What does an IQP do?
An Independent Qualified Person checks whether specified systems have been inspected, maintained, and reported on in line with the building's compliance schedule.
When the relevant system complies, the IQP can issue a Form 12A certificate to support the annual Building Warrant of Fitness renewal.
What does independent mean?
An IQP is a person or firm approved by the territorial authority as qualified to inspect certain specified systems. Independent means the IQP has no financial interest in the building.
Owners should confirm that the IQP is approved for the specific systems being inspected. Council IQP registers usually identify the specified systems each IQP is competent to inspect.
Typical inspection process
- 01 Review the compliance schedule and required specified systems.
- 02 Arrange system inspections and relevant maintenance checks.
- 03 Identify defects, missing records, or remedial items.
- 04 Complete follow-up work where required.
- 05 Issue Form 12A certificates where systems comply.
How often are IQP inspections needed?
Inspection frequency depends on the specified system and the building's compliance schedule. Some systems may require annual inspection, while others may need checks more often, such as six-monthly, quarterly, monthly, or weekly procedures.
What is a Form 12A?
Form 12A is the certificate confirming that the inspection, maintenance, and reporting procedures for a specified system have been complied with for the previous 12 months. A BWOF generally needs Form 12A certificates from the relevant IQPs before it can be lodged.
In most cases, each IQP who inspects specified systems provides a Form 12A. In some cases, one IQP may issue a Form 12A covering procedures completed by another IQP, but that responsibility should be made clear when the IQP is engaged.
Common inspection areas
IQP involvement may be required for fire alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, smoke control, mechanical ventilation, automatic doors, access-controlled doors, backflow prevention, riser mains, and evacuation systems.
What owners should prepare
Before an inspection, owners should make sure the compliance schedule is available, maintenance records are up to date, previous defect items have been addressed, and access is arranged for plant rooms, risers, control panels, roof areas, or other system locations.