Fire safety is an important project of building management, and in New South Wales (NSW), adherence to fire safety standards is set to become more rigorous. Starting February 13, 2025, the Australian Standard AS 1851-2012 will be mandatory, transforming fire safety maintenance practices across the state. We will explore what this means for building owners, fire safety assessors, and businesses in NSW.
AS 1851-2012 provides detailed guidelines for the routine servicing of fire protection systems and equipment. It specifies inspection, testing and maintenance procedures to ensure that fire safety measures are always operational and reliable. The standard applies to a wide array of fire safety equipment, including:
– Fire extinguishers and blankets
– Sprinklers
– Fire hydrants
– Fire and smoke management systems
– Fire alarms
– Fire doors and hose reels
The NSW government introduced legislation mandating compliance with AS 1851 in December 2022. Enforcement begins in February 2025, making it essential for:
– Building Owners: They must maintain all fire safety measures in accordance with the AS 1851 standard.
– Fire Safety Assessors: They must be accredited to issue fire safety certificates based on these requirements.
The primary goals of making AS 1851 mandatory are:
While these changes enhance safety, they may also lead to increased maintenance costs, depending on the size and complexity of a building.
One of the key aspects of AS 1851 is its emphasis on accurate record-keeping. Building owners must:
– Maintain logbooks, maintenance tags, or stickers for all servicing activities.
– Retain these records for a minimum of seven years.
This ensures accountability and a clear maintenance history.
AS 1851 introduces regular inspection intervals, including:
– Monthly, six-monthly and annual checks for routine maintenance.
– Major servicing intervals at 5, 10, 15, 25, and 30 years, depending on the fire safety system.
These intervals are critical for ensuring that fire protection systems remain functional and effective in emergencies.
For building owners, compliance with AS 1851 will require proactive measures:
– Increased Maintenance: Regular checks and replacements (e.g., replacing 10-year-old smoke alarms) will now be mandatory.
– Cost Implications: Enhanced maintenance may raise expenses, but the investment ensures higher safety.
As a trusted partner in safety compliance, Testel offers comprehensive fire equipment testing services to meet AS 1851 standards. Our services include:
– Visual inspections to identify potential risks.
– Functional tests for fire extinguishers, blankets and hose reels.
– Clear documentation and tagging to ensure compliance.
Our local experts are ready to help you navigate these changes and stay compliant with the legislation.
With AS 1851 becoming mandatory, now is the time to prepare. Contact Testel today to schedule your fire safety equipment inspection and ensure your building is ready to meet the new standards.
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