Starting February 13, 2025, New South Wales (NSW) will require all fire protection systems to be maintained in accordance with the AS 1851-2012 Amendment 1 standard. This regulation brings NSW in line with the rest of Australia and aims to ensure that all fire safety systems are reliable and effective when needed. But what exactly does this mean for you as a building owner, manager, or service provider? Let’s break it down.

What is AS 1851-2012?

AS 1851-2012 is a standard that outlines how fire protection systems and equipment in buildings should be maintained. This includes a wide range of safety equipment, such as:

  • Fire sprinklers
  • Fire pump sets
  • Fire hydrant systems
  • Water storage tanks
  • Fire detection and alarm systems
  • Special hazard systems
  • Lay flat hoses and fire hose reels
  • Fire extinguishers and fire blankets
  • Passive fire and smoke systems
  • Mechanical fire and smoke control
  • Emergency planning

What does AS 1851-2012 require?

The AS 1851-2012 standard sets out specific processes and timing for routine maintenance of these systems. It also highlights the need for regular reporting on system performance, including identifying and addressing:

  • Critical defects: Issues that make a system inoperative and require immediate attention.
  • Non-conformances: Missing or incorrect features that prevent ongoing maintenance.
  • Non-critical defects: Issues that don’t immediately impact system operation but still need to be fixed.

By following AS 1851-2012, building owners and managers can ensure that their fire protection systems are ready to perform when needed, reducing the risk to life and property.

Getting Ready for AS 1851-2012

For owners and managers

As a building owner or manager, it’s crucial to ensure that your service providers are already applying the full requirements of AS 1851-2012. If any of your fire safety measures don’t currently meet these standards, you’ll need to review your contracts and make sure they do by February 13, 2025. This might involve upgrading or adjusting existing systems to meet the new maintenance requirements.

For service providers

Service providers will need to assess their current practices to ensure they align with AS 1851-2012. If you discover that a system isn’t up to date with its testing or maintenance requirements, it’s your responsibility to inform the client and develop a plan for bringing the system up to standard. Moving forward, all new work should comply with the relevant tests and maintenance protocols outlined in AS 1851-2012.

The introduction of AS 1851-2012 into NSW regulations marks a significant step forward in fire safety. By standardising the maintenance of fire protection systems, it provides greater assurance that these systems will function as intended in the event of a fire. For building owners, managers, and service providers, it’s essential to prepare now to meet the requirements by the February 2025 deadline. This not only ensures compliance but also contributes to a safer environment for everyone.

Global Fire is working together with their clients to ensure compliance to AS1851-2012 prior to endorsing the measures in the Annual Fire Safety Statement.  If you need assistance or require further information, please contact the Global Fire team on 1300 88 70 18 www.globalfire.com.au