AIBS Victorian Chapter president Peter Jolly said building surveyors had to be careful not to be subject to unnecessary liability.

"Refuges, fire bunkers and safe rooms are not currently covered by any building code," Mr Jolly said.

"AIBS is concerned by the absence of referencing in the Building Code of Australia or existence of any Australian standards...about the safety of these structures and liability."

Last week, the State Government introduced interim regulations for fire shelters under which residents are required to obtain a building permit if they wish to build a fire shelter.

But Mr Jolly said it was not simply a case of designing a bunker and getting a permit.

"The whole process will probably take a couple of months, to get a certificate from the appropriate government bodies and to build an appropriate shelter.

"If bushfire shelters are not built properly they could be a death trap."

The AIBS recommends that its members not issue a permit unless the design of the bushfire shelter is covered by the Building Regulations Advisory Committee or the Building Appeals Board.

"If the Building Appeals Board approves the application, immunity is granted, and the building surveyor is not likely to be joined in any action for economic loss, personal injury or loss of life."