Australian standard As1851-2012
everything you need to know

AS 1851 FIRE PROTECTION MAINTENANCE

New Law – 13th February 2025

EPAA Section 81A, AS 1851-2012

The NSW Government has a new compliance requirement: Section 81A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Amendment (Fire Safety) Regulation 2022 

This requires certain buildings to comply with Australian Standard 1851-2012 – The Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.

Redmen is an industry leader in fire systems and equipment routine servicing. The new changes to the regulation may affect your maintenance requirements.

Free Site AS1851 Walk-around

Is your facility prepared for the upcoming changes in fire safety regulations?

Starting February 13, 2025, new NSW EPA requirements will mandate compliance with AS1851. This is the Australian standard for routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. To help you navigate these changes, we’re offering a Free Site Walk-around for all our clients. We’ll explain the Essential Fire Safety Equipment on site and the potential changes to our maintenance routine.

What We Offer for AS1851 compliance

• Comprehensive Site Assessment: Our fire safety Technicians will visit your site to identify and discuss and explain your current on site essential fire safety equipment.

• AS1851 Compliance Explanation: We’ll provide a clear and detailed explanation of how the new EPA regulations and AS1851 standards may affect your specific situation.

• Customised Action Plan: Receive tailored recommendations to achieve compliance from February 2025.

Benefits for Your AS1851 compliance

• Reduce Confusion: Demystify the new regulations with expert guidance, eliminating uncertainty and stress.

• Effective Planning: Understand what’s required ahead of time to make informed decisions.

• Budget Management: Identify necessary updates early to allocate funds efficiently, avoiding unexpected expenses.

• Enhanced Safety: Ensure your fire protection systems are up-to-date, keeping your premises and people safe.

• Legal compliance: There are severe penalties for non compliance with the EPA regulations.

Why Act Now?

Time is of the essence. With the compliance deadline approaching, early action can save you time and money. Our free service is available, so take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

Take the First Step Toward Compliance

Don’t let the new regulations catch you off guard. Schedule your Free AS1851 Explanation Site

Walk-around with You today and pave the way for a smooth transition to compliance.

Contact Us Now at 1300 733 636 to Book Your Free Walk-around!

1. What is As1851-2012?

Many building owners or managers may be aware of the Australian Standard of AS1851-2012. This is the standard for Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.

AS1851-2012 covers a wide range of fire detection and suppression systems and their regular maintenance, servicing and testing requirements. AS1851-2012 is designed to ensure fire equipment is in optimal working order in the event of a fire. In the Australian Fire Protection Industry, AS1851-2012 is often revered as the ‘Bible’ for Fire Technicians. Within a building, the installation standard comes first and then after commissioning has been completed, AS1851-2012 is to be followed moving forward.

Presently in New South Wales, fire safety equipment only has to be maintained to the standard specified in the fire safety schedule. The law is about to change in New South Wales to require all sites to comply with AS1851-2012 in full. 

The introduction of AS1851-2012 as law in New South Wales will mean all fire safety equipment will be subject to greater scrutiny during your annual Fire Safety Inspection. Owners Corporations will also be required to keep detailed inspection records onsite and can be fined for non-compliance.

compliance photo

2. When are these changes happening?

In New South Wales,  AS1851-2012 will become law on the 13th of February 2025.

3. What are the specific changes?

Owners must maintain essential fire safety measures in all types of buildings except single dwellings in accordance with procedures in AS1851-2012. Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, where the maintenance activity is addressed by the standard.

Warehouse Distribution Centre Fire Protection Standing Desk

4.How will this affect you?

  • Owners Corporations will have to keep detailed inspection records onsite and can be fined for non-compliance.
 
  • The regulation will also require the use of accredited assessors to conduct assessments of fire safety measures before the issuance of a fire safety certificate for specific building classes. This contrasts with the previous requirement for a “properly qualified person,” adding an additional layer of rigour to the assessment process.
 
  • Both the Department of Customer Service and the Fire Protection Association Australia (FPAA) are encouraging Owners Corporations to plan and budget for these changes, which may result in additional maintenance costs.
 
  • Local councils and Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will have the authority to inspect routine maintenance records and issue penalties for breaches.
  • Fire Technicians need to stay up to date with their training and qualification requirements to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their tasks.
 
  • Fire technicians must adhere to these standards to ensure that they are compliant with AS1851. This may change depending on the Fire Protection business and what standard they are currently following. 

5. WHat does As1851-2012 Cover?

The AS1851-2012 has been routinely modified since it was first introduced. And covers all fire protection systems maintenance (except exit and emergency lights which are covered under AS2293.2.)

Note* As we gather additional information from government bodies, this article will be regularly updated to provide the latest insights and developments leading up to the 13th of February 2025.

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Stay Compliant with Redmen

Full package includes fire fighting training

Redmen is renowned for its expertise and commitment to adhering to Australian Standards, particularly AS1851-2012 Routine Service of Fire Protection Systems and Equipment.

By choosing Redmen, clients can trust that their fire protection systems will be meticulously inspected, tested, and maintained according to AS1851-2012 guidelines. We cover everything to do with Fire Protection for your business, building or strata.  

Redmen’s team, have all been trained in AS1851-2012 and we are prepared to answer any concerns or questions in regards to these changes.  

If you’re looking for a Fire Protection Provider to help maintain AS1851-2012 compliance consider contacting our team via our helpline 1300 733 636 or via our customer support email

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