Last minute deferral of AS1851 Implementation in NSW
In late January 2025, the NSW Government announced a 12-month deferral of the mandatory requirement to comply with AS 1851, the Australian Standard for fire safety maintenance. Originally set to take effect in 2025, compliance is now required by 13 February 2026. While this delay provides additional time for adjustment, it does not change the fundamental obligation of building owners to maintain their fire protection systems.
Below is an excerpt from the Building Commission NSW’s Fact Sheet:
What is AS1851
AS 1851 is the national standard governing the routine service of fire protection systems and equipment. It outlines:
Service Intervals: Routine and major servicing schedules for fire safety measures.
Inspection & Testing: Step-by-step procedures for verifying system functionality.
Record Keeping: Detailed documentation requirements to ensure compliance.
Fire safety measures covered under AS 1851 include sprinkler systems, fire hydrants, fire alarms, pumps, extinguishers, and other critical fire suppression equipment.
The Impact of the Deferral
The deferral means that the existing fire safety maintenance requirements in NSW remain unchanged for another year. However, it is important to recognize that the responsibility to maintain fire safety systems still exists in NSW legislation. Building owners must continue ensuring that their fire protection systems are functioning effectively, even before the new compliance date.
For building owners already maintaining fire safety systems in line with AS 1851, the deferral may have little impact. For others, now is the time to ensure that fire maintenance contracts, inspections, and documentation align with the standard before the deadline.
Review your maintenance contracts to ensure compliance by February 2026.
Engage qualified fire safety professionals to assess current servicing practices.
Keep clear records of all fire system inspections and maintenance activities to demonstrate compliance when required.
While the NSW Government has allowed extra time for the transition, the importance of maintaining fire protection systems remains unchanged. By acting now, building owners can avoid last-minute compliance challenges and ensure they are prepared well ahead of the 2026 deadline.
