not be placed where they may obstruct the free passage of people in a fire exit area.
A facility manager can ask how the contractor communicates this requirement to cleaning teams and whether the procedure forms part of staff induction, site-specific training or routine supervision. The contractor should be able to demonstrate that staff understand how to position cleaning equipment safely and when an obstruction needs to be reported.
Reporting on Fire Stairwell Condition
A contractor should be able to report relevant fire stairwell issues as part of its routine service. This can include observed obstructions, stored items, damaged surfaces, access issues or other conditions that fall outside the cleaning team’s scope.
This reporting function is valuable because cleaning teams regularly access stairwells and can identify issues between formal building inspections. However, reporting an issue does not transfer the building owner’s responsibility to the contractor. The contractor’s role is to identify and report relevant conditions while carrying out its contracted cleaning work, allowing building management to arrange appropriate action.
Keep Your Fire Stairwells Compliant, Not Just Clean
Fire stairwell cleaning requires a different housekeeping approach from general common-area cleaning because fire exit areas must be kept clear of anything that may obstruct the free passage of people. A contractor that treats both spaces the same way may overlook equipment placement, exit-path obstructions and reporting requirements that need specific attention.
Cleanin manages fire stairwells across Greater Sydney strata buildings as a distinct task category, with documented procedures for equipment handling, staff awareness of Regulation 109 requirements and routine reporting on stairwell conditions. Request an on-site assessment and quote for a strata cleaning program designed to keep fire stairwells clean, orderly, and free from cleaning-related obstructions.
