In 2022, Australian law introduced Fire Safety Reforms to make all commercial and residential buildings safer, and increase compliance to fire safety measures.
There has been an update to AS1851-2012; the fire protection standard for fire systems and equipment in Australia. The changes include increased testing frequencies, enhanced documentation, and promotion of a risk management approach. In NSW, the Australian Standard AS1851-2012 (Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment) became mandatory for the routine maintenance of essential fire safety measures in buildings (excluding single dwellings) from February 13, 2026, after a 12-month deferral.
Many of the changed requirements place an onus on the provider to prove that each component of each service was completed, not the fire services contractor, as was the case before these recent changes.
Let’s unpack 6 of the changes to the fire safety reform and what they means for Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs).
- More Frequent Testing
A significant change in AS1851-2012 is the requirement for more frequent testing and maintenance of fire protection systems in RACFs. The regulation now specifies new intervals for various tests, ensuring that systems are regularly evaluated for effectiveness. This proactive approach aims to identify potential issues before they arise, improving overall fire safety.
- More Detailed Maintenance Requirements
The updated regulations now specify more detailed requirements and tolerances for various service cycles, including monthly, six-monthly, and others. For instance, kitchen exhaust systems must undergo inspection and routine servicing every month.
The revised guidelines offer clearer instructions on maintaining different fire protection systems, such as fire alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting. AS1851-2012 establishes thorough procedures and performance testing criteria, ensuring a well-defined framework for inspecting and maintaining each component of the fire protection system.
- Documentation Standards
The updated fire safety reform documentation standards are likely to have the most significant impact on RACFs among the listed changes. This is because most RACFs already have compliant fire safety systems that are regularly inspected by Fire Service professionals. However, AS1851-2012 now places greater importance on documenting all fire system components, including passive elements.
Facilities must now keep detailed records of all maintenance activities, such as inspection dates, test outcomes, and any corrective measures taken. Maintaining thorough documentation not only ensures regulatory compliance but also provides a valuable reference for monitoring the performance of fire safety systems.
Servicing records must be retained and ideally stored within a Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for easy access. Additionally, it is now mandatory to document, via a formal plan, the locations of fire and smoke walls and doors, along with records of when and by whom their integrity was inspected. The same applies to structural fire-resistant beams and columns, smoke and fire doors, ducts and dampers, fire shutters, fire-resistant glazing, access panels, and fire-stopping of service penetrations.
- Changes in Equipment Standards
AS1851-2012 reflects updates in technology and equipment standards, ensuring that maintenance practices align with the latest developments in fire safety technology. This adaptability helps organisations stay current with innovations and improvements in fire protection systems.
- Risk Management
The updated standard adopts a risk management approach to fire safety. AS1851-2012 encourages organisations to assess their specific risks and tailor their fire safety strategies accordingly. This customisation allows for more effective risk mitigation and resource allocation. For RACF this means considering the unique 24-7 nature of the care they provide and the usage of each type of at-risk asset. Unsure? Please reach out to our property inspection team at MDFM.
- Training and Competency
Recognising the importance of trained personnel, the standard outlines the necessary competencies for individuals responsible for maintaining fire safety systems. This ensures that maintenance and inspections are conducted by knowledgeable professionals, ultimately enhancing safety. Consider who in your organisation is the best fit for this role, and speak with MDFM who can provide training and services for asset maintenance.
MDFM advises our clients to familiarise themselves with these updates to ensure compliance and effectively safeguard their occupants and property from fire hazards.
‘If measures are not already in place to meet the updates to AS1851-2012, please contact MDFM today to ensure full compliance.