AS1851 in NSW

The Australian Standard for the Routine service of fire protection equipment, AS1851-2012, is being legislated in NSW as of 13th February 2025. What does this mean for building owners? Find out more.

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Fire Dampers

Fire dampers are an essential safety measure that helps to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. Dampers belong to the ‘passive fire protection’ family.

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Ionisation Vs Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarms available on the market: ionisation smoke alarms and photoelectric smoke alarms. While both types of smoke alarms can detect smoke and save lives, they operate differently, and there are advantages to using one type over the other in specific settings.

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10yo smoke alarms in NSW

Civil Fire have recently updated our policy to defect smoke alarms when they are over 10 years old. Previously, this was a recommendation item only.

The reason for this change is the legislation of the Australian Standard for the Maintenance of Fire Protection – AS1851. This standard was legislated in NSW on 16/12/22, and all buildings must be maintained in accordance with this standard by 13th February 2025.

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Fire Safety & COVID-19

COVID Safe Badge

The Greater Sydney area has been in lockdown since 26 June 2021 due to the COVID-19 outbreak that originated in Bondi.

Since then, the restrictions have continually been tightened. The announcement that all non-essential works in residential buildings should be postponed caused confusion in the fire industry. The Public Health Order said that works could continue if it impacted the health and safety of residents, which fire protection work does. Fire safety maintenance had been considered an essential service during the 2020 lockdown, so it was suggested that fire safety inspections should continue during this lockdown as well. There was nothing written in black and white though, so there were many mixed opinions being expressed in the fire industry at this time.

Subclause (4B) was added to the Public Health Order on 22nd July 2021 which specified that works inside residential buildings and units were able to proceed if they were for the purpose of fire protection and safety: 

The addition of this subclause provided some much needed clarity to our industry. We now know that the government consider it is essential that fire safety inspections & repairs continue as normal. Arguably, the maintenance of fire safety measures in residential buildings has never been more important as most Sydney-siders are spending the vast majority of their time in their homes. Civil Fire have always made it a priority to adhere to government advice, and so we are proceeding with inspections and repairs as normal. 

Unfortunately, most Annual Fire Safety Statement (AFSS) due date’s have not changed due to the COVID-19 lockdown, so we cannot postpone inspections and repairs. 

Having said this, Civil Fire understand that though there is a risk of fire, there is also an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission amongst authorised workers who visit multiple sites. In response to this, Civil Fire have developed a COVID-19 response that includes the following preventative measures:

  • All Civil Fire staff are fully vaccinated
  • Face masks must be carried by Civil Fire staff onsite at all times, to be worn if asked
  • Staff are to practice good hand hygiene and use sanitiser regularly
  • All Civil Fire staff must get a COVID-19 test and self-isolate if they are showing any symptoms or are a close/casual contact
  • No staff are permitted to come to work if they are sick, they must get tested and self-isolate
  • Staff are not to enter the residence of anyone who is in isolation

Despite these precautions, we know that some people will not be comfortable allowing our technicians into their units during the lockdown period. If this is the case, Civil Fire will not force entry. We will try to issue an altered AFSS that states that certain units weren’t accessed due to COVID-19 concerns.

What can residents do to help?

  • Please social distance from our technician where possible while they are in your unit or in your building
  • Please let our staff know if you have COVID symptoms or are in isolation
  • Let our staff know if you are not comfortable with them entering your unit. Our staff will not force entry, they only need to be told not to enter. As above, we are doing our jobs in accordance with government guidelines, so your understanding is appreciated.
  • Call the office on 9906 1626 if you have any questions or concerns.
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