SS 5 covers escape route pressurisation: mechanical systems that pressurise corridors or stairwells to keep smoke out of escape routes in a fire. MBIE says it is listed on the compliance schedule in all cases. Council templates typically cite AS 1851, with monthly and annual inspection by an IQP.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 5 |
| Official name | Escape route pressurisation systems |
| Typical intervals | Monthly and annual (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | AS 1851-2012, AS/NZS 1668.1 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 5 covers
- A mechanical ventilation system dedicated to controlling smoke or fire by pressurising an escape route (Handbook section 2.2.1).[1]
- Handbook examples: a corridor pressurisation system and a stairwell pressurisation system.[1]
- Must be listed on a compliance schedule in all cases.[1]
- PNCC SS 5 form lists two types: corridor pressurisation and stairwell pressurisation.[2]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 5 Escape route pressurisation | no | no | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection and maintenance to AS 1851-2012 | Monthly and annual (Westland template) | IQP[3] |
| Form 12A certificate | Annually | IQP[2] |
| Keep records of inspections, tests and maintenance (dates, work, faults, remedies, who) | Previous 24 months on site | Owner[2] |
What an inspection typically covers
- Regular inspection and testing so the system operates as the performance standard requires in a fire.[1]
- Planned preventative and responsive maintenance to the nominated standard.[1]
- AS 1851 Section 13 covers fire and smoke control features of mechanical services.[3]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| AS 1851-2012 (Amdt 1:2016), Section 13 | Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment[3] |
| AS/NZS 1668.1:2015 | The use of ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings, Part 1: Fire and smoke control in buildings (performance standard, as modified by C/AS2 Appendix B para B3.1)[3] |
| AS/NZS 1668.1:1998 | Fire and smoke control in multi-compartment buildings (older installations)[2] |
| Specifically designed solution | Prepared by a competent person (Handbook alternative to AS 1851)[1] |
Titles as listed in council and MBIE documents. Inspections follow the standard and edition named in the building's compliance schedule, usually the edition the system was installed to. Changing to a different edition needs an amendment to the compliance schedule.
Building Code context
- Westland cites Acceptable Solution C/AS2 (Appendix B para B3.1) as modifying AS/NZS 1668.1:2015; no NZBC clause number given.[3]
Questions
How often is SS 5 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: monthly and annual, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 5?
Commonly cited: AS 1851-2012, AS/NZS 1668.1. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 5?
An independently qualified person (IQP) registered with the council for this system. They issue a Form 12A each year, which the owner attaches to the building warrant of fitness.
Sources
- Compliance Schedule Handbook, Amendment 3 — MBIE, 14 February 2014 (first published 25 May 2007)
- SS 5 Escape Route Pressurisation Systems form — Palmerston North City Council / Manawatu DC
- Specified Systems Guidance for Customers, WBCA 003 v1.0.1 — Westland District Council BCA, 16 September 2025
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
certify.nz includes a starting checklist for SS 5. Edit it to match the building's compliance schedule, inspect offline and issue a signed report.
Start free for 30 days